Recap – The Special Event Conference
by Margie McCaffrey
On January 27 through January 31, I was fortunate enough to attend The Special Event Conference in beautiful San Diego, CA. This is my third time attending and I have to tell you, this is by far the BEST conference going for wedding and event professionals! Educational sessions are offered Tuesday through Friday, covering all aspects of events; Business and Professional Development, Food Services, Event Management, Sales and Marketing, Design, Wedding Trends, Event Tools and Resources and ISES. You are able to pick and choose from a catalog which provides you with a plethora of information about the session content and speakers. In being a “repeat” attendee, I now know the seminars I prefer to attend, and of course a few that I like to avoid.
There is also a trade show with what seems like over 200 (and I am not kidding) event related vendors, ready to provide you with information, show specials and of course, bags full of literature and choch keys!
Each evening offers a themed event for guests to attend, and when I say themed, this is unlike anything you have probably ever attended! The food, drink and entertainment are over the top and bountiful. This is a great way to unwind from the high paced days of learning and being inundated with information. This year, since the event was in San Diego (did I mention the temperature while I was there was a perfect 80 degrees?) the theme was “Surf City”. Fantastic tapas were served by beach clad “lifeguards” with the food items being passed in the room on surfboards, other food items were elaborately displayed all over the room, including the ladies room! In this room, the theme was pink; from the champagne, to the desserts, everything pink and pretty, a very fun idea to bring home.
Probably my favorite event would have to be the wedding luncheon. This is an all out event that is decorated to the nine’s by highly reputable event designers, showcasing their products and ideas from cakes, to linen, centerpieces, lighting and all other aspects of weddings. People are running around the room like crazy, getting pictures and ideas to take home for their particular events.
The week ends on Friday night with the formal Gala Awards and Celebration. After a networking cocktail hour guests are directed to the ballroom for the awards ceremony, where top designers from all around the world are recognized for their talent. After the awards show, guests are redirected to the ballroom for dinner and entertainment, ending it all with a band and dancing the night away.
I know, it doesn’t really sound like work, but truly it is! Every year, I come home with more ideas, connections and knowledge than I ever thought possible. I would strongly recommend this to anyone in the event industry, as a resource to keep yourself and your particular business on the cutting edge. I have met so many wonderful people over the years, and enjoy reconnecting with them as well as seeing a few familiar faces from our own area.
In 2010 The Special Event conference will be held in New Orleans (always alternates; east coast/west coast). I strongly suggest anyone intrigued to check out their website; http://thespecialeventshow.com/specialevent2010/public/enter.aspx.
(Editor’s Note: Margie McCaffrey is the Director of Weddings for the Peppermill Hotel & Casino in Reno, Nevada. She is a Certified Wedding Consultant, a certified Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Specialist, an active board member with Weddings of the West, a member of the Association for Wedding Professionals International and the National Association of Catering Executives. The result of her hard work and dedication can be found by visiting http://www.peppermillreno.com/weddings.)
