Education
Conference Program
Opening Luncheon General Session Keynote Speaker
"Inspiration to Execution...." A keynote address by David Merrell, AOO Events
Monday, March 14, 2011
Join David Merrell, President and Creative Director of Hollywood's AOO Events as he shares the newest design trends and the freshest looks that focus on achieving success in the Special Event Industry. David and his team of experienced professionals produce innovatively designed and highly styled memorable events. Recognized in such magazines as "Robb Report", "In Style", "Tycoon" and "Special Events Magazine", to name a few, David is an industry leader and consistent award winner. You won't want to miss David as he shares the newest design trends, freshest looks, and ideas to inspire that focus on achieving success in the Special Events Industry. Post REC, you can join the pack and become a Design Dawg on his award winning blog www.DesginDawgs.net.
Closing Luncheon General Session Keynote Speaker
Developing Your Full Potential, A keynote address by Brett Culp
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Brett Culp, who has produced storytelling films for royalty, celebrities, and Fortune 500 companies, will illustrate how to transform your business by understanding and sharing your "core story", thus attracting the perfect clients and projects for you. During this closing keynote presentation, Brett will showcase techniques for finding the story within a person or an organization. This approach, which Brett utilizes in his award-winning filmmaking, has the power to make you more profitable and fulfilled as an event professional.
Session Descriptions
Event Technology Trends You Can’t Ignore in 2011
Jim Alkon, Vice President, Corporate Travel & Meetings Practice, etouches
Resistance to change is no longer acceptable in today’s world of events. Development is in the speed lane, with innovations to improve all aspects of the event experience. This session focuses on key event technology trends that event professionals have to be aware of and probably have to implement in some form, or run the risk of falling behind the pack. Snapshots on social media, mobile applications, project management tools, online registration and virtual events will be among the topics.
Deliverables
- Gain some insight into organizations’ decisions to implement new technology into their events
- Get an overview of some of the key technologies that are changing the way people manage, deliver and experience events
- Understand how technology is making processes easier for event organizers and a richer experience for event attendees
Catering Events at Hotels – the Inside Information on Negotiating the Best Deals
Judy Brillhart, CSEP, PBC, CPFM, PSCT, Director of Catering, Sheraton Commander Hotel
What is the best time to hold my event at a hotel? How are some ways I can save on food and beverage? What is rooms to space ratio? Learn how hotels think so that you may negotiate the best deal possible for your client. Find out the insider information on holding your events and meetings at hotels that hotels don’t want you to know!
Deliverables
- Learn the behind the scenes process of hotels in determining rates and food and beverage minimums
- Hone your negotiating skills to get the best deals for your clients
- Learn to speak “hotel”. What are the meanings of occupancy, rooms to space ratio, REVPar, Etc
The Perfect Event Redefined: Build Your Reputation One “Moment” at a Time
Panel Discussion by:
Andrew Larris, Director of Operations/Event Host, Andy Kushner Entertainment, Inc., Christine Brower, President & CEO, C. Brower & Co Creative Events, Christopher Duggan, Christopher Duggan Photography, Dave Williams, CinemaCake Filmmakers
Part 1: How to Create Emotional Moments that Drive Business to Your Door
Part 2: A Look into the Psychology of the Guest
Imagine you are a bride or groom who is going to be a guest at 15 weddings this year. What steps are your planner and vendors taking to ensure that your wedding is remembered by your family and friends for years to come? Learn how to create emotionally impactful moments that transcend the event during this two hour panel discussion.
Deliverables
- Learn how to create emotional connections that transcend all demographics
- Creative ideas to use for your clients that will show them that they are not just another client
- Create an emotional bond with your client so that every event they are a part of, you are hired for
CSEP Exam Preparation Tips, Techniques and Changes
Jodi Collen, CSEP, Director of Event and Conference Planning, Augsburg College
This session is designed to provide attendees with information on the Certified Special Events Professional designation including changes that have taken place in the exam in recent months. Attendees will gain valuable information including preparation requirements, tips to help with studying and preparation as well as what to expect when taking the exam. If you’ve even considered sitting for the CSEP exam, come to this session to find out everything you need to know to make it happen!
Deliverables
- Basic information about the CSEP designation and its benefits
- Requirements for taking the exam have changed! New requirements will be fully outlined and reviewed
- If you’ve been nervous about sitting for the exam, or just don’t know where to start studying---this session will help ease your mind and make you feel more comfortable with what to expect
Get Your “Creative” On The Art of Being Creative & Working with Creative People
Sandy O. Fergus, Queen of Creative, Creative Juice Group
Creativity: Some are lucky enough to be born with it, some of us need to work at it, and some of us are semi creative but sure could use an inspirational push now and again. This session will teach you how to explore the creative process. You will learn ways to be more innovative, tips on maximizing your creative potential, and ways to surround yourself with the creativity you never knew you were capable of producing. You will learn tips and tricks to working with and for creative people. Bring your creative energy and be prepared to jump in! This stuff is powerful – soak it up.
Deliverables
- Learn how to effectively incorporate creative elements (partners, vendors and suppliers) and ideas (your own and those “borrowed from others”) into your events.
- Expand on a blatantly obvious theme by using methods to think outside of the box in conjuring up new ideas.
- Learn how to use innovative ideas effectively in your own events.
- Share and learn brainstorming techniques
Marketing Trends and Best Practices to generate Business Success
Alexis Gorriaran, CSEP, Director, Marketing/Multicultural, (add)ventures
At this session we will explore some best practices for marketing strategies. The do’s and don’t along with marketing ideas for your business and your next big event. Hear what’s new, along with trends and simple marketing strategies that are measurable and deliver results. From marketing in a digital age, to website development, advertising, branding, e-marketing, event marketing, direct mail, communication solutions and more. In the end you will learn about simple strategies that you can implement right away in both online and offline mediums.
Deliverables
- Learn new ideas and integrated marketing strategies to grow or establish your brand or event
- Successful marketing tips in a digital world to better manage your clients and build business opportunities
- Simple steps for branding, marketing, communications and advertising success
But Don't Green Events Cost More Money?
Top 10 Tips for Greening Your Event AND Saving Money
Lori Hill, President, lori hill event productions
Cost is the #1 reason people give for not wanting to green an event. You don’t have to sacrifice profits to save the planet. Whether a vendor or a planner, learn how to save money and the environment by incorporating green initiatives into the products and services you offer your clients. Hear specific examples of cost saving measures you can apply to your events and reduce your bottom line.
Deliverables
- Why it critical for the event profession to go green
- Examples of products and services you can provide to green your events
- How to communicate to your clients the value of greening their event
Is it possible to achieve a Design "WOW”, in today's economy?
Joanne Hulme, Creativity Inc. and Tents Party Rental
If you are routinely creating centerpieces of $400 or up, then don't come to this class! If however, you are trying to figure ways to make that $45.00 or $75.00 tabletop look like something, then welcome aboard! Designer and producer Joanne Hulme will bring a bag of tricks to help you out. With an assortment of materials and items, she will break down the assorted ways you can still deliver on that WOW!, and work with items easy to find or produce. This class will have an interactive element to it, so bring your thinking cap. and your challenges for your upcoming event.
Deliverables
- Learning to replace floral elements with reusable items saves on your budget and is an easy way to get "green"
- Hear why Scale and Proportion are your best friends and how this creates a major design element
- How to gain new "eyes" to see the world around you
Strategic Partners – Making the Connection
Phyllis Jablonowski, CSEP, Owner, Eventricity
No one can do it all alone – well. Learn the benefits of strategic partnerships and realize that it’s not all about discounts! Find the benefit to seating more people at the business table so that you are more valuable to your clients. You will learn how to make the connections that will improve your bottom line. Don’t swim alone… there are sharks in the water!
Deliverables
- Define and recognize a strategic partnership
- Know the benefit and responsibilities of a strategic partnership
- Learn how to develop strategic partnerships – starting now!
Master Tricky Sales Situations
Megan Kline, CSEP, Certified Marketing Spitfire/Owner, Megan Kline Marketing: Success by Design
Are you unsure how to handle that first call from a prospect? Experience a plethora of sales situations with this interactive role-playing session. You will get the chance to practice some of your most challenging sales scenarios in a “hands on” environment. Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned professional, you will benefit from this session. Some samples will include dealing with a “cheap” bride, how to handle common objections and how to answer tough questions about your business. Be prepared to interact!
Deliverables
- Learn techniques to handle a difficult sales call
- Determine right away if this potential client is for your or not
- Leave this session with a toolkit to handle any objection
How to Get and Stay in the Event Planning Business
Jill Moran, CSEP, President/Owner, jsmoran special events
What does it take to launch a successful event planning business? Is a career in the event industry possible in these times of tight budgets and DYI resources for clients? What tools do you need to set you apart as a value-added resource for your clients? Get tips on how you can position yourself in the industry including business planning, marketing, targeting the right clients, pricing your services to get clients and still make money.
Deliverables
- Learn what’s involved in setting up your own wedding or event planning business
- Identify the skills needed and create a solid plan including business, financial and marketing strategies
- Identify challenges of working with various types of clients and the responses that will win you business
Sexy Tents: A Peek Under The Covers
Pat Moughan, General Manager, Losberger US
Are you too sexy for your tent? This highly visual session analyzes outstanding tent projects while teaching you the six key traits that made these tents sexy. Examples of outstanding tents from companies all over world will be reviewed. A quick refresher on current tent styles and proper tent sizing based on event size and type is also included.
Deliverables:
- Learn the six items you can address to make your tents sexier
- Learn current tent types and styles
- Learn proper tent sizing
Scentertainment® ! Celebrating the Senses!
Sue Phillips, President, Scenterprises, Ltd.
Scent Branding is an effective way to enhance customers’ experiences, to influence future purchasing decisions and most importantly to establish an emotional connection for events and for brands. Scent Branding is changing how we communicate with customers at every level across every industry. Sue will reveal exciting new scent technologies for immediate and easy application from creating custom perfume events for Corporate Teambuilding, to scenting personal space, offices, showroom and retail spaces, hotels, spas, casinos and events. She will also demonstrate a revolutionary wireless technology that is computer programmable for scenting video, gaming and ultimately television application.
Deliverables:
- Learn how Scent Branding is fast becoming a way to enhance the guest experience; the range of applicable scents is unlimited.
- Explore how creating your own Custom Perfume is ideal for Corporate Teambuilding Events as well as for Spouse Programs.
- Review how Multi-Sensory Events are becoming an excellent way to complete the brand experience.
Branding – What your Image Says About You!
Sharon Phillips Waxman, SPW Productions LLC
What does your image say about you? It is a proven fact that when you look good, you feel good! So, naturally when you feel good you are better positioned for success. This session examines your professional image and offers tips to create or update your professional identity. Topics include personal style, your product/service image and general acts of professionalism to set you apart from the crowd.
Deliverables
- How to update your personal style to create a positive professional image
- Ideas for well-crafted and impactful branding of your product or service
- Helpful hints to advance your level of professionalism
Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Fire Marshal?
Tips to ensure your event is safe without compromising creativity
Robin Preece, Fire Code Consultant, Virginia Beach Fire Department, Kevin Sweeney, Assistant Fire Marshal, Virginia Beach Fire Department, Jane White CSEP, Event Manager, Virginia Beach Convention Center
The issue of fire safety and events can result in tragic outcomes in the worst cases and inconvenience and delay in others. In a dynamic, interactive format, we will illustrate some of the most often seen problems and offer creative ways to remedy them in an approved manner. We will show how event planners and public safety officials (such as the fire marshal) can work together ahead of time to alleviate issues on event day.
Deliverables
- Educate event professionals (both planners and vendors) on safe ways to design/create events to include décor elements, special effects and floor plans
- Offer tips on how to create better relationships and open lines of communication between event professionals and public safety officers
- Give an extensive list of resources and avenues to research regulations and offer checklists and a list of contacts as a takeaway
Get in the Spot Light of Social Media
Nicole Samolis, CSEP, President, The Events Company
You know Social Media is HOT HOT HOT and you don’t want to get left behind, but… This session will help spell out the WHY, the HOW and some shortcuts to make the idea of tweets, posts, and blogs less overwhelming. Whether you’re a newbie or a user you’ll be informed, inspired, and motivated to become part of the conversation.
Deliverables
- How social media can be used to grow your professional reputation and sales
- Building your social media strategy; individual/company
- Organizing your social media tools to minimize your effort and maximize your results
Dealing with Event Disasters, Are you the Problem or the Solution?
Domenick Savino, CPCE, CEO, Drexelbrook Catering & Corporate Events Center
You and your team will be faced with challenging decisions when event disasters strike. Learn from a real case study, the skills necessary to turn crisis into celebration and celebration into financial gain. This interactive seminar will inspire you to become the “go to” problem solver.
Deliverables:
- Your role as part of a team
- Understanding cause and effect at an off-premise event
- How you can be the solution and reap financial gain
WWSF…The WOW World of Special FX
Kris Sumey, CSEP, Owner, Creative Director, Event FX Productions, Inc.
Now more than ever, captivating an audience can be a challenge since we are inundated from every direction with multisensory ad campaigns, reality television, and billboards gone wild. Special Effects are no longer limited to festivals and concerts. Brides now brave the new world beyond the classical trends. Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s incorporate Hollywood style grand entrances, and corporations step way outside the box to brand and convey their message. Whether surprise magic moments or a creative integration into event décor, special effects have become real showstoppers in the event world. WWSF showcases world class special effects with show stopping concepts that will dazzle guests at any type of event.
Deliverables
- Explore some of the hottest special effects in the industry
- Discover fresh ideas on how to integrate classical special effects into weddings, mitzvahs, social events, and corporate events
- Experience how fabrics and draping made their way into the world of special effects
The Facts of Light: An Event Professionals Guide to Understanding Lighting
Steven Way, President/CEO, ALPS/Advanced Lighting & Production Services
In this informative and engaging session, you will gain a better understanding of event lighting and be armed with the tools to communicate more effectively with your lighting vendor and clients! You will find out what your lighting vendor needs to know from you and why, learn about basic lighting fixture types and their effects, hear about new products and technologies, learn basic lighting/technical terminology, understand the limitations and options when working in different spaces, discover why power/electrical needs are important to know, hear the advantages and liabilities of using atmospherics (fog/haze/pyrotechnics), and much more.
Deliverables
- Gain a much greater comfort level when communicating with your lighting vendor and clients
- Offer a more knowledgeable thought process when considering event spaces and their challenges
- Achieve a stronger understanding of lighting terminology, different lighting fixtures/effects and their uses
The Newest ISES Member Benefit – Learn the “Insider Secrets” of Credit Card Processing
Marie Williamson, Senior Consultant, Incom Direct, LLC
Do you want to understand your credit card processing? Come learn about the newest member benefit of the ISES Affinity program. Gain insight into the convoluted world of credit card processing and understand why Incom Direct is changing the industry. We will take you beyond pricing and rates and teach you how the industry really works. We will give you checks and balances for this vital piece of your finances. BRING YOUR MERCHANT STATEMENTS FOR A FREE ANALYSIS.
Deliverables
- Learn why this is not a ONE rate industry
- Understand the importance of matching your POS system to your business
- Realize why you should never lease equipment or sign a long term contract
