Conference ’09: Why You Won't Want to Miss These Events

With all the news about the economy abounding, we’re excited to report that the events industry — while not immune to the challenges facing our nation — certainly held its own throughout the final quarter of 2008. We’re a hearty crew. Many of you are moving forward with your careers and companies, already registering for the Event Solutions and Catersource Conference & Tradeshow in February, and many more tell us you will have registered by the time this issue hits the streets.

With more events, networking opportunities, educational tracks and courses, and of course the huge Tradeshow, it’s the event of ’09 that brings you the most value for your money. Half of our hotel rooms blocked for the show are already gone, which means you’re coming out in full force to learn how to be more profitable for your business, more creative for your clients and more knowledgeable for your career.

Here are just a few updates on all the outstanding offerings from this year’s show. We know everyone is being cautious about spending, and that’s why it’s so important to take advantage of Conference ’09, the most comprehensive, serious educational program for the events industry. Meet old friends and make new connections, and get inspired, renewed and savvier for ’09 by joining us in Las Vegas.

If you have questions or need help registering, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Bottom Line-Focused Education

With more than 150 classes to choose from, the 2009 Conference will bring you the ideas necessary to increase sales and stay ahead of competitors to strengthen your career or business exponentially. Here’s a taste:
• 35 Cost Saving Tips for Meeting Planners
• Impact your Bottom Line Utilizing Students and Interns
• Contemporary Lighting Designs in a Cost-Conscious Climate
• A Proven Formula for Personal Sales Success
• Earn Dollars By Making & Selling Your Own Floral Centerpieces
• Events on a Shoestring: Solutions for Non-Profit Planners
• Using Vertical Integration to Dramatically Increase Profitability
• Pricing During Unpredictable Times

Events Fit for the Events Industry

Conference ’09 will bring attendees from around the globe masterful, engaging and razor-sharp displays of the event industry’s latest innovations. With industry leaders like Los Angeles-based Ethos Design and Encore Creations of Miami, plus energetic and hip venues like MEET Las Vegas, DreamVision Studios and Red Rock Resort showcasing their talents, it’s the best place for event professionals to come together, brainstorm, experience and take home actionable ideas. From Opening Night to the culminating — and illuminating — Spotlight Awards, you won’t want to miss Vegas in February.

Tuesday

The Fabulous Showcase Event

Tuesday, Feb. 24

9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

executive producer: Ethos Design

venue: MEET Las Vegas

The Fabulous Showcase, “Metamorphosis,” will feature contributions from a shortlist of the industry’s leading trendsetters and provide a window into the future of event and exhibit design.

Sunday

Opening Night Las Vegas

Sunday, Feb. 22

9 p.m. – 12 a.m.

event director: Trish Acevedo

venue: Cherry Nightclub, Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa

Named one of the world’s best new hotels in Condé Naste Traveler’s 2007 Hot List issue, this is a venue a world apart from the noise and visual clutter of the famed Las Vegas Strip. With its fresh, contemporary, desert-modern architecture, and Cherry Nightclub bringing luxe vibes to the venue, it’s a Vegas property to be savored.

The Red Rock Resort team will produce the glamorous, visual evening of mixing, including networking and signature cocktails created by Cherry mixologist Oscar Perez. The 8,500-square-foot club hosts world-famous DJs, a full bar, and the most advanced lighting and sound system ever created by a nightclub, according to the resort’s website.

Featured on NBC’s “Access Hollywood” and hosting pop-culture figures like singer Justin Timberlake, entertainer Nelly and “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” the resort will treat Conference ’09 attendees like real celebrities.

Tuesday

Catersource Wedding Party

Tuesday, Feb. 24

7 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Barron Room, Las Vegas Hilton

Mary Crafts and her company, Culinary Crafts, will host you at this faux “wedding reception” of John Johanson and Jessica Jamison. The company has been busy planning a dream wedding reception — complete with cake, a band, toasts, dancing and the hilarious antics of their families. Network with caterers and event professionals at the open bar, complete with signature drinks.

The overall flow of the event, along with the unique and incredible design ideas that will be featured throughout, will give you new ideas for your own event proposals. Find something for every market — all wrapped up in one beautiful package.

Sunday

Cocktails & Connections

Sunday, Feb. 22

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Las Vegas Hilton

After Sunday classes are over, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with fellow event professionals at a casual cocktail hour at the Hilton. You’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with our Conference speakers, Spotlight Awards finalists, previous recipients and Hall of Fame members. All are invited to get together with old faces and new connections. Complimentary beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be served.

Wednesday

Spotlight Awards Event

Wednesday, Feb. 25

DreamVision Studios

Prepare to walk on the red carpet into a synthesis of pure Las Vegas “Glow and Plumes.” Spotlight Awards executive producer Eddie Diaz, Encore Creations, has added new partners to his team: Event host DreamVision Studios will create the graphics and multimedia that are critical to the awards presentations. John Garberson, Creative Backstage, will be technical director. Donovan Mote, Pro Production Services, will provide audio direction. Producer Laurie Travis, LTeventions, will collaborate with Sarah Sheehan, R&R Live, on décor. And entertainment producer Anthony Bollotta, Bollotta Entertainment, has a lineup of entertainers that will make this the “Hottest Ticket in Las Vegas.”

Kathy Sledge, Close Up

Kathy Sledge, of the Legendary Sister Sledge, talks with Event Solutions and Spotlight Awards executive producer Eddie Diaz about the music and ideas that have made her an international star. Sledge will perform as headliner at the 2009 Spotlight Awards Event in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009. Here’s what she told us.

{what makes a great show} “There is magic in the air. There is an exchange of energy from the artist to the audience and back. It is the opportunity to create a new world for them, just for a moment. They are there to have a good time, to enjoy, to forget about their problems. The biggest compliment is that they are there to see me and that they are enjoying my performance. You can’t fool the crowd. They can tell when you love them…and they love you back!”

{what she likes most about performing live} “I love the excitement of it. It is always different for me. When I sing ‘We are Family,’ every time is a first for me. Each audience and my experience with them is unique. Part of my feelings about my audience come from what my mother said to us [Sister Sledge] before a performance: ‘Don’t think of the audience as a large crowd. Think of them as a million individuals.’”

{her mother’s influence} “She was the original stage mom. She was at every performance with my sisters and me. She was a single mom and she raised us so that we all had the career with Sister Sledge as well as college educations.”

{the performer who inspires her} “Billie Holiday. She was a trailblazer who paved the way for today’s entertainers. I am preparing for an off-Broadway performance of her life and work as a one-woman show, ‘The Brighter Side of Day,’ based on her life. The play pays homage to Billie and alternates her music with scenarios from her life. Rehearsing for this performance has been a very spiritual experience for me. I feel like I am channeling her… Some have commented that it feels like Billie is back in town.”

{what she brings to private events} “Unity. We customize our selections to the audience, the corporation and the goal of the event. Also, ‘We are Family’ has grown to be our anthem, our signature song. It brings people together as a family. When we perform at corporate or private events, we energize the audience to feel the reasons that they are together for that particular event. Everyone comes away from our performances with a good feeling.”

{the enduring popularity of “We are Family”} “The song played an important part in bringing people together following 9/11 and Katrina, as the country mourned and united to help each other. We celebrate together with the music. This song is very special to me and my sisters. The lyrics exude what we stand for. It is especially personal to us at this time because we recently lost our mother. This song represents us so spiritually, organically and musically that it was recorded in one take.”

{customizing her performances} “Part of the customization depends on the venue, whether it is a small intimate club or a huge arena, if it is very private or a huge concert event. It also depends on the theme of the event. At an arena event, I sing the national anthem and culminate the show with ‘We are Family.’ The crowd will not let me leave the stage without performing that song.”

{her international appeal} “In Europe as well as other overseas audiences, different songs are their favorites, different from the United States audiences’ most popular. I research my audience and sing the songs they want to hear. I also plan the timing, placement and schedule of the music to the tastes of the audience. They want to have a great time…and I want to give that to them.”

For tickets to the 2009 Spotlight Awards Event, visit www.event-solutions.com.