Sunday, February 26, 2012

PURE Synergy

What a day! What a rush! To see so many event professionals gathered together made me so proud of our industry...caterers and planners alike.

Registration lines were packed, but moved smoothly once everyone got into the rhythm. The mood was excited, eager and intense...just what you'd expect from this high-powered group of pros.

In fact, that's exactly why we co-locate the Event Solutions and Catersource events. It's a matter of pure synergy.
Planners and caterers have so much in common. A love of detail, design and above all, a desire to deliver just what the client wants (or needs).

I'd like to see us cross the aisle a bit in the next few days. Planners, talk to caterers who are riding the elevator with you. What are they seeing in f&b trends? What are their clients asking for?

Caterers, see that green stripe on the name badge? That's a planner. They know how to see the big picture. Their clients ask them to recommend the perfect catering company to make their event spectacular.

Synergy case in point: David Merrell of AOO Events (an ES speaker and award-winning planner who brought in hundreds of people for a 4:30 pm session this afternoon) started his career as a caterer. And almost every planner (myself included) is a foodie.

There's so much to share, and so much to learn from each other.

PURE synergy.

See you tomorrow!

Ann Turner
Editor, Event Solutions Magazine



Saturday, February 25, 2012

Ready to rock!

After a long hard day (full of laughter and lots of teasing) we are ready to open our doors! Registration will be open at 9am. 4th floor FYI.

There's a lot of excitement in the air as we get set to greet our icon guests again this year (that would be you as well as Preston and David!)

A few little dings (where are Preston's boxes??) but not to worry...everything worked out fine.

I will see you tomorrow at 9am at registration! And if you're not able to be with us this year (sigh) stay tuned to this blog and my Twitter @annlturner for on-the-scenes news and reporting!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Calm Before the Storm




In the days when I was a road warrior, I established a rhythm for the week before the show, conference or meeting I was flying off to attend or manage. A compulsive list-maker, I would write down tasks organized by category, date and priority. Long-hand, on a little yellow pad that would tuck into my purse or into my 3-ring binder that seemed to weigh a hundred pounds by the end of the day.

Sound familiar?

Times have changed. I am adapting to iPhone, iPad, apps and social networking to stay organized and feel in control. And I’ll be doing the same thing from the Conference and Tradeshow floor next week. So if you aren’t able to join us at the Idea Factory, you can still stay current with what’s happening by following this blog and my Twitter account. I’ll be reporting as it happens, from the keynote presentations to the events that always seem to overwhelm me with sensations. 

It’s calm right now, but the wild and crazy wonderfulness is coming. Tune in, and be a part!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Reason #9: Party Time!




OK, we all know that we attend conferences for the intellectual stimulation.

But let’s get real. What we really want to do is PARTY DOWN, right?

Well, do we have a party for you in Vegas, at the hottest nightclub on the Strip, with the coolest people you’ll find anywhere.

I’m talking about the PURE Sensation party on Monday night.

I’ll be honest—I’m really not a party person. I am more comfortable wrapped in a comforter in front of a roaring fire, sipping a glass of wine while I browse my Nook for a good, trashy novel. 

But this is one party I am looking forward to. 

Why? It’s outrageous, overwhelming and totally over the top. I will see things I’ve never seen before, taste foods I’ve never tried before, and be immersed in sensory delights.

Yeah, it costs money, but considering what you get, it’s a deal.

I wanna party down. Will you join me?

Friday, February 3, 2012

And Here's Number 8! Eye Candy!




 Photo : Kristin Hornberger

The Wedding Luncheon may be sold out, but you don't have to miss out on all the accompanying eye candy  if you sign up for the Wedding Gallery on Monday afternoon, Feb. 27. Even if you don’t plan weddings, you'll love this event, which takes place at the Bellagio. The Wedding Industry Professionals Association (WIPA) and ISES Las Vegas are teaming up to present some of the most trendy, bold and elegant looks for weddings for 2012 and beyond.

For only $50, you can stroll the gallery of wedding settings created by some of most innovative professionals in the industry. Ceremony and reception concepts will be center-stage and larger than life.They're sure to spark some inspiration, no matter what type of events you plan. I plan to spend a good share of the afternoon soaking in the style. Will I see you there?

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Reason Number 7



 
The bubbly is coming and it’s for a great cause! On Sunday night following the Welcome Reception at Idea Factory, champagne will flow at a Champagne on Ice gathering that will benefit the SEARCH Foundation, which is dedicated to helping event professionals who are going through tough times. 

The event is free. All you need to do is purchase a glass (or more!) of the bubbly stuff. With each glass, you’ll be rewarded with a raffle ticket that will be entered to win a one-carat diamond! So come prepared to tip a few, all for a good cause. See you there!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

And here's Reason #6




Did you happen to catch the AFR Design Challenge on the Tradeshow floor at last year's Idea Factory? It was hilarious watching Frank Clementi and David Merrell race around the show floor nabbing items from exhibitors to use in their designs. Well, this year's competition goes Diva, with Sasha Souza and Cheryl Fish facing off to create their designs in just 45 minutes.

Sasha Souza is a nationally recognized wedding designer, innovator, trendsetter and author of the highly successful Signature Sasha: Magnificent Weddings by Design. She’s well-known to the Event Solutions crowd, having won numerous awards and making celebrity appearances at recent Idea Factories.

Cheryl Fish, another well-known industry leader, is vice president at SITK Design Services. Her passion for artful and luxury lifestyle entertaining has won her many industry awards. “I imagine the Design Diva Design Challenge will be the hottest game in town,” she says.

No doubt! The Challenge will take place on Tuesday, February 28 from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. at the new AFR Event Furnishings design Center. Each diva will begin with pieces from AFR Event Furnishings along with some other surprise elements, and they will have 45 minutes to create a lounge and tabletop setting.
You’ll be able to cast your vote for your favorite, and the winner will be announced at David Tutera’s Closing Session.

You won’t want to miss the high-flying fun when these two get going. Hope to see you there!