Education at The Special Event

Read what 2008 Attendees had to say!

With over 125 hours of learning opportunities, including hands-on workshops, case studies and panel discussions, the education offered at The Special Event is perhaps the best available to event professionals in one place, at one time.

Educational coursework at this conference can be submitted for ISES CSEP certification credit.

Business and Professional Development Track
Focusing on the business angle of event planning can seem challenging or even tedious when you're absorbed in the creative details of producing the perfect event. The practical and exciting education sessions will unleash your creativity and show you tried and true tricks to manage your business. From pricing to legal issues, from staff motivation to contracts, from professionalism to having fun and everything in between, recognized industry leaders will reveal their secrets on producing efficiently-run events and managing profitable businesses.

Design Track
Ambiance, décor, atmosphere...whatever you call it, design is crucial for a successful event. Want new ideas? This is the place for you! Whether your event is big budget or small, whether your focus is floral or food presentation, you'll see, hear and smell, yes, smell, a multitude of ideas. Learn from the most creative event professionals from around the world - an unbelievable opportunity.

Food Services and More Track
Food quality and presentation are the essence of any event, but it's not easy. Beyond the food lie the critical details of presentation, service and budgeting, just to name a few. Learn every aspect of food service, including linens, tabletops, staffing, marketing, cutting-edge catering tips and much, much more. Whether you are a caterer or an event planner, you will enhance your business by attending these conference sessions taught by some of the world's best chefs and food service professionals.

Event Management Track
Production. Technology. Security. Fundraising. Entertainment. Venue. Impact. How do you make your events a resounding success from start to finish? Apply your creative talents to the hints you'll pick up in these sessions and you'll be one of our next Gala Award winners!

Sales and Marketing Track
The heat is on. You've got to know and use the newest techniques and most efficient ways of selling and marketing yourself and your company. The sales and marketing pros in the event industry have developed plans to succeed in today's business climate and they understand what works for the event industry. Best of all, they're anxious to teach you their secrets! For event planners who are looking for the latest experiential marketing techniques, you'll find them at The Special Event Conference. Learn from the best, brightest and most successful sales and marketers in the industry.

Wedding Track
It's all over television, in reality shows and news magazines: the wedding industry is sizzling hot. And planners are challenged to keep up with the latest and greatest trends and techniques for this competitive marketplace. The Special Event offers the most current and best of everything - including critical updates on the hottest wedding trends, destination weddings, floral design and color use. And, if you want to refresh your knowledge or are just starting in the wedding business, you'll find practical sessions on how to create a cohesive event and how to budget effectively. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Master Bridal Consultants and the other top industry professionals.

Event Tools and Resources Track
It's not just about tents anymore. It's overhauled. It's revamped. The Special Event's Event Tools and Resources Track offers practical, useful information for everyone involved in the events industry - wedding coordinators, corporate event planners, international planners, caterers AND rental pros. If your job entails using equipment of any kind, these sessions are for you. Design and product trends, vendor/planner relationships, inventory management and pricing are just a few of the burning issues addressed. Don't miss it!

ISES Track
For those of you who have never before investigated the ISES Certified Special Events Professional(CSEP) certification, we invite you to attend the “CSEP Program Overview for New Candidates” educational session. This program will give attendees an overview of the skills and competencies evaluated by the special event industry’s foremost certification program. And, for those event professionals who have already earned their CSEP certification, we invite you to attend the “CSEP Program Overview for CSEPs” educational session. This program will give current CSEPs the most complete information on the newly updated program, as well as detailed instructions on recertification procedures. In addition, three ISES sessions are being offered by top industry professionals.