Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Read What 2008 TSE Attendees Say About The Show

Interested in Attending? Email us an Attendee Inquiry and we'll mail you an Attendee Brochure.

As a newcomer to the event planning industry, TSE 2008 was exactly what I needed to confirm I was heading in the right direction. The educational sessions' variety provided a wealth of information. It didn't matter if you were a caterer, a wedding planner, a sales manager, or just aspiring to be something more - we all were able to walk away equipped with a few extra tools to help us succeed. (Sabrina Roeback, Owner, Dreamaker Events)

As a supplier to many event planners and corporate planners, it was great to attend a show that focused on them and to learn how we could better service our planners. Will attend again in the future. (Steve Sampaio, President, LCD Lite Concept Design, Inc. www.lcdfx.com)

As always, TSE is just what I'm looking for...a place to network, research, obtain new vendors and most importantly develop my knowledge of the event planning industry. We never can learn too much!! Thanks TSE, look forward to 2009. (Robin Diaz, Events Coordinator, CICC)

As new comer to the business TSE fill in all the blanks that I needed to know about special event planning. By utilizing the resources that where at the special event, I now have the inspiration I needed to know I will succeed at planning some the most beautiful and best events ever. (Phyllis Holly Ward, President, Success Links, LLC)

At TSE 2008 I met many suppliers from around the country, and was able to personally speak with them. This greatly increased my chances of using their products and services in the future. (Allison J Smith, Creative Services Manager, eventAcuity)

At TSE 2008, our firm was able to research and meet vendors from all over the country, in every genre of product and service. It was an opportunity not readily available to us in our Alaskan market. (Michael Zoske, Project Manager, Art Services North)

Attending TSE always leaves me pumped up. I get to see friends from around the country. I come away with new ideas to put in to action. I found at least one fabulous new linen and a new vendor that I already have placed a large order with. (Dulany Noble, Owner, Gala Cloths by Dulany)

Compared to other conferences I have attended, The Special Event 2008 was the most informative, and fun! A great place to grow! (Jaime A. Samar-Gramatikos, Event Coordinator, SemperComm Foundation)

FABULOUS Networking with industry peers from all over the world! LOVED THAT! (Deb Smythe Hermann, Chairwoman and CEO, GhostLight Productions, LLC).

For me this was a wonderful experience and it allowed me to bring student interns to help with the show and to attend and meet those who are in the industry. Personally I increased my vendor list, product lines and experienced the opportunity to network with others. Great Job. I have already purchased from and am planning to use other vendors. (Annette Hoover, Owner, CEMW)

Good networking, what companies I did find related to what we do were very open to discussion, and helpful. Great sessions on each day. Really thought they were wonderful and loved the programming. I've been in the industry for almost 20 years and this was beneficial to me, which was a nice surprise. (Kala Sorenson, Vice President, Special Events, Houston Astros Baseball Club)

Great to have everything at hand. (Scott De'Lage, Event Designer, Event Lab)

Great to see new ideas demonstrated close-up! (Marianne McBay, Owner, Wed Accompli Weddings & Events)

Greatly appreciated seeing innovative, high quality products. (No contact information provided)

I always discover new ideas and get motivated for my up-coming special events. (Richard E. Magid, President, Famous Firsts, Ltd.)

I always have a great time at TSE. I end up building new relationships and reacquainting myself with past friends and colleagues that I have met over the years. The classes and trade show are definitely worthwhile and invaluable to anyone in the Special Events Industry. I'm already looking forward to San Diego in 2009!!!! (David Buckley, CSEP, General Manager, Select Event Rentals)

I appreciated the products and services I was introduced to that I did not know about. (No contact information provided)

I belong to another organization and I often feel like it is a competition between planners however, at TSE, there was so much camaraderie. Everyone wanted to help and network. The Wedding Luncheon was out of this world. I returned home motivated with my creative juices flowing. The experience was well worth the price. I will definitely attend again. (LaKendra Kennedy, Wedding Consultant, Affairs With Elegance)

I came away with a great many new ideas. Thank you, I thought the show was wonderful. Looking forward to next year. (Sandy Vavak, External Events Coordinator, Mills College)

I came back from TSE armed with a wealth of knowledge! In addition to meeting the most amazing people - including many industry leaders - I found the educational sessions to be very well thought out and forward thinking. Although I have been in this industry for 27 years, there is always new and useful information I can learn and apply to the benefit of my employees, my business
and my clients. (Steven Way, President, ALPS / Advanced Lighting & Production Services)

I enjoyed meeting with the suppliers, viewing new products, and generating new ideas for my business. (Angela Hawkinson, Owner, An Exquisite Event)

I enjoyed the Hands On Hundred program. I used some of the experience I gained at the special event 2008 show in the last wedding I coordinated. (Chenise Sparkman, Owner, Certified Wedding Planner, Events For All Seasons, LLC)

I found the whole booking process smooth and helpful. I attended lots of the educational seminars and found the Sharing of Knowledge from those experienced in large events very helpful. Met several other providers in the industry and made friends that I will meet up with again in San Diego. Found new product and was very pleased with the quality of product at the Trade Floor. TSE is worthwhile for me because there the Events (Wedding) industry for venue dressing is just developing in my Region and we mainly lead the show. It was a good measure of our worth as a business. It was great to see the coming together of people who understand the difficulties and stresses of the Events Industry. Had a lot of fun, purchased new product, have earmarked new product for 2009 and am looking forward to being more involved in 2009 TSE. (Jenny Hamilton, Owner Manager, Jenny Hamilton Weddings, Ireland)

I had a great experience at the conference. I am new in the event planning industry and found most of what I needed to get myself started with clients in my job. I bought some books that I absolutely love and read all the time. I met some new vendors and will be utilizing them for linens for our big showcase events. (Kimberly S. Russo, Assistant to Catering Director, Kewadin Casino's and Convention Center)

I had a great time while learning. I also had time to get new ideas and energize my creativity. (No contact information provided)

I had a very nice time! It was fun learning new things and also spending time with the people that I work with outside of our daily work environment. (Tristan White, General Manager, Good Food Catering)

I learned quite a few new techniques and strategies to improve my business. (Cathy Stewart, General Manager, Michael's On Main)

I learned so much at the TSE. Because I am new in the industry, everything was exciting and worthwhile for me! (No contact information provided)

I love attending TSE, because it's a great way to kick off the New Year. It's a time to reconnect with industry peers, network with existing and new vendors, create new friendships/partnerships and experience the latest and greatest items being introduced to the industry. (Kate Van Graafeiland, Experience Planner, Planning Factory International)

I meet several people whom I have started working on a relationship with. They include another event planner within my own city (Montreal), as well as other contacts for helping me produce my events from Toronto. (No contact information provided)

I met a lot of new potential vendors. The show and the vendors were very interesting, and I plan to use the new vendors in the future. (Jocelyn Welles, Principal, Exhibit Expressions)

I met prospective new clients and visited with existing clients. I think it is THE show for events! I always look forward to attending. Meeting new people, networking with existing clients and keeping updated on new trends etc. are just a few of what I accomplish by attending TSE every year. (Susan Medica, Sr. National Account Executive, Agile Trade Show & Event Furnishings)

I networked more this year and met more like minds. I look forward to this event to learn of the newest in the industry (Michael Cerebelli didn't disappoint). (No contact information provided)

I was able to make new contacts for services in the event arena that I hadn't given much thought to before, such as backdrops and live entertainment. I was very pleased with the organization of the event and the number of vendors that were in attendance. The TSE was very worthwhile and I'm definitely looking forward to attending the next one. (Lissahn DeVance, Wedding & Event Planner, Unforgettable Events)

I was able to network with other individuals from my area. It sounds kind of strange but we are all so busy when we are home that it is so nice to get to see each other outside of our home area and spend time catching up and learning. (No contact information provided)

I was able to network with several individuals in the industry. The Wedding Trends Session was awesome, it provided invaluable information. (No contact information provided)

I was extremely excited about the show. Every vendor I spoke to was so informative and helpful. I loved all the new products that were there it was nice to be able to see up close. When I returned home I couldn't wait to place my orders and receive them to display in my store. (Anita M. Aleman, Owner, Acreations Special Events)

I was left with a wealth of new, fun ideas and information on how to be more business savvy, and get paid without compromising my standards. ( Kay-Annie Reid-Young, Managing Director Kreative Koncepts)

I was pleased with the number of vendors and the various types of products displayed. The TSE was definitely worth the time spent. (No contact information provided)

I was very pleased with the information I obtained through the seminars. There were more offered this year that applied to my field or interests. I was very happy with the educational package. (Elizabeth Hohensee, Owner, Studio Flora Diva)

It is a wonderful experience to meet people in our industry, network with suppliers and walk away inspired for the New Year. We meet contacts from all over the world that can be drawn upon for referrals and resources. (Linda Robinson, Owner, Eventscapes Inc. of California)

It is always a beautiful show. I enjoy seeing what's new in the industry, as well as getting a close up of the products. I usually find 1 or 2 new vendors that I wind up doing business with. (Lee Rosenberg, Owner, LR Events)

It is always great to see what is happing all over the country. TSE is the perfect place to see where you are compared to the overall market. (Ami Wheeler, Account Manager, CE Rental)

It is always worth my time and money to attend TSE. It is a one stop opportunity for me to learn new ideas, hear about the latest trends, and of course meet and network with my event colleagues. (LaVerne E. Mathews, Chief Experience Officer, L. V. Edwards & Associates)

It was a good show. (No contact information provided)

It was a great way to find out the direction of the industry. Met great professionals who were dedicated to the Event industry. (Brent Rogers, Owner, Sounds Unlimited Productions (SUP))

It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about new products but meeting industry leaders was my favorite part. I will be teaming up with Sean DeFreitas for an upcoming New Year's Eve event...WOW. We also took home the GALA for NIRVANA, so, for me, this past TSE was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. (Diane Butner, Director of Events & Design, MGM MIRAGE Events)

It was all good -- since this was our first year attending this event, we had no expectations. The event was very well organized and informative. (Linda L. Sanchez, Partner, Valley Solutions Group, LLC)

It was great to meet professionals in the event industry with such varied experiences. The educational sessions and networking opportunities helped confirm that the Event industry is where I'm supposed to be. (No contact information provided)

It was my first time, as I'm about to start my own business - I had THE great experience; I had no idea how big this industry is and I'm not the only person with so many questions. Love every minute of it - Special thanks to HOH program!! (Olga Watness, Operations Manager/Meeting Coordinator, C&W Telecom International, LLC)

It was my first TSE show and I was very impressed. I gained a lot of knowledge. It was inspiring and the other event professionals that I met were very generous in sharing information. Great experience. I would recommend anyone in the Special Events Industry to attend TSE at least once if not more. (Ashifa Jiwani, Event Manager, Design2Decor Inc.)

It's a networking opportunity you can't put a price on. (Shannon Egleston, Special Event Coordinator, California State University, Stanislaus)

It's nice to have everyone I need to make contact with, all in one place. I also like the tabletop competitions. They give me ideas for my events next year. (Noreen B. Kennedy, Director of Development, MiamiValley Hospital Foundation)

Just attending the Exhibit Hall allowed me to find some great new suppliers! Great "see it, touch it, feel it" experience! (Kim Wehunt, Owner, All In The Details)

Loved meeting with the vendors. The vendors at TSE are some of the best in the area. I like to see what is new. I would also encourage all vendors to get the scanner, so you do not have carry all their catalogs and business cards home on a plane. (Jacquelyn Erin Drake, Owner, Enlighten Events International)

Meet new vendors and got lots of helpful ideas to take back and work upon. (Mary Catherine Hendix, Owner, Party Plan It)

Met great people in the industry - got great ideas for future meetings and events. (Pam Burkes, Manager Meetings and Groups, Williamsburg Travel Management American Express)

My experience was awesome, To have the show in Atlanta allowed me to actually be a part of, as a volunteer on several committees I got to do more than attend classes and go to social events. I got to work with some of Atlanta's most talented designers, wedding planners and a host of others who also volunteered. It was an experience that will help me take myself to the next level. Thank you for the opportunity. (Sharon Hawkins, Event Manager, Bold American Catering)

My first experience! I am still on a high! I was inspired, validated and changed by the show. The education package gave me the direction I needed to improve my business and helped me redefine both myself and my services. (Robyn Martin, Professional Bridal Consultant, The Wedding Belle)

Not only did TSE 2008 offer any and all "Event" materials and sessions that I needed but it also provided me with sessions for my overall well-being - time management, how to succeed at work, etc. I felt as if this one trade show provided the same amount of information I would have received if I had attended three separate trade show/ conferences! (Brandi Behrenwald, Alumni Relations Assistant, Ferris State University)

Once again TSE was a great experience - I can't wait for next year. Networking, education, and exhibits, they have it all! (Lorraine Mariella CSEP, CMP, President/Owner, Celebrations Event & Meeting Management, LLC)

Once again TSE you have delivered! Excellent educational sessions, fabulous events & wonderful colleagues to enjoy it with. Many thanks to all of you who help create, contribute & produce this unparalleled event. We look forward to seeing you all in San Diego! Cheers, Jess Flood (Jess Flood, President, Jess Flood Event Design & Management)

OVERWHELMING EXPERIENCE. (No contact information provided)

Really opened my eyes and showed how I can take my events to the next level. (No contact information provided)

Registration process was easy. It was nice to network with peers and realize that everyone deals with the same issues. (No contact information provided)

Take advantage of the education at TSE. When the leaders of this industry come together in one place to share their knowledge - soak up every ounce you can get a hold of. Each person you meet knows something you do not - learn it from him or her. (Jen Poyer, Special Event Supervisor, Catalina Island Conservancy)

Thankful I found out about it. Thankful that it was in my city. Only attended exhibit hall...it was the best way for me to spend my time and $$ during a very busy week in the office!! (No contact information provided)

The exhibit hall is the best place to get ideas and make connections to new products and services. (No contact information provided)

The layout this year was wonderful at the convention center - much less confusion and walking back and forth between sessions. (No contact information provided)

The opening general session was one of the best I have ever seen - loved it! (No contact information provided)

The products and services offered at the event were unlike anything I have ever seen; being that I'm from Cincinnati. I didn't know so many companies could provide so many different services in the entertainment industry! The experience was truly amazing and different because I learned so many new things and brought back a ton of new ideas! (Ryan Lehmkuhl, Owner, Cincy DJ Entertainment)

The show gets you refocused for the New Year, and gets you excited about the new lines out there in the market. (Gayla Harvey, Event Decor Designer, Tiger Lily)

The social events at TSE are worth the expense. We learn more from networking with experienced event planners than doing anything else! (No contact information provided)

The special event 2008 was inspiring, educational and well worth the time and money spent. I was able to bring one of my new employees and she is already asking about going to TSE 2009! (Keith Watson, Owner, Keith Watson Productions, Inc.)

The Special Event is the Number One business expense that guarantees me a major ROI that I draw from all year long. The education I receive in the sessions, the inspiration from the showcasing events and the contacts I make on the Exhibit Hall floor are all above and beyond the best investment I make in my business every year! (Robyn Bomar, Owner, Mix Mingle Glow Event Design & Planning)

The wedding luncheon and the wedding gallery were highlights. We were one of the gallery designers and the networking with peers and guests made the experience worthwhile. (No contact information provided)

The wedding luncheon gallery is so inspirational and recharges me for the upcoming season. I also found a product that I had been searching for! I met some colleagues that I had been chatting with on a forum. (Isha Foss, Isha Foss Events)

This is the first time I attended, my partner went before. I really enjoyed all the vendors, it was wonderful to see all the resources that were provided. (No contact information provided)

This was a wonderful experience, especially for a first timer like myself, It was... get on your
mark, get set and go Event from the time I stepped off the plane, It was a very exciting and informative conference and trade show. The educational piece of my trip has proven to be a winner for me in my business, and the event shows were the right draw to keep me interested in coming back. (Jacqueline DeCambre, Owner, DeCanbreEvents & Associates)

This was an EXCELLENT conference! As a fairly new planner, I learned SO MUCH in those few days. I definitely feel like I have an edge because of the info I gained at this conference! I recommend this to all involved in the special events industry. (Robyn McPherson, Owner, A Sophisticated Affair, LLC)

This was my first time attending and I learned so much. I would have liked to attend more workshops in their entirety. Just too many to choose from that had my interest. (No contact information provided)

This was my first TSE show, I love the exhibit floor. My main goal was to take in as many seminars as possible, which I did. I got a lot of great ideas, and met a lot wonderful people willing to exchange ideas. (No contact information provided)

TSE 2008 exceeded my expectations a young event professional. The ideas flowing out of the Exhibit Hall were exhilarating, simply a must see for every attendant. (Donnette Spence, Client Services Coordinator, Main Event Entertainment Group)

TSE 2008 was a great experience. I came back refreshed, motivated and with great new ideas. I am excited to see what TSE 2009 will bring! (Shelly Beachler, Communications Assistant, University of Nebraska)

TSE 2008 was an incredible opportunity for me to attend as a new special event producer. The sessions were unbelievably informative, well organized, and exciting. I would recommend this conference to everyone in the event industry. (Angela Seits, Cultural Affairs Supervisor, Willamalane Park & Recreation District)

TSE 2008 was one of the best things I have ever done for my career. The time spent and people met were so valuable. I went away refreshed and excited with tons of new ideas and concepts. I would recommend this show to anyone in the events industry....it is a must see! (Jessica Brummer, Special Events Coordinator, University of Nebraska Medical Center)

TSE 2008 was the first conference that my husband and I had the opportunity to attend since we started our business in 2004. It was great being amongst others in our industry that was equally enthused in what we do! The educational sessions touched based on every facet of our industry and the trade show displayed the best entertainment and hottest trends for 2008! (Leslie Minter, Owner/Catering Coordinator, Southern Hospitality Catering Services, LLC)

TSE always provides us with resources for new products and offerings for our clients. (Pamela Howatt, President, DiVine Event Productions)

TSE expanded my imagination. Helped me tap into areas that I never thought to explore. (Shilamida Kupershteyn , Event Planner, Extravagant Events, LLC)

TSE gives us planners the chance to see firsthand what our colleagues are doing, meet with potential suppliers, put a face to a name of existing ones, and for a change - be the guests of the party! (Cheryl-Jade Domingo, Director, Corporate Groups & Events, Conservus)

TSE is a great networking opportunity. You can meet new vendors and keep your company in mind with old vendors. (Katy Cobb, Planner - Consultant – Designer, Sashay Creative Events)

TSE is a must for anyone who wants to learn, discover and network. One week at TSE each year will provide you with cutting edge experience you will use the other 51 weeks of the year. (Steven Whyte, Director of University Events, University of the Pacific)

TSE is a one-stop shop! Where else can event professionals learn new techniques, see the latest and greatest products in the marketplace, reconnect with old friends and get the creative juices flowing again...all in three days. (Nona Janus, General Manager, Retail Operations, University of California, Riverside)

TSE is a worthwhile event because it really helped me continue to come up with new cutting edge ideas that I had not been familiar with. (No contact information provided)

TSE is an absolute must for any Wedding Planner who is looking for ideas and inspiration! (Holly Blackett, Weddings and Events Specialist, Zuriana's Elegant Occasions)

TSE is definitely worthwhile for industry people. It is networking with the world in your industry. (Gabrielle Mecca, General Manager, Edge Design Group)

TSE is important to me for Global Networking, attending the ISES meetings and the spectacular trade show. (Glen Lehman, Managing Director, Lehman & Associates, Sydnney, Australia)

TSE offers attendees the opportunity to grow thru educational enrichment. The trade show provides an insight into what types of new products and services those in the event industry can expect to see in the coming year, and a forum to offer feedback directly to vendors and providers on the types of items they would like to see more or less of in their respective product lines. The novel social events are a good opportunity to network with others in the industry from all over the world. (Lenny Talarico CSEP, Director of Events, MGM MIRAGE Events Las Vegas)

TSE was energizing and exposed me to ideas and products I've only heard of or seen in magazines. The energy surrounding the entire event was great fun and exhausting at the same time. (Amy Rubins, Owner, FetePerfection, LLC)

Very informational full of exciting new products. (No contact information provided)

Very much enjoyed the location and vendors. Everyone was so kind a helpful in the show.Loved the popcorn and crazy hat thing going on - nice details and ideas to take back in the tabletop design as well. (Vicky Ismail, Coowner, Highgrove)

Very nice show, very well organized. (Maurice Cardillo, Owner, Casa D'Eramo Inc., Montreal)

We found a lot of fabric leads we don't have in Ontario, Canada that are affordable. We saw a lot of ideas to present to our clients. (No contact information provided)

We were very happy with the exhibit floor, found a lot of interesting and new vendors. (No contact information provided)

Wonderful experience! Met a lot of great people and it is nice to know even the experienced face a lot of the same challenges ones just getting established in the business do. (Shauna Davis, Owner, Designing Divaz)

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