Discover new trends in the

The sessions in the Design Track will help you discover new ideas, tips and tricks to create decadent events for all budgets. Identify new trends and learn techniques from top industry professionals that you can implement in your designs to inspire creativity and excite your clients all year long.

This track represents only a portion of the 100+ sessions, demos, events and activities that are part of the 2013 Conference & Tradeshow. Attend any variety of sessions or events to create a custom educational program that's right for you.

Sunday

10:30am - 11:45am
Pop Culture & Events: Trends, Topics & Truths
Milena Santoro, CMM, CMP, PIDP, President & CEO, MS Productions, Edmonton, Alberta

This session will engage you with industry secrets of success and what is to come in 2013. Find out what’s in, what’s not, must haves and
the “ins and outs” of our industry and how to succeed in local, national and international markets. You will learn::
•    2013 trends in our global industry
•    The 10 “must-haves” at your events
•    Truths of our industry and how to plan for your success

Monday

9:00am - 10:30am
Amazing Centerpieces
Bisli Vazquez, Owner, Bisli Event Services, San Antonio, TX   

Here is everything you need to know to create stunning centerpieces. Some of the topics covered are securing the elements for safety, choosing materials including flowers and non-floral items, and how to apply the finishing touches. Participants will watch as a grand sweetheart table and two guest tables take shape, and will join in with finishing touches. You will learn:

•    How to use the right mechanics to hold the centerpieces in place
•    How to secure the flowers and vase using hardware store items
•    How to finish the centerpiece using non-floral items

3:45pm - 5:00pm
Transforming Classic Design into Contemporary Soul
Evan Carbotti, Partner; Jordan Carbotti, Partner, Perfect Surroundings, Newport, RI

As event professionals, our job is not simply to invent completely new concepts or ‘be the first,’ but to rework and personalize existing design concepts and principles. We are all part of one enormous circle of ideas.  As the event landscape evolves and new products and resources become available, it’s increasingly important to understand how to integrate classic design elements and textures with sleek, crisp contemporary style and soul. Discover how eclectic design solutions are becoming solutions for floral, table design and events as a whole, and uncover some of the many avenues for creative ideas, inspiration and progression. You will learn:

•    How the Perfect Surroundings team draws inspiration from people, places and things
•    How the team transformed unique event venues and spaces with numerous before and after photos
•    How to reuse design elements in new and exciting ways

Tuesday

8:00am - 9:00am
Edit and Innovate: A New Perspective on Floral & Event Design
Eddie Zaratsian, Creative Director, Eddie Zaratsian Custom Florals and Lifestyles, West Hollywood, CA

Get insight into the creation of the many architectural designs seen in the artistry of one of Los Angeles’ most celebrated floral designers. Eddie Zaratsian’s unique perspective has been culled from an 18-month relationship with Restoration Hardware’s design team and the concept of  “subtraction” versus “addition.” He will share his extensive knowledge of unique and seldom used floral and fauna while creating several signature designs and architectural creations. You will learn:
•    Insight into the creative process—is less more?
•    Skills needed to edit a design—less is more!
•    How to select unique flowers and greens for a fresh unique style
•    Design tips and tricks
•    How to care for and handle unique floral and fauna
•    How to create a buzz during your event installations using Instagram

9:15am - 10:30am
Bring Bling to Your Events—on a Budget
Lisa Gentilin, PhD, CMP, President, Fancy Shindigs, Inc., Castro Valley, CA

This course will bring out your inner inventive designer and get your creative juices flowing! This demonstration will show you how to use a variety of inexpensive items to put some bling in your events without breaking the bank. You will learn:

•    Simple, low-cost ways to decorate your special events
•    Multiple resources for budget-friendly decor
•    Budget-friendly ways to make your special events fun and memorable

10:45am - Noon

Event Alchemy: Turning Intangible Concepts Into Real Design
David Merrell, President /Creative Director, AOO Events, Inc., Los Angeles, CA

From the moment we meet with clients, the sales process begins—but what are we really selling? We say it’s an event, but until it actually happens we are selling the invisible. Along the way both inspiration and strategy will be used to create the best event possible. In this seminar, we’ll break down this process further in order to make the intangible tangible. Discover how to manage the sale, the follow up, the team, the proposal and what happens on-site in ways that make your business stronger and more profitable while making the client happier and more likely to do repeat business. Get tips on selling customer service and adding value to the event, your business and the event’s bottom line. Pitches, angles, presentations… it’s all invisible, but this session promises to reveal the secrets behind successful sales and concrete event design. You will learn:

•    How to sell the invisible—emotion, hopes and dreams—through service, design and old-fashioned sales acumen
•    Valuable tips that will help you angle a pitch, manage a design meeting and build the best team for the event
•    Presentation and proposal ideas that work

Wednesday

2:30pm - 3:30pm
Secrets from the Queens of Tent Décor
Kelli DuBeau & Casey DeLeone, Exquisite Events, Narragansett RI
David Price, Rentals Unlimited, Newport, RI

Join the ‘queens’ of tent décor as they share their secrets with time -lapse videos, before and after images and on-the-spot design solutions. Watch as they compete in a battle royal to transform several small tents into palaces. At the end of the session, both tents will be revealed and you will choose your favorite design. You will learn:

•    How to lay out a tented floor plan with easy to remember spacing tips to make you look like a pro
•    Basic fabric draping techniques and time saving tips for transforming spaces on the fly
•    How to determine linen sizes needed for every size table along with other useful rental company ordering tips
•    How to determine your event’s basic power needs

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