Wednesday

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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 two 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 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, as well as other useful
  rental company ordering tips
• how to determine your event’s basic power needs

Event Branding – Beyond Logos & GobosTM        
Jack Weiner, Owner and Bonnie Bauman, Operations Manager
Kool. Event Furniture + Illuminated Décor, Phoenix, AZ

There once was a time when an event theme and a logo branded an event.  In today’s mobile and media driven society, event branding is ever evolving in ways never before imagined.  Join kool. as they take you beyond logos and gobos into the realm of event branding using an interactive presentation that will be not only thought provoking, but will give you a new perspective on branding events for your clients. You will learn:
• the difference between a brand and a logo
• the difference between branding an event versus branding at an event
• the difference between the ROO and ROI in event branding

The Power of Partnerships        
Bonnie Fedchock, CAE, Executive Director, NACE, Columbia MD
Michael Testagrossa, CPCE, CHE, Associate Director of Weddings and Events at RAVELLA, Henderson, NV

Today’s brides and grooms are bombarded with information! How are you differentiating yourself as the one they should hire? The key is to understand how catering and events intersect. By discovering the power of catering and events partnerships, you will elevate your status and increase the return on your marketing dollars. Join our panel of experts for the tips and techniques you need to be relevant in the wedding industry. You will learn:
• how to create a support network that will lead to increased revenue
• how to become a driving force in the wedding industry
• how to build loyalty that will create lifetime clients

3:45pm — 4:45pm

4 Keys to a Successful Negotiation
Lisa Gentilin, PhD, CMP, President, Fancy Shindigs, Inc., Castro Valley, CA

When negotiating with vendors and venues, are you getting what you need to meet the objectives of your specific group? This session will help you understand the value of your business and will help you to position yourself as a valuable customer. Find out how to identify your leverage points with vendors and venues, and achieve a successful negotiation using these four simple keys.  You will learn:
• four keys to successful negotiations
• the three stages of negotiating
• several tactics and avoidable mistakes

Events Risk Management
Bill Werner, Associate Professor, UNLV College of Hotel Administration, Las Vegas, NV
 
This seminar will review the fundamental concepts of risk assessment and control, provide up–to-date information about recent developments in events risk management, and briefly study two recent cases of risk management failures.  Attendees will learn the common methods of evaluating and managing common risks in the events industry and the most common risk management errors. You will learn:
• how to identify and assess the various risks associated with events management
• the most current risk issues facing the events industry
• a methodological approach to protecting a company from risk

Designing for Today’s Bride
Karen Tran, principle of Karen Tran Florals and Events, San Diego, CA
 
Brides today have many options.  They are inundated with magazines, ads and social media filled with the latest trends.   How can you stay ahead of today’s fashion forward and savvy brides?  Where can you get inspirations to apply to your current design?  Today’s modern brides are looking to wedding professionals for current trends.  Are you a trend setter?  In this session, learn what the client is searching for and how you can stay abreast in this fast-paced wedding market. You will learn:
• where to get inspirations  and apply it to your design
• how to keep one step ahead of your client
• how to be a trend setter not a trend follower
• what today’s brides are looking for
• how to appeal to today’s bride

5:00pm — 6:15pm

ES Closing Session with Colin Cowie

End a great week at our Closing Session. We’ll announce the winners of our Tabletop Contest, including the Tutera’s Pick award, and the Boxed Lunch and Buffet Contest winners. Event expert Colin Cowie will take the stage and share some final shots of inspiration from some of his own over-the-top events.
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