1. A luxurious event table is set up in the heart of a bustling Istanbul market via Axel Burla.

2. A slide show of event design from the last 10 years of the mind bending Robin Hood Gala via BizBash New York.

3. Samsung uses a stunning 3D projection on a historic Dutch building.

In my last instalment of ‘Memories from Event Solutions Catersource 2010′, I thought I’d share some pictures from the Anthology party. I’ve been to my fair share of industry parties, but this one was full of so many great ideas. Enjoy the pictures!

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Will you be attending the Event Solutions Conference 2010 in Las Vegas, March 8-10th? If so, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. A birdie told me that there will be a Tweetup on Tuesday, March 9th @ 6:30pm at Bally’s Indigo Lounge.

What’s a tweetup, you say? Why only the most fantastic way to meet all of the people you’ve been developing relationships with online. It’s basically a meetup that’s planned from Twitter – and this one started with a tweet from Deb Roth of Pink Inc.

Many people attend conferences and tradeshows for the networking opportunities – a chance to meet new people and hopefully trade business cards. The mountain they climb is standing out from the throngs of other (just as worthy) people trying to do the same thing. The opportunity for those of us who have been conversing and adding value online is that we’re not ‘just another guy trying to sell me something’. We’re friends, thought leaders, change agents, mentors, proteges and everything in between. In other words we’ve had the opportunity to blast past the awkward introductions and are already on our way to building great relationships. This tweetup will finally give us the chance to meet face-to-face. If history dictates future, there’ll be a lot of business card trading going on.

Even if you haven’t been networking online, I encourage you to come out to the tweetup to meet a great group of professionals and industry leaders. Grab a name tag and tell us how we can help you get started in social networking. You may just find yourself rushing back to your hotel room to start up a Twitter account.

I really hope to see you there. Feel free to email me (see the Contact page) and let me know you’ll be coming so I can look out for you. Tweet you later!

Do you love food? Check √

Do you adore events? Check √

Do you love to share your opinion? Check √

Do you own a suit or gown? Check √

Do you have a vlog, blog and/or twitter account? Check √

If you said yes, yes, yes, yes and yes, you may qualify win 1 of 4 free tickets to the Event Solutions / Catersource Spotlight Awards Celebration in Las Vegas. This event is being produced by the totally fantastic Ryan Hanson of Beevents (so you know it’s going to be great). The Beevents and Event Solutions teams get the power of social media and would like to extend the gala experience beyond the ballroom. Ticket recipients will get ‘behind the scenes’ access and some trade secrets along the way!

Go to Beevents’ blog for instructions on how to enter. But don’t delay, these are sure to go fast!

I just came across a post from Debra Roth of Pink Inc (aka @PinkDeb) on Facebook and thought it was important to share. In her post, which you can read below, she expresses some concerns about the state of the economy and its impact on trade conferences as well as the the production (or in this case, limited production) of new ideas, products and relevant education.

I too attended The Special Event Show in New Orleans and was saddened to see far fewer people than in years past. Even more shocking was a Gala Awards auditorium, filled with chairs – more than half of them empty. Shock and sadness because the show has always been something I look forward to – to connect with friends, new and old…to taste, see and touch the hottest new products to hit the industry, to learn from the best minds in our industry and to be inspired by the great projects and feats undertaken by amazing event professionals from around the world.

So, yes, I agree with Deb’s sentiments and felt the same pain. But all too often, we end it there. What I love about Deb’s post is that she’s asked us to all reflect on what WE can do to change the situation. After all, aren’t we magicians (who can make anything happen), creators (who think beyond convention) and survivors (who can defeat any challenge)? My contribution is leveraging social media to help spread the word about why face-to-face events are so very important. I’m hoping that this post inspired other people to ask the same question (as Deb’s did for me). So, what will YOU do?

Since 1994 I have been regularly involved in TSE – The Special Event – a trade show and conference for the Special Event industry. This year reminded me of many years ago – when all of the cool new innovations – had not yet been discovered – before when our industry was very young and we had not yet set the bar, let alone innovate.

The state of the industry has left us all holding on tight to our little spot. With trade shows being expensive, it doesn’t’ allow us to send and spend like we did just a few short years ago.

Although all of our attitudes are great and we networked up and down the yin-yang there was a sense of missing….numbers of people, new ideas and products and not a real focus on addressing the idea that our industry is in real trouble.

One of my take aways is HOW CAN I HELP? Give me the data and statistics to talk about this fact – what can I do? What can you do?

Am I alone in this feeling?”

Update: I think this post from Seth Godin does a wonderful job of summarizing how we need to shift our thinking and go beyond simply being average and status quo.

We’ve all been there. You’ve slaved away on a project…giving up your weekends and a bit of sanity. The project is a huge success and as a thank you, your boss hands you an envelope. You unwrap it with shaking hands, eagerly anticipating the treat that will be hidden within the folds of your thank you letter. Wait for it…wait for it… A flower of the month card? But I’m allergic to flowers! Getting a thank you gift for a client, supplier, boss or employee can be tough – especially when you don’t know their likes and dislikes.

Aubrey Blankenship of Event Solutions interviewed me a few months back to ask how Etsy can make an impact in the events world. “Oooh, ooh – where do I begin…”. I gushed about Etsy. It was embarrassing, really. I mean, Etsy has pretty much satiated my appetite for all things unique and handmade and brought the joy of late night shopping to the comfort of my home.

For my wedding, my birdcage veil and reception flower were made by myrakim, my ring bowls by palomasnest, and my bridesmaids clutches by janinekingdesign.

Since my big day I have been guiltily lurking on this site for…well…anything and everything. Here are just a few of my favorite ‘eventy’ things:

Cute as cute can be! Check out this adorable baby shower centerpieces by SugarPlumBabyBoutiqu is just $29!!

This shabby chic wreath by VictorianPetals is a mere $10!

Goodness me. Just look at this pretty sugar and creamer set by justmare for $45.

Good enough to eat, these decadent chocolate cake SOAPS by morganstreet are a mouth watering $5.50.

100% recycled kraft gift tags by EarnstandThistle – $4.25 for a set of 5.

Gorgeous paper fancy (worn on a lapel, a purse, a bouquet) by lalalaurie for $25.

Felt acorn ribbons – think napkin holders, present wrapping, wine bottle bows – by truLuxe. Set of 2 is $8.25.

Chalk cloth centerpiece by modernjune for just $7. Wouldn’t this be great on a buffet table to describe meal selections?