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The show floor sizzled with showgirls, stilt walkers, and other exciting performers provided by Forte Entertainment.
Inducted into BizBash’s first Florida Hall of Fame were Adrienne Arsht, philanthropist and business leader; Lee Schrager, vice president of corporate communications and national events, Southern Wine & Spirits of America; and Mona Meretsky, C.S.E.P., president of COMCOR Event and Meeting Productions and COMCOR Consulting Services.
Voted “Favorite Booth” by attendees, Pistils and Petals created a stunning table made of white carnations and full mums, and a towering floral centerpiece of dendroblum orchids.
Uplyte created illuminated trees as part of the stylish show floor from Room Service/AFR Furnishings.
announce speakers and updates to the schedule. E-vents Registration’s team sped attendees through the on-site registration process using a bar-code-scanning system with hardware and printers supplied by AV Rental Depot. Attendees received a bag with show materials and literature from Backdrops Beautiful. After enjoying a continental breakfast, nearly 400 planners attended the education sessions that started shortly after 8 a.m. Attendees participated in sessions that addressed top-of-mind topics including catering trends and mastering the art of great proposal writing, as well as strategies for survival and success in sessions featuring top event pros and female executives. AV equipment for the sessions was provided by AV Rental Depot, who also videotaped each session. Attendees gathered for the morning general session at 10:15 a.m., which opened with entertainment by Designs by Sean on the main stage. A performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” with
elaborate costumes captivated the audience, may of whom recorded it on their smartphones to remember for their own events. Everlast Productions handled stage production and technology on the main stage and teamed up with video media designers Glow Design Group to create a stunning, all-digital, visually pleasing set. So Cool Events provided the furnishings for the main stage, as well as the V.I.P. greenroom. With the entertainment complete, the official program began with the induction of BizBash Florida’s inaugural Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees were Adrienne Arsht, philanthropist and business leader; Mona Meretsky, CSEP, president of COMCOR Event and Meeting Productions and COMCOR Consulting Services; and Lee Schrager, vice president of corporate communications and national events at Southern Wine & Spirits of America. Each inductee was presented with an inscribed silver charger acknowledging their contributions to the Florida event industry.
Immediately following the induction ceremony, Colin Cowie, C.E.O. of Colin Cowie Lifestyle Event Design and Production, took the stage to speak about “The Importance of Customer Service and Bringing Greater Value to Today’s Events.” In this keynote presentation, sponsored by KARLA Conceptual Event Experiences, Cowie shared with the audience examples of his recent standout events and the core competencies that have helped him grow his business and become an industry star. With an emphasis on teamwork and communication, he also discussed how role reversal could be instrumental in helping planners truly provide the ultimate event experience for their clients. As the general session concluded, attendees exited the main stage and were greeted by a Chinese New Year celebration complete with dragons and performers provided by Forte Entertainment. This exciting welcome marked the opening of the expo floor at 11 a.m., where 100 exhibitors showcased their venues, products, and entertainment ideas.