The President's Report on Eventworld 2011

Explore, Innovate, Celebrate – ISES Eventworld 2011

The International Special Events Society hosted their annual Eventworld conference at the St. Louis Marriott Union Station August 4 – 6. The conference brought approximately 400 special event professionals from across the world to St. Louis for ISES leadership training, continuing education and networking opportunities.

The conference kicked off Wednesday evening with a leadership reception in the hotel’s Grand Hall for approximately 150 ISES chapter and international leaders. Thursday morning opened with a high energy performance of the 3 Painters which led into the first general session presented by Don Neal, president of 360 Live Media. Breakout education sessions, bootcamp for emerging professionals and a general session present by Angie Smith of InXpo completed the afternoon. That evening attendees got a chance to really explore at the Welcome Event at City Museum which featured transportation sponsored by Destination St. Louis as well as cuisine from Russo’s Gourmet Catering, Orlando’s Catering, Callier’s Catering, Something Elegant Catering and The Pasta House Catering, specialty linen by Connie Duglin and rentals by Premier Party Rentals. The unique sounds of DJ Nune got the party going and St. Louis Audio Visual helped illuminate Architecture Hall. After the evening events attendees came back to the hotel for an after party in the ISES Connections Lounge featuring a DJ sponsored by Millennium Productions, lounge furniture and ongoing camaraderie. Friday morning kicked off with the Annual General Meeting in which the new Board of Governs was installed and the Spirit of Excellence (SOE) Awards presented. Congrats to the St. Louis Chapter who received an honorable mention for their Education and Programs. Following the SOE Awards were additional concurrent education sessions and the last general session presented by David Rich of George P. Johnson. Friday night was an open evening for guests to explore St. Louis or attend the SEARCH Foundation event held in conjunction with Eventworld, see event description below. Education continued Saturday, with the conference culmination that evening at the Esprit Awards. This elegant event, which sparkled the new BBJ Linen chargers, featured an exciting open act by the theatrical acappella group Vox Audio, unique contemporary harpist Rizpah and the dance grooves of Rhythm City Rival. Congratulations to all of the Esprit winners! Be sure to visit www.ises.com to view photos from the official Eventworld conference photographer Pam Bredenkamp of Signature Studios and soon to be released recap video from conference videographer Jeff Hill of Westview Media.