Top 5 Reg Desk Taboos
May 9, 2012
Inappropriate / low cut necklines. Women, the minute you lean over in front of someone to pull their name badge, you’ll know why. Eating. Yes, we know you are SO busy, it’s difficult to take even a few minutes to step away for a meal. Find the time. Eating at the desk looks unprofessional and…
The Food Truck Transformation
March 5, 2012
For years, food trucks have been a common sight on the streets of New York and Los Angeles. These go-to spots have been staples for the on-the-go eater who needed a quick and affordable lunch option. But times have changed and so has the food truck. Gone are the days of the lonely hot dog…
On (Hopefully!) Becoming a CMP
March 19, 2012
CMP Journal Part 1 For years I have had it in the back of my mind that I should become a CMP. It is something I really want to do, but I haven’t yet done it. I have just reached my 10thyear planning events at Special D Events and that milestone has prompted me to…
Remembering Whitney
February 15, 2012
For those of you not living on Earth, you may not have heard the music industry lost a member of their family this past weekend. The legendary Whitney Houston was found dead Saturday afternoon, the eve before the Grammy’s. I grieve the loss of Whitney much like that of Michael Jackson. They were the soundtrack…
Big Ideas and Dumplings
December 19, 2011
There is a line in the movie, Working Girl (a classic film by my standards) that reads” “If dumplings can be considered a big idea, I guess…” It’s a sarcastic response to the lead character’s suggestion that dumplings are a popular new appetizer according to W, a magazine she reads “because you never know where…
Cobo Hall Renovation Update
December 9, 2011
5/20/10- I attended a meeting today in which the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA) provided updates on the Cobo Hall renovation plan. The future looks bright! In addition to structural enhancements, it’s clear that a cultural change is in the air. The transition team is taking great care to build a facility that…
Changing Times
November 14, 2011
As we turn a corner heading towards Special D Events, Inc.’s 20 year anniversary I can’t help but feel nostalgic about all the changes we have seen in this industry and in our culture over the past two decades. Just thinking about the generations of change with regard to technology is mind boggling. Earlier this…
Meetings & Muffins
October 3, 2011
Last week, news broke out among major news sources about MuffinGate. If you haven’t heard, the word on the street is that the Justice Department had purchased $16 muffins at meetings during the last two administrations. Immediately after the information went public, the Hilton (accused of selling the $16 muffins) made a statement that the…
10 Quick Tips from HSMAI’s MEET National
September 16, 2011
Never leave your home or office without your business cards. Keep cards in your jacket, wallet and your car. F&B and AV are the first place attendees notice cutbacks. Look at ways to increase your income, decrease other expenses and make cuts to F&B and AV a last resort. Consider creating an online social community…
Ten Terrific Tradeshow Tips
August 26, 2011
Gather and bring “after hours” contact information for all your suppliers. Have a contingency budget. You never know when you may need last minute labor/supplies or need to replace items that were damaged in shipment. Bring a tool kit. Even when booth assets are labeled “no tools necessary”, you may need them anyway. Pack extra:…
Forging a Successful Client & Planner Relationship
July 18, 2011
Being an event planner takes someone who is able to face any challenge and succeed. You need to be organized and ready to tackle any obstacle in order to plan and execute a successful event. Sometimes no matter how prepared or organized you may be, if your client is not or vice versa, your event…
