THE PREMISE
On Wednesday August 23rd, a large group of planners and suppliers gathered for a different kind of educational event. The premise of the event was that meeting planners and event producers invest months preparing for a major event and yet what they do in the final weeks can be crucial to the quality, cost and success of the event.
EXPERT SPEAKERS (L to R)
Steve Halling—AVFX, Inc
Tim Seeberg—BG Events and Catering
Ken Barrett—BG Events and Catering
Michelle Johnson—Anchor Group
INTERACTIVE MEETING
There were three separate stages with audiences designated by color-coded badges. The experts each spoke for 20 minutes and then rotated to the next stage directed by Mark Bice (Ringmaster). Mark was dressed for the part complete with top hat and red jacket with tails straight from the center ring of the circus.
The experts spoke to their three audiences about the challenges they’ve faced in the last 30 days before large events. Think of it as concurrent TED Talks where the audience got to participate by contributing their own stories, questions and comments.
The AVFX event space was set up for their Annual Event Technology Showcase and provided a unique backdrop for the program.
KILLER RECEPTION
Steve Halling (President, AVFX) kicked off the reception with an immersive concert video experience showing on 18 screens arranged throughout the event space.
The event ended with time to share stories with colleagues surrounded by live event technology, screens, and displays. Guests got to experience what’s new and exciting in live event technology integrated with great food & drink from BG Events and Catering.
THE TAKEAWAY
Attendees got to share and learn from experienced event professionals and their peers. They focused on anticipating and reacting to last minute changes in order to create a successful event. They left the event with valuable lessons and best practices for their next major event.
THANK YOU
MPI New England thanks co-chairs Cecil Dorman (AVFX) and Nancy D’ Ercole (Bright Horizons) for the planning that led to a successful event. food & beverage was provided by BG Events and Catering and furniture was provided by Party Rental Limited. The venue sponsor was AVFX. Photography by David Fox Photographer.