#TSE2016 – Part 1 of 3
Wow, another great year at 2016 The Special Event conference held in Orlando, Florida, January 12-14.

This year’s theme was “Enjoy the Journey, Arrive at Wow”. The conference was packed with Showcasing Events like the Opening Night Party, The Wedding Event, Search, Michael Cerbelli’s Hot List 2016, and the Gala Awards/Closing Night Celebration. Those were the fun events, then there were three days worth of classes that are always broken into beginner, intermediate, and advanced sections and seven categories to choose from; business professional development, catering, design, event management, event technology, sales & marketing and wedding. Exhibit floor is always a must to see what new products are available, and I love hitting the bookstore too.

I’m always asked by newbies how I choose which events and classes to go too. Each year I look at where I am professionally and determine what skills or elements of event planning I want and need to learn. I also, look at who is presenting when I choose classes and look for the ‘best of the best” professionals to learn from. I sat in on classes about mobile marketing, blogging, technology, trends, design, pricing, production management, and storytelling. I met with old friends while meeting new friends. I always latch on to the new event planner to guide them along as I remember one day I was a newbie too. This years bonus was being able to help package healthy meals that will be given to hungry children in central Florida, part of the Feeding Children Everywhere program.

You can view thousands of photos at #tse2016, let me know what your most favorite is and why.

Stay tuned next Friday for part #2, which we will talk about the 2016 event and wedding trends.