The Special Event 2008

I had the honor last month of speaking with my colleague, Frank Andonoplas of Frank Event Design, at The Special Event 2008 conference. The conference, produced by The Special Events magazine and The International Society of Event Specialists was held in Atlanta, GA. This conference is attended by event specialists from all over the world! I attended one class that was sponsored by the Flower Council of Holland, the instructors were all from Holland, and spoke in heavy but charming dutch accents! They brought a european esthetic to their floral designs that I found very inspiring. The buzz on color trends for the coming year were combining black and white with yellow, metallics in bronze and copper (gold and silver have become a bit passe) and blues, specifically cerulean blue. On the trade show floor, I saw use of crystal in many applications. From diamond shaped acrylic or glass pieces used scattered on tabletops to chandelier beaded 'curtains' that can be hung vertically or hung from tent ceilings to mimic the elegant drape of the tent liner. The linen companies have taken their traditional damask, and done it in new funky color combinations, such as Fuschia/Tangerine or Aqua/Violet. Taffeta has also emerged with a 'crinkled' texture that is just beautiful. Chivari chairs are now available in clear acrylic, an alternative to using the clear acrylic Ghost Chair, which does not have the formal feel that the chivari has.

Below are a few photos of myself and Frank, one beside the signage for our class, the other at the speakers podium.