BIZBASH EXPO DEBUTS IN FLORIDA

BizBash, today’s leading authority on the events industry, introduces its first-ever BizBash Expo in Florida, taking place on Wednesday, April 28 at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, starting at 7:30 a.m.
 
The day-long inaugural BizBash Florida Expo will bring together the state’s largest gathering of event and meeting professionals under one roof and feature some of today’s most acclaimed pioneers in production, design, catering, hospitality and lifestyle.  This signature event presents an industry insider’s guide, showcasing the latest developments in technology, products and services along with the ideal networking environment for event aficionados or aspiring professionals to connect with thousands of
other experts in the field.
 
“We are thrilled to introduce our inaugural BizBash Florida Expo to a market that proves to be one of the most emerging and inspiring in the corporate events industry today,” said David Adler, founder and C.E.O. of BizBash Media. “With more than 6,000 professionals attending our shows each year, we’re continuing to create a one-stop industry marketplace that will ultimately help build business in the region.  As the economy starts to recover, now is the perfect time to bring more event business and commerce to Florida.”
 
Up to 1,000 people are expected to register for BizBash Florida Expo that will feature over 115 exhibitors to inspire, educate and entertain.  The show floor will bring fresh ideas, local to the sunshine state, as well as access to special guest appearances by experts in the event and corporate planning industry, demonstrating innovative ways to plan and execute stylish and successful events.
 
Sponsored by KARLA Conceptual Event Experiences, renowned lifestyle and design expert, Colin Cowie, will deliver a morning keynote presentation on the importance of customer service and
bringing greater value to today’s events. As an authority on living with style and author of eight books, Cowie is widely known for throwing the most spectacular celebrations across the globe and has planned events for clients, including Oprah, Jennifer Lopez, Tom Cruise, and the grand opening celebrations of Atlantis Hotels in Paradise Island, Bahamas and Palm Island, Dubai.
 
Chad Kaydo, editor in chief of BizBash, will host the afternoon keynote session, with a special guest presentation by the infamous event planner and creative visionary, Bruce Sutka of Sutka Productions International, Inc., who will discuss the latest trends in today’s event landscape. Over the past thirty-five years Sutka has developed his own renderings into scores of memorable events and design productions for events throughout the world. Sutka is especially partial to the outdoor South Florida lifestyle.

As a highlight to the morning session, Richard Aaron, President of BizBash Media, will present the 2010 BizBash Hall of Fame Inductees.  The BizBash Hall of Fame celebrates professionals who have made major contributions to the events industry’s growth through their vision and leadership.  This year’s inductees are Adrienne Arsht, Mona Meretsky, and Lee Brian Schrager.  
 
Arsht, former chairman of TotalBank of Miami, donated $30 million in 2009 to save Miami’s performing arts center, which was then renamed the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County and regularly hosts corporate and nonprofit events in addition to its scheduled performances. She has since continued donating to local and national nonprofit organizations like Amigos for Kids and Best Buddies International.
 
Meretsky is the president of Fort Lauderdale-based COMCOR Event and Meeting Production Inc. and COMCOR Consulting Services and was a founding member of the International Special Event Society and co-founder and first president of its South Florida/Caribbean chapter. Throughout her 37-year career she has coordinated trade shows, conferences, and special events for companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Hyundai, and the National Hockey League.
 
Schrager serves as vice president of corporate communications and national events for Southern Wine and Spirits of America. Schrager created the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, which takes place  every February, and launched the New York City Wine and Food Festival in 2008.  His first book is due out in November 2010.

“Our Keynote Presenters and 2010 BizBash Hall of Fame Inductees have all been chosen for their industry leadership and as individual pioneers in their own field,” said Richard Aaron, President of      BizBash Media. “We are excited to be able to provide our audience with direct access to each of these highly acclaimed experts.”

The schedule of activity on Wednesday, April 28 is as follows.

7:30 a.m. – Continental Breakfast & Event Registration                                                                                                     
8:15 a.m. – Demystifying RFI’s, RFP’s, and the proposal to Win Business                                                                                                  
                – Getting Ahead in Business:  Straight Talk from Top Female Executives                                                             
9:15 a.m. – Catering Trends:  A Comprehensive View of Current Trends in the Event Industry                                                           
                – Don’t Let This Happen To You: War Stories from Event Veterans                                                                                         
10:15 a.m. – Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony                                                                                                                
10:40 a.m. – Morning Keynote Presentation: ‘The Importance of Customer Service & Bringing Greater Value to Events’  
11:00 a.m. – Trade Show Floor Opens                                                                                                                             
12:00 p.m. – Brand Me Luncheon – Your Tool Kit for Branding Success                                                                                 
1:15 p.m. – Invitation Trends: Affordable Luxury in 2010                                                                                                          
2:00 p.m. – Million Dollar Menus….On A Budget                                                                                                                    
2:30 p.m. – Afternoon Keynote Presentation:  ‘The Latest Trends In The Changing Events Landscape’                         
3:40 p.m. – Entertainment Booking Tips & Caveats                                                                                                           
4:00 p.m. – Industry Mash-up                                                                                                                                            
5:00 p.m. – Cocktail Reception
          
In the last hour before the tradeshow closes for the day, an “Industry Mash-up,” attended by members of the various trade associations will take place and will lead into the evening cocktail reception.

BizBash expos are industry must-attend events in New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The BizBash Florida Expo will be an opportunity for all industry professionals to celebrate events and gain further insight and knowledge during a full day of exhibits, education and entertainment.  A one-day show pass starts at $65 with pre-registration.  A conference pass, for those who pre-register, starts at $120, and includes access to all education sessions, the luncheon, trade show floor, general session, on-floor entertainment, mini-sessions and cocktail reception. For further information on  registration and for a full online schedule, visit www.bizbashfloridaexpo.com <http://www.bizbashfloridaexpo.com>
 

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