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Best of 2014: The Year in Review

A look at the highlights—and some lowlights—in the event industry.

December 15, 2014

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Photos (clockwise, from top left): Courtesy of Marriott Hotels (Oculus Rift), Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images For Nickelodeon (Kids Choice Sports Awards), Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Three Lions Entertainment (Fashion Rocks), Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash (ACL Golden Porta Potty), Kim Tyler (Revel)

It was the year of the Oscars selfie, global sports fever at the Sochi Winter Olympics and the World Cup, and attention-grabbing stunts like holding a product launch in space. Here’s a review of the year in events and meetings.

Social Media Moments

Advancements in Technology

Venue Shake-Ups

Sponsorship Highs and Lows

Attention-Grabbing Stunts

The Hall of Shame

'Tap into travel,' Borunda advises of hosting inside an airplane hangar. 'Hosting an event at a hangar opens doors to many fun themes. Lean into the obvious aviation or travel themes, and decorate with planes and helicopters. Other fun themes can be ‘launch’ parties; milestones ‘reaching new heights’; or anything that can be a fun play on words in relation to planes, helicopters, or the hangar.'

Tips for Hosting an Event Inside an Airplane Hangar—Where Not Even the Sky Is the Limit

The one-night-only Las Olas Wine & Food Festival Tasting Pavilion took over five city blocks and several side streets. A production management team of 40, along with various activation partners who brought the sponsorships and experiences to life, were given just 24 hours by the City of Fort Lauderdale to build, execute, and break down the festival.

How to Shut Down a Major City Strip for a Single-Day Food and Wine Fest

Mardis Gras 2024 Sustainability Efforts

Q&A: Inside the Record-Breaking Sustainability Efforts at This Year's Mardi Gras

Tips for Repurposing Event Content

9 Tips for Effectively Repurposing Event Content

Tips for Hosting an Event Inside an Airplane Hangar—Where Not Even the Sky Is the Limit

Take insights and inspiration from the grand opening of The Executive Hangar, a new venue in Fullerton, Calif.

'Tap into travel,' Borunda advises of hosting inside an airplane hangar. 'Hosting an event at a hangar opens doors to many fun themes. Lean into the obvious aviation or travel themes, and decorate with planes and helicopters. Other fun themes can be ‘launch’ parties; milestones ‘reaching new heights’; or anything that can be a fun play on words in relation to planes, helicopters, or the hangar.'

How to Shut Down a Major City Strip for a Single-Day Food and Wine Fest

We spoke with the production team behind the Las Olas Wine & Food Festival to talk strategy—along with all the food, beverage, and activation highlights.

The one-night-only Las Olas Wine & Food Festival Tasting Pavilion took over five city blocks and several side streets. A production management team of 40, along with various activation partners who brought the sponsorships and experiences to life, were given just 24 hours by the City of Fort Lauderdale to build, execute, and break down the festival.

Q&A: Inside the Record-Breaking Sustainability Efforts at This Year's Mardi Gras

Through its new Recycle Dat! initiative, New Orleans managed to divert over 10 tons of waste from landfills during last month's citywide celebration.

Mardis Gras 2024 Sustainability Efforts

9 Tips for Effectively Repurposing Event Content

Events and conferences can be a treasure trove of content that, if used wisely, can keep your audience engaged all year. Here's how to repurpose content effectively.

Tips for Repurposing Event Content

10 Tips on How to Optimize a Private Dining Room for Events

From Miami to San Diego, we spoke with 10 event professionals about what to look for in a private dining room when planning your next event.

At Twenty-Eight Atlantic at Wequasset Resort & Golf Club on Cape Cod, the private dining room's focal points are its floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views of Pleasant Bay.

9 Ways to Minimize Travel-Related Delays to Your Event

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 20.8% of flights have been delayed so far in 2023. Here's how to keep unexpected travel woes from ruining your event.

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Smooth Moves: How to Create Engaging Transition Moments at Events

Robin Hood's 2024 Benefit Gala Enters 'The Matrix'—with No Glitches but Plenty of Glamour

The Unexpected Places Top Designers Have Found Event Inspiration

6 Emerging Hotel Trends for 2024

See the Fun, Playful Elements From Public Art Fund’s 2024 Party

Behind the Build of the Record-Breaking 2024 Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix

9 Must-Read Tips for Working with Event Photographers

Three experienced event photographers share the best way to get the exact shots you want.

Tips for Working With Event Photographers

6 Lessons in Outdoor Hospitality From an Ultra-Luxe Glamping Site

Steal these tips to elevate any alfresco gathering, retreat, or off-site meeting.

After checking into Under Canvas Acadia, guests can opt to watch a demonstration of how to work the wood-burning stoves found in each tent.

3 Tips for Integrating Causes Into Events—Even at the Last Minute

After a tragedy like the Maui wildfires, many event hosts are eager to help. Experiential expert Kelly Markus shares how to do it effectively and authentically.

Tips for Integrating Causes Into Events

The New Rules for Turning Event Attendees Into Brand Advocates

Step aside, social media. Amy Blackman, a strategic partner for Spiro, shares the academic framework she's using to drive year-round event participation and engagement.

How This Events Team Dealt with Extreme Weather During a Gala

A thunderstorm and tornado warnings meant the planners at Lincoln Park Zoo needed a backup plan.

Inspired by the zoo’s giraffe inhabitants, the ball’s theme was “Reaching New Heights.” Inside the dinner tent, decor from Vince Hart Designs was meant to evoke a sunset in the Serengeti, where giraffes roam freely.

8 Tips for Using Inclusive Language at Events

Words matter. Here's how event professionals and speakers can use more inclusive language in their marketing materials, programming, and other event communications.

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