Best Practices

October 19, 2014

'Into the Heart of Meetings: Basic Principles of Meeting Design' by Eric de Groot and Mike van der Vijver

"This provides a wonderful introduction to meeting design," says Adrian Segar of Vermont's Conferences That Work. "Unlike the many books on the profession that emphasize logistics, Eric and Mike's book delves into core questions about meeting design, such as uncovering desired outcomes, working with meeting owners, and what to do to create truly innovative meetings that deliver results. In addition, the wealth of real-life examples included make this a fascinating and thought-provoking read."

Photo: Courtesy of MindMeeting.org

'Who Moved My Cheese: An Amazing Way to Deal With Change In Your Work and In Your Life' by Spencer Johnson

Howard Givner, executive director of the Event Leadership Institute, says that this book is "broadly applicable, and short and easy to read. It provides a great parable for learning how to take curve balls in stride and not dwelling or complaining about what's happened to you. The proactive, 'let's move forward' approach is one that every planner should adopt, as things rarely go as planned in live events, and it's important to be able to roll with the punches. It helps you go into an event with the mindset that unexpected changes will happen, so when they do you're not thrown off guard."

Photo: Courtesy of G.P. Putnam's Sons

'Marketing Your Event Planning Business: A Creative Approach to Gaining the Competitive Edge' by Judy Allen

"I enjoyed reading this book by Judy Allen," says Eva Gouldbourne, a wedding and event planner at Chicago's Diamond Events. "This book has many specific examples of how to get the kind of business you want and avoid doing things that will make you stand out negatively."

Photo: Courtesy of John Wiley & Sons Canada Ltd

'Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking' by Susan Cain

A self-proclaimed introvert, Adam Sloyer is the managing director of New York's Sequence Events and president-elect of ISES New York's Metro Chapter. Of this Susan Cain book, he says: "I found this to be a fascinating read, regardless of whether you consider yourself to be an introvert or an extrovert—and after reading this, you may have a different opinion. Quiet dispels many of the standard biases against introverts and also showcases some of the competitive advantages. Yes, events is a 'people business,' but I found this book to reinforce how introverts can be just as successful."

Photo: Courtesy of Broadway Paperbacks

'Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business' by Danny Meyer

David Beahm of New York's David Beahm Design recommends Setting the Table by Danny Meyer. "I was having problems justifying one of my managers' style of management. He wasn't very nice and I didn't like it," Beahm says. "I found Mr. Meyer's concept of fear-based versus trust-based control very validating as to how I want to run my business. If you trust and empower people to do a good job, they will."

Photo: Courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers

'Corporate Excellence: How to Maximize Long-term Productivity & Profits by Aligning Purpose, Culture & People' by Jim Harris

France Langan, sales director of Chicago's Holiday Inn Mart Plaza, recommends checking out this title. "It's an easy read, designed for the busy executive," says Langan. "I think for me, it validated how I try to motivate and work. It also reminded me of how easy business can be if you focus on the individual goals at hand. And, get the right people involved to help. Never do it alone."

Photo: Courtesy of AGR Press

'The Wedding Book: The Big Book for Your Big Day' by Mindy Weiss

Susan Berg Gladstone, director of the Miami Wine and Food Festival, says: "I am not even a social event planner. But this book covers numerous crucial elements of event planning for any type of event."

Photo: Courtesy of Workman Publishing Company

'How To Think Like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Every Day' by Michael Gelb

Tahira Endean, the director of creative and production at Cantrav Services Inc. in Vancouver, says that all of Michael Gelb's books are must-reads, including this one about Leonardo da Vinci, which "includes a great story about catering in that century." Gelb, she says "truly is a Renaissance man, and I am always inspired by these books. I've read each more than once, and I've given them out to friends between 14 and 70 years of age. I consider these mandatory reading if you want to consider how to live and create better."

Photo: Courtesy of Dell

'Think and Grow Rich: Your Key to Financial Wealth and Power' by Napoleon Hill

Junou Bernadin, a projects administrator at Food for the Poor in Florida, says that this book by Napoleon Hill is a "must-read for any professional." The lessons it contains are more complex than the title suggests, she says, explaining that it covers the process of overcoming limitations and "striving for the very best. This is what all event planners do. We strive for the best the overall 'wow' factor."

Photo: Courtesy of Success Co.

'Rework' by Jason Fried and David Heinemeir Hansson

Kristen Kaza, principal at No Small Plans Productions in Chicago, says that this "is a brilliant book from Chicago's 37Signals that gave me the encouragement to start my own company. It has chapters like 'Meetings are Toxic,' 'Fire the Workaholics,' and 'Planning is Guessing.' It's a great, short read with messages that make sense and stick. Everyone should read it."

Photo: Courtesy of Crown Business

'The Wiley Event Management Series' Special Events: A New Generation and the Next Frontier' by Joe Goldblatt

Julie Ramirez, a production intern at Jonny Stax Presents in Chicago, recommends this title for her peers just getting started in the industry. "The author takes you step-by-step through every process of event managing," she says. "I found this book so helpful when I took my first classes for event management during college, and I still use it as reference from time to time."

Photo: Courtesy of Wiley

'The Accidental Creative: How to be Brilliant at a Moment's Notice' by Todd Henry

The book "provides guidance on how to make adjustments in your daily routines to facilitate and increase your creativity, which is a vital asset when your profession requires creativity on demand," says Christina Mihalek, corporate events and meeting planner at Western & Southern Financial Group in Cincinnati.

Photo: Courtesy of Portfolio Hardcover

'The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work' by Shawn Achor

"This book should be titled Want Your Staff to Make Better Impressions on Your Clients, and Get a Free 15% Productivity Boost?" says Jason Harmer, who works in sales and development at Vancouver's GetWorkers. "Even if your boss is only concerned with the bottom line, this will give you a compelling argument to improve the happiness of your support staff."

Photo: Courtesy of Crown Business

'Meeting Architecture, a Manifesto (Volume 1)' by Maarten Vanneste

"This is where meeting planning is headed, I believe," says Dan Cormany, a faculty member at Florida International University. "I use it in my graduate class on convention management.

Photo: Courtesy of Meeting Support Institute

'StrengthsFinder 2.0' by Tom Rath

Every staffer from Reiventing Events in San Francisco is required to read this book to learn more about teamwork. "It's so important to know each person's strengths when working together" to execute a flawless event, says a company rep.

Photo: Courtesy of Gallup Press

'Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity' by David Allen

Taylor McQuiston, the marketing manager at San Diego's Portable Bar Company, says that this book provides "the best organization and productivity system I've found to date."

Photo: Courtesy of Penguin Books

'Reflections of a Successful Wallflower: Lessons in Business; Lessons in Life' by Andrea Michaels

"You probably know who she is, but just in case, Michaels is a legendary event producer who's won too many awards to even start on, and she was the first inductee into the Event Industry Hall of Fame," says Sandy Allen, executive producer at the Water Coolers in New York. "Her book takes the tone of a tell-all and covers both personal and professional experiences and perspectives on the industry. I think it's a gem."

Photo: Courtesy of Outskirts Press

'The Discipline of Market Leaders: Choose Your Customers, Narrow Your Focus, Dominate Your Market' by Michael Treacy and Fred Wiersema

Sean Leo, the director of sales at Delicate Products in Los Angeles, says that this book "helped me understand how to focus my products and services to the event production community."

Photo: Courtesy of Basic Books

'Boring Meetings Suck: Get More Out of Your Meetings, Or Get Out of More Meetings' by Jon Petz

Rosemary Vaughan, senior national account manager at Event Technology Services in Ottawa, says that the lighthearted tome "is a very engaging book and reads like it preaches: not boring! It totally resonates with anyone who has ever attended a conference or meeting, and it is quite funny in places. It might compare to Diary of a Wimpy Kid and The Little Prince in writing and content style."

Photo: Courtesy of Wiley

'Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose' by Tony Hsieh

Guirlaine Belizaire, donor relations manager at Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding in New York, says that this book is a crash course in "hospitality at its finest."

Photo: Courtesy of Business Plus

1. Academy Awards

Los Angeles
#1 Award Show
The culmination of a growing award season, the 86-year-old show is still tops in prestige, glamor, fashion, and buzz. This year saw host Ellen DeGeneres set records for retweets after she posted a selfie with several A-list stars including Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and Lupita Nyong’o. Next: February 22, 2015

Photo: Aaron Poole/A.M.P.A.S.

2. Grammys

Los Angeles
#2 Award Show
The Recording Academy of Arts & Sciences’ Grammy awards, billed as “Music’s Biggest Night,” get praise for pairing musicians in unexpected collaborations. This year it went further when Queen Latifah officiated the marriage of 33 couples as Macklemore and Ryan Lewis performed “Same Love.” The ceremony was immediately followed by a performance by Madonna. Next: February 8, 2015

Photo: Kevin Winter/WireImage

3. Primetime Emmy Awards

Los Angeles
#3 Award Show (up from #4)
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ awards have become more competitive than ever as original programming options increase and more movie stars sign on for TV projects. Late Night’s Seth Meyers hosted the 66th annual edition of the awards, which was followed by the Governors Ball—billed as the largest formal dinner in the country—and network-hosted parties. Next: 2015

Photo: Invision for Television Academy/AP Images

4. Golden Globes

Los Angeles
#4 Award Show
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association hosts its annual awards with a dinner ceremony in the International Ballroom at the Beverly Hilton. The event—with its dinner setup and free-flowing alcohol—has a looser feel than the Oscars. Co-hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are set to return in 2015. Next: January 11, 2015

Photo: Courtesy of Hollywood Foreign Press Association

5. MTV Video Music Awards

Los Angeles
#5 Award Show
The celebration of music videos returned to Los Angeles after a one-year stint in Brooklyn. MTV continued to innovate the way it announces the nominees for the big event, this year using the social media app Snapchat. Next: Summer 2015

Photo: Getty Images

6. Time 100 Gala

New York
#6 Award Show
Power brokers and celebrities from the worlds of politics, media, entertainment, and science pay tribute to one another at the magazine’s flashy event. Seth Meyers hosted this year’s gathering at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Next: Spring 2015

Photo: Kevin Mazur

7. ESPN’S ESPY Awards

Los Angeles
#7 Award Show
The network’s award show, now in its 22nd year, attracts top athletes from major sports, honoring them in categories such as Best Championship Performance and Best Upset. Rapper Drake hosted the evening at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live this year. Next: Summer 2015

Photo: Joe Faraoni

8. N.A.A.C.P. Image Awards

Los Angeles
#8 Award Show (new to the list)
The civil rights organization’s event honors people of color in film, television, music, literature, and writing and directing, as well as people in creative fields who promote social justice. The N.A.A.C.P. marked its 45th show in 2014. Next: February 2015

Photo: Courtesy of N.A.A.C.P. Image Awards

1. White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner

Washington
#1 Political Event
The association marked its 100th anniversary in 2014. Its dinner is but one part of a weekend full of events from media brands that attract Hollywood and Washington celebrities. This year, comedian Joel McHale performed at the dinner with an opening set delivered by President Obama. Next: April 25, 2015

Photo: Max Taylor/Atlantic Media

2. Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting

New York
#2 Political Event
More than 180 heads of state and 20 Nobel Prize laureates have participated in former President Clinton's marquee event, which tackles the world's biggest challenges and secures commitments for global aid—about $103 billion to date. Next: September 21-24, 2014

Photo: Barbara Kinney/Clinton Global Initiative/CGI Annual Meeting 2013

3. National Rifle Association Annual Meeting & Exhibits

National
#3 Political Event
The divisive organization that promotes gun ownership rights is a popular stop for politicians—speakers this year included U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell and Marco Rubio—and draws huge crowds for its shooting and hunting show. This year’s official attendance of more than 75,000 was the second highest in the group's history. Next: April 10-12, 2015, Nashville

Photo: Courtesy of the National Rifle Association

4. State of the Union

Washington
#4 Political Event (up from #5)
The president lays out his policy agenda during the annual address to a joint session Congress. The event makes news not only for the speech's content, but also for the reaction of the crowd, the special guests seated with the first lady, and the response speech given by the opposing party. Next: January 2015

Photo: Pete Souza

5. Aspen Ideas Festival

Aspen, Colorado
#5 Political Event
The gathering of thought leaders celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2014. Hosted by the Aspen Institute, the event challenges the politicians, scientists, educators, and celebrities who speak to present a "big idea" in a short amount of time. About 3,000 people attend the event. Next: Summer 2015

Photo: Courtesy of Aspen Ideas Festival

6. American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference

Washington
#6 Political Event
The largest gathering of the pro-Israel movement draws some 14,000 attendees, including more than half of the U.S. Senate and one-third of the House of Representatives. Next: March 1-3, 2015

Photo: Fotobriceno/Hargrove

1. South Beach Wine & Food Festival

Miami
#1 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
The premier food festival crams more than 70 events into its four-day schedule. Sponsored by the Food Network and Food & Wine magazine, the event features celebrity chefs headlining dinners, demonstrations, concerts, and other gatherings. The 2014 festival saw $5.1 million in ticket sales and $4.3 million in sponsorship sales. Next: February 19-22, 2015

Photo: Elizabeth Renfrow for BizBash

2. James Beard Foundation Awards

Chicago
#2 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
The award ceremony honors the nation’s finest chefs, restaurants, and other culinary notables at a 2,000-person themed gala, which this year was “Sounds of the City.” After 24 years in New York, the ceremony announced plans to host the 2015 event in Chicago. Next: May 4, 2015

Photo: Kent Miller Studios

3. New York City Wine & Food Festival

New York
#3 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
More than 50,000 people gather for the event, which began seven years ago as a spin-off of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. More than 100 sponsors and partners work with the festival’s sponsorship team on customized activations and integrations throughout the weekend’s events. Next: October 16-19, 2014

Photo: BFA NYC

4. Vegas Uncork’d

Las Vegas
#4 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
As Las Vegas has taken off as a food destination, so has the chef-driven food festival from Bon Appétit. Headlining events over the weekend this year were chefs Nobu Matsuhisa, Thomas Keller, and François Payard. Next: May 2015

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna/erikkabik.com

5. Pillsbury Bake-Off

National
#5 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
For the first time a public vote will factor into the iconic culinary contest, which awards a $1 million grand prize to a home chef. This year marks the competition’s 47th edition. Next: November 3, 2014, Nashville

Photo: Courtesy of Pillsbury/General Mills

6. Tales of the Cocktail

New Orleans
#6 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
Bartenders and spirits professionals mix at the cocktail festival, which offers tastings and workshops, plus cocktail tours of its host city. The fest also presents the Spirited Awards, which recognize winners in categories such as American Bartender of the Year, World’s Best Cocktail Bar, and Best Cocktail Writing. Next: Summer 2015

Photo: Liz King

7. Food & Wine Classic

Aspen, Colorado
#7 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
About 5,000 people attend the culinary gathering in Colorado’s affluent mountain playground. Held during the same time is the American Express Restaurant Trade Program, an educational and networking event for hospitality professionals that marked its 25th year in 2014. Next: June 19-21, 2015

Photo: Allan Zepeda

1. Fashion Week

New York
#1 Fashion Industry Event
More than 100,000 industry insiders gather at Lincoln Center for eight days of runway shows from designers such as Naeem Khan, Carolina Herrera, and Betsey Johnson and flashy parties during the semiannual event. The event is produced by IMG Fashion, with Mercedes-Benz as the title sponsor. Next: February 5-12, 2015

Photo: Clint Spaulding/PatrickMcMullan.com

2. Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala

New York
#2 Fashion Industry Event
The red carpet for the event is one of fashion’s most prominent runways as socialites, celebrities, and models arrive in attire tied to the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition. Vogue editor Anna Wintour oversees the gala; this year the institute’s space was reopened as the Anna Wintour Costume Center. Next: Spring 2015

Photo: Courtesy of Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala

3. Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards

New York
#3 Fashion Industry Event (up from #4)
The fashion industry honors its own at the Swarovski-sponsored black-tie gala. Categories include designer of the year in womenswear, menswear, and accessories as well as a lifetime achievement award. Director John Waters hosted this year’s event, but singer Rihanna stole the headlines with a sheer gown. Next: Spring 2015

Photo: BFA NYC

4. Fashion Week Swim

Miami
#4 Fashion Industry Event (up from #5)
The Mercedes-Benz sponsored show marked its 10th anniversary this year as the largest fashion showcase dedicated to swimwear. Headquartered at the Raleigh hotel, the event includes runway shows, presentations, and unofficial parties, lounges, and brand activations. Next: July 2015

Photo: Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

1. South by Southwest

Austin, Texas
#1 Music Festival
While longtime fans have bemoaned the explosive growth of the festival—which also covers film and technology—the thousands of people who flock to the event have cemented its popularity. It’s also become an essential stop for brands such as American Express, Discovery Communications, and Absolut. Next: March 13-22, 2015

Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash

2. Electric Daisy Carnival

National
#2 Music Festival
The electronic dance music festival remains massively popular—a record 402,000 people attended its marquee weekend at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway this year—despite well-publicized incidents of drug abuse at the events. The show also takes place in New York and Orlando. Next: November 7-8, Orlando

Photo: Alex Perez

3. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

New Orleans
#3 Music Festival
The jazz festival is a true citywide event, with an array of headliners spread over two weekends of music. Around 435,000 people attended the 2014 festival, which featured performances from Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, Alabama Shakes, and more. Next: April 24-May 3, 2015

Photo: Douglas Mason

5. Lollapalooza

Chicago
#5 Music Festival
Eminem, Outkast, Lorde, and Kings of Leon headlined the 2014 music festival, which draws from alternative, indie, and hip-hop genres. The event, from C3 Presents, continues to innovate with its format, including the adoption of R.F.I.D.-enabled wristbands this year that allowed attendees to make cashless transactions for food, merchandise, and other goods. Next: July 31-August 2, 2015

Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash

6. Austin City Limits Music Festival

Austin, Texas
#6 Music Festival
An essential stop on the music festival circuit, the event draws headliners like Pearl Jam, Beck, St. Vincent, and Skrillex. In 2013, organizers made a successful transition to two weekends at its home in Zilker Park. Next: October 3-12, 2014

Photo: Dave Mead

7. Spoleto Festival USA

Charleston, South Carolina
#7 Music Festival (new to the list)
The performing arts festival, which focuses on opera, theater, dance, jazz, and classical music, is the American counterpart to the Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy. More than 70,000 people attend the festival, now entering its 39th year. Next: May 22-June 7, 2015

Photo: Julia Lynn Photography

8. Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

Manchester, Tennessee
#8 Music Festival
This year Elton John headlined the four-day festival held on a farm. Owned and produced by Superfly Presents, the festival attracts 80,000 people but reached new audiences by streaming performances and offering exclusive content through a partnership with Xbox. Next: June 2015

Photo: Adam Kane Macchia

9. Ultra Music Festival

Miami
#9 Music Festival
After experimenting with a two-weekend format, the electronic dance music festival returned to one weekend this year, drawing 165,000 people to see Hardwell, David Guetta, and Tiësto. A live stream of the event recorded 9.6 million views. The Ultra brand has expanded globally, with festivals in nine countries. Next: March 27-29, 2015

Photo: Courtesy of Ultra Music Festival

1. Art Basel Miami Beach

Miami
#1 Art & Design Event
The show of modern and contemporary art gathers tens of thousands of art collectors, artists, dealers, and curators to South Florida—as well as people looking to attend exclusive parties, brand activations, and media events that nearly eclipse the show itself. Next: December 4-7, 2014

Photo: Ian Witlen for BizBash

2. The Armory Show

New York
#2 Art & Design Event
The centerpiece of an entire Armory Arts Week featuring several contemporary and modern art fairs, New York’s largest art show drew 65,000 visitors this year. Next: March 5-8, 2015

Photo: John Berens Photography

3. NeoCon

Chicago
#3 Art & Design Event
North America’s largest exposition and conference for the commercial design industry draws some 40,000 international attendees. In 2014, the show expanded its award program as well as launched a new website and show app. Next: June 15-17, 2015

Photo: Courtesy of NeoCon

4. Diffa Dining by Design

National
#4 Art & Design Event
Creative table installations from top event designers delight guests in the six cities where Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS presents the program. This year’s New York event marked Diffa’s 30th anniversary. Next: September 18-20, 2014, Detroit

Photo: Gustavo Ponce for BizBash

1. Robin Hood Foundation Gala

New York
#1 Benefit
The event, which funds antipoverty initiatives in New York, raises the most money of any gala in the city. This year it raised $60 million at a celebrity-filled event that included appearances by comedians John Oliver and Jim Gaffigan, plus performances by Fun and headliner Bruno Mars, who was joined by Sting. Next: Spring 2015

Photo: Keith Sirchio for BizBash

2. Amfar Inspiration Galas

National
#2 Benefit (up from #4)
The Foundation for AIDS Research’s gala series celebrates men’s fashion and style at events across the globe. The one-night affairs—held in New York, São Paulo, and Los Angeles in 2014—have raised more than $16 million. Next: October 29, 2014, Los Angeles

Photo: Kevin Tachman/WireImage

3. Museum of Modern Art’s Party in the Garden

New York
#3 Benefit
The Museum of Modern Art’s spring benefit draws a glamorous crowd and this year raised $4 million. The 2014 honorees were actor Daniel Craig, director Steve McQueen, and museum trustee Maja Oeri. Singer Lykke Li performed at the after-party. Next: Spring 2015

Photo: Carolyn Curtis for BizBash

4. Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles Gala

Los Angeles
#4 Benefit (up from #5)
The museum’s annual gala celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2014 and also marked two other milestones: the appointment of a new director, Philippe Vergne, and a fund-raising effort that pushed its endowment to more than $100 million. Diana Ross performed for the 850 guests, and the evening raised $2.4 million. But as much as it’s known for being a reliably strong fund-raiser, guests have come to expect creative production that, appropriately for an institution with its mission, challenges and entertains its guests. “The unique part of the MoCA Gala is that the format changes every year depending on the artistic direction,” says Paula Morehouse, the museum’s development and special event manager. “On occasion, the creative lead is taken by an artist—for example Rob Pruitt in 2013, Marina Abramovic in 2011, and Doug Aitken in 2010—and other times the decor and concept is imagined by the event chairs and event producer.” The event also partners with what Morehouse calls “significant brands,” such as last year’s presenting sponsor Louis Vuitton. Another change over the years: Even as society seems to be moving in a more casual direction, the gala is not. Once requiring only cocktail attire, the event is now a black-tie affair. Next: Spring 2015

Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images for MOCA

5. Great Sports Legends Dinner

New York
#5 Benefit (new to the list)
Benefiting the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, the dinner is held annually at the Waldorf Astoria in New York and raised more than $6 million in 2013. Every year it promises an evening with the world’s most famous athletes, which have included Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Andre Agassi, and Wayne Gretzky. Next: September 29, 2014

Photo: Courtesy of Great Sports Legends Dinner

6. Naples Winter Wine Festival

Naples, Florida
#6 Benefit (new to the list)
Since 2001, the event has raised more than $123 million for the Naples Children & Education Foundation, including $13.3 million in 2014, which organizers believe makes it the most successful charity wine auction in the world. A highlight of the event is its vintner dinners, in which top chefs and vintners from across the country host small dinner parties in homes throughout the city. Next: January 23-25, 2015

Photo: Courtesy of Naples Winter Wine Festival

7. So the World May Hear Awards Gala

St. Paul, Minnesota
#7 Benefit
In 2014, the Starkey Hearing Foundation raised $8.7 million at its 14th annual benefit, which honored Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Forest Whitaker, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, Sandi Young, and representatives of the Parents Circle-Families Forum. The evening included entertainment from John Legend, Sammy Hagar, Rob Thomas, and Jessica Sanchez. Next: July 26, 2015

Photo: Diane Bondareff/Invision for Starkey Hearing Foundation/AP Images

8. Crystal Charity Ball

Dallas
#8 Benefit
The city’s premier benefit raised $5.1 million for children’s charities in 2013 and had a New York theme. Preceding the ball is the popular Best Dressed luncheon, with the 10 honorees modeling fashions from designer Nina Ricci at a sold-out luncheon sponsored by Neiman Marcus. Next: December 6, 2014

Photo: Dana Driensky

9. American Cancer Society Discovery Ball

Chicago
#9 Benefit
The ball raised a record amount this year—$3.3 million—with major companies such as Boeing, HP, and United buying tables and more aspects of the event underwritten by benefactors. Singer Keith Urban was the featured entertainer. Next: April 25, 2015

Photo: Adam Novak Photography

10. ForEverglades Benefit

Palm Beach, Florida
#10 Benefit (new to the list)
A staple on the Palm Beach social calendar, the Everglades Foundation’s annual benefit takes place at the Breakers and features A-list entertainment, like this year’s performers, Zac Brown Band. The event raised about $2 million. Next: February 14, 2015

Photo: Lucian Capehart Photography

1. North American International Auto Show

Detroit
#1 Trade Show
When the show debuted in 1989, no American auto show claimed to be an international event. So Detroit did, turning a regional show that had existed since 1907 into the attraction that it is today. The event truly has become international, drawing nearly 5,200 media outlets from 63 countries, and it gives the press much to write about: The show boasted 50 vehicle introductions this year and 60 introductions in 2013. It’s also a consumer draw, with a total ticketed attendance of more than 800,000. “There were naysayers who said, ‘That’s impossible. You’re never going to become that. It’s got to be Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York,’” says Rod Alberts, executive director of the show. “Now we’re number one.” For its 25th anniversary, Alberts says organizers played down the celebration, preferring to focus on the future rather than be nostalgic about the past. It honored a group of its founders from the Detroit Auto Dealers Association and then moved on with the show. Next: January 12-25, 2015

Photo: David Freers Photography, LLC

2. Magic Marketplace

Las Vegas
#2 Trade Show
With more than $200 million in orders each day, the semiannual fashion trade show is an essential stop for buyers and brands. About 80,000 people attended in 2014. Next: February 17-19, 2015

Photo: Courtesy of Magic Marketplace

3. National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show

Chicago
#3 Trade Show
The massive foodservice trade show at McCormick Place, which is co-located with the International Wine, Spirits, and Beer event, draws nearly 64,000 attendees. The show notched its third consecutive year of growth in 2014. Next: May 16-19, 2015

Photo: Oscar Einzig

4. High Point Market

High Point, North Carolina
#4 Trade Show (new to the list)
The largest furnishings industry trade show in the world draws more than 75,000 people every six months. The event is spread across 180 buildings and 11.5 million square feet of exhibit space. Next: October 18-23, 2014

Photo: Courtesy of High Point Market

5. Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market

Atlanta
#5 Trade Show
The wholesale marketplace for home, rug, gift, and apparel products includes 1,400 permanent showrooms and 2,500 temporary exhibits. More than 90,000 people attend each edition of the twice-yearly show, which is held at AmericasMart. Next: January 6-13, 2015

Photo: Courtesy of Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market

6. Arnold Sports Festival and Expo

Columbus, Ohio
#6 Trade Show
The former professional men’s bodybuilding competition founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger has grown into the world’s largest multi-sport fitness event, attracting some 175,000 people annually. In 2015, it debuts a kids’ fitness expo. Next: March 5-8, 2015

Photo: Courtesy of Arnold Sports Festival and Expo

7. International Manufacturing Technology Show

Chicago
#7 Trade Show
The country’s largest manufacturing technology show marks its 30th anniversary in 2014. Last year it drew more than 100,000 industry decision makers over the six-day show. Next: September 8-13, 2014

Photo: Oscar Einzig

8. SEMA Show

Las Vegas
#8 Trade Show
The automotive specialty products trade event draws 130,000 attendees and nearly 2,000 exhibitors to the Las Vegas Convention Center. Next: November 4-7, 2014

Photo: Courtesy of SEMA Show

9. Offshore Technology Conference

Houston
#9 Trade Show (new to the list)
About 75,000 attendees attended the show, which focuses on the development of offshore resources in the fields of drilling, exploration, production, and environmental protection. Next: May 4-7, 2015

Photo: Barchfeld Convention Photography

1. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

New York
#1 Festival, Parade & Holiday Event
People have been lining the streets of New York to watch the parade since 1924, when it was known as the Macy’s Christmas Parade and used animals from the Central Park Zoo rather than the larger-than-life balloons seen today. The parade has become an American institution, with more than 3.5 million people watching the parade in person and another 50 million tune in at home. “While many elements of the production have remained the same over the past eight decades, our goal has been to protect the integrity of the march, while also incorporating new elements and extending the life of this event beyond Thanksgiving Day,” says Amy Kule, the parade’s executive producer. Innovations include the Blue Sky Gallery series, in which artists such as Jeff Koons, Keith Haring, Takashi Murakami, and Tim Burton have created balloons for the parade, and promotions outside of New York that include in-store events, scavenger hunts, and special tours of parade memorabilia. The parade’s website and mobile app offer behind-the-scenes content, animated videos, and an Elf-o-Matic feature that allows fans to turn themselves into a parade balloon. Even the task of inflating the giant balloons the night before the parade has become a tradition—drawing more than a million spectators. Next: November 27, 2014

Photo: Courtesy of Macy's, Inc.

2. New Year’s Eve in Times Square

New York
#2 Festival, Parade & Holiday Event
More than a billion people ring in the New Year by watching the Waterford crystal ball drop in Times Square on television, while a million celebrate in person. Balloons, confetti, fireworks, and musical performances add to the hoopla. Next: December 31, 2014

Photo: Getty Images

3. Mardi Gras

New Orleans
#3 Festival, Parade & Holiday Event
No place does Fat Tuesday—the revelry before the start of Lent—bigger than New Orleans. Its krewe-led parades, king cakes, beads, and other traditions entertain locals as well as thousands of tourists each year in the French Quarter and throughout the city. Next: February 17, 2015

Photo: Courtesy of MardiGrasNewOrleans.com

4. Tournament of Roses

Los Angeles
#4 Festival, Parade & Holiday Event
Held before the Rose Bowl football game, the parade has been a New Year’s Day tradition since 1980. The nationally televised event includes intricate floral and organic floats. Next: January 1, 2015

Photo: Courtesy of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses

5. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Houston
#5 Festival, Parade & Holiday Event (new to the list)
The three-week event counted a record attendance of nearly 2.5 million in 2014 across all of its events including the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest and the world’s largest livestock exhibition. The show debuted in 1932. Next: March 3-22, 2015

Photo: Courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

6. National Cherry Blossom Festival

Washington
#6 Festival, Parade & Holiday Event
The celebration of Japan’s gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the city has become one of Washington’s signature events. Its official events include an opening ceremony with performers from Japan, fireworks, a parade, and a stylish fund-raising party. Next: March 20-April 12, 2015

Photo: Ron Engle

7. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

Boston
#7 Festival, Parade & Holiday Event
Boston celebrates Independence Day with a performance by the Boston Symphony Orchestra followed by a fireworks display along the Charles River. The event marked its 40th anniversary in 2013. Next: July 4, 2015

Photo: Stu Rosner

8. San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade

San Francisco
#8 Festival, Parade & Holiday Event
The largest L.G.B.T. pride celebration in the nation draws about 1.5 million people to the live event and another 400,000 viewers on a webcast. Started in 1970, the event includes entertainment on a main stage as well as 20 community-produced stages. Next: Summer 2015

Photo: Juan Carlos Betancourt

9. Thunder Over Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky
#9 Festival, Parade & Holiday Event
Nearly 60 tons of fireworks shells are set off at the nation’s largest annual fireworks display, which serves as the kickoff event to the Kentucky Derby and as a celebration of spring. About half a million people attend the show, watching from the banks of the Ohio River and in boats. Next: April 18, 2015

Photo: Vanessa Gregorchik

Essence Festival

New Orleans
#10 Festival, Parade & Holiday Event (new to the list)
Founded in 1995, the magazine’s signature event marked its 20th anniversary with performances from headliners Prince, Lionel Richie, and Mary J. Blige in 2014. Held in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the festival serves its main audience of African-American women with events such as a hackathon, “empowerment” panels, a fashion show, and a family day at a local park. More than 550,000 people attended this year. Next: July 2015

Photo: JR Tomason/Essence

10. Carnaval Miami

Miami
#11 Festival, Parade & Holiday Event
Little Havana is home to a three-week festival of Hispanic pride that attracts more than one million attendees. The centerpiece is the Calle Ocho street party. Next: March 1-21, 2015

11. Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic

Chicago
#12 Festival, Parade & Holiday Event
The event is the country’s largest African-American parade and second-largest annual parade, with 1.8 million spectators and 80,000 participants. Next: August 8, 2015

Photo: Vince Walker

1. Comic-Con International

San Diego
#1 Entertainment Industry Event
From its start in 1970 with 300 people and a handful of panels to today’s juggernaut that has more than 130,000 people filling the San Diego Convention Center for 700 hours of programming, the convention has come a long way. The format for the event has stayed the same; it’s the scope that has exploded. Hollywood was a partner from the start—Frank Capra was an early attendee—and the event has become a crucial promotional stop for film and TV series. “We try to produce the type of convention we would want to attend ourselves,” spokesman David Glanzer says. “We’re all fans, we love comic books, movies, toys, games, television, generally popular art. We may not all like the same things, but we can appreciate the diversity of what each of us finds interesting and I think that transfers to the event itself.” Next: July 9-12, 2015

Photo: Courtesy of Warner Brothers Entertainment Inc.

2. Sundance Film Festival

Park City, Utah
#2 Entertainment Industry Event
Independent films are the focus of the festival, which was founded by Robert Redford in 1981. The mountain retreat draws bundled-up celebrities as well as a diverse group of brands such as YouTube, SoulCycle, and Quaker Oats. Next: January 22-February 1, 2015

Photo: Abey Hoekzema

3. Kennedy Center Honors

Washington
#3 Entertainment Industry Event
The president and first lady attend the honors, which are among the highest achievements in the arts. After a much-publicized effort to diversify the event, the recipients in 2013 included Martina Arroyo and Carlos Santana. Next: December 7, 2014

Photo: Yassine El Mansouri

4. Upfront Week

New York
#4 Entertainment Industry Event
The TV industry unveils its lineups to media buyers at a series of events that has grown as more networks and distributors promote their shows and stars. Next: May 2015

Photo: Paul Drinkwater/NBC

5. National Association of Broadcasters Show

Las Vegas
#5 Entertainment Industry Event
The show is among the largest conventions in Las Vegas, attracting 96,000 media and entertainment professionals. Brands use the event to launch products and deals; Crystal Radio Awards winners are also named. Next: April 11-16, 2015

Photo: Paul Drinkwater/NBC

6. Winter Music Conference

Miami
#6 Entertainment Industry Event
More than 100,000 music industry professionals attend the weeklong event, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2015. The conference comprises more than 500 events across Miami and Miami Beach, including seminars, workshops, and parties. Next: March 2015

Photo: Zoltan

7. Television Critics Association Press Tour

Los Angeles
#7 Entertainment Industry Event
More than 200 TV critics from the United States and Canada gather to hear from broadcast and cable networks about their new shows. The event happens twice a year, with the annual T.C.A. Awards handed out in conjunction with the summer tour. Next: January 2015

Photo: Eric Charbonneau/Invision for Showtime

8. SAP’s Sapphire Now

Orlando
#9 Technology Industry Event (up from #11)
More than 20,000 people attend the software company’s conference, but its online platform and social media channels reach an additional 125,000 people. Next: May 5-7, 2015

Photo: Eventrix AG/SAP

1. Peter G. Peterson Foundation Fiscal Summit

Washington
#2 Business & Financial Industry Event (new to the list)
Former President Bill Clinton has been a featured speaker at all five summits, which focus on the country’s long-term debt and economic future. Other speakers have included Bill Gates, U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, former Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, and past Federal Reserve chairmen Alan Greenspan and Paul Volcker. Next: Spring 2015

2. Milken Institute Global Conference

Los Angeles
#4 Business & Financial Industry Event (new to the list)
The economic think tank’s annual event offers deep dives into financial topics and broader issues such as education, aging, and healthcare. Speakers this year included Tony Blair, Deepak Chopra, and Sean Penn. Next: April 26-29, 2015

Photo: Courtesy of Milken Institute

3. SkyBridge Alternatives Conference

Las Vegas
#5 Business & Financial Industry Event
About 2,000 institutional and private investors, managers, and others head to the Las Vegas Strip for the splashy hedge fund conference. The event convenes an eclectic group of speakers, which in 2014 included Valerie Jarrett, Francis Ford Coppola, and Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Next: Spring 2015

Photo: Courtesy of SkyBridge Alternatives Conference

4. Roth Capital Partners Conference

Los Angeles
#6 Business & Financial Industry Event
The Orange County-based investment-banking firm Roth Capital Partners hosts its invitation-only conference at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, now in its 26th year. The opening-night party always features a big concert and thematic decor; in 2014 the country duo Florida Georgia Line performed, and design elements included straw bales, pickup trucks, and picnic-style tables. Next: March 8-11, 2015

Photo: Cynthia Halverson