The educational sessions included "The Changing Face of Partnerships," a discussion about securing sponsors and working with unions; "Building an Effective Team"; and "Greening Your Events," a focus on eco-friendly strategies developed by Greg Christian Catering. (Christian also catered a V.I.P. luncheon for the event's sponsors.) The general sessions featured two keynote speakers: Larry Deutsch of Jack Morton Worldwide, who talked about the importance of events and experiential marketing in tough economic times, and Bill Rancic, who spoke of his entrepreneurial adventures and signed copies of his business-minded books.Four event professionals were inducted into the 2008 BizBash Hall of Fame: Jonathan T. Howe, president of Howe & Hutton, Ltd.; Evelyn Laxgang, president of Laxgang Consulting; Deborah Sexton, president of Professional Convention Management Association; and Paulette Wolf, C.E.O. of Paulette Wolf Events & Entertainment. Wolf's company also produced the Event Style Expo.
A wide variety of vendors set up shop on the trade show floor, representing venues, rental companies, tour operators, florists, caterers, entertainers, event planning professionals, destination management companies, and event marketers. Cort Event Furnishings set up an Internet cafe, featuring entertainment throughout the day, while Kehoe Designs created three lounge environments and asked attendees to vote for their favorite. The event wrapped with a cocktail reception for all show attendees at the Mart's Bluprint restaurant and lounge.
