This year BizBash will offer the Workshop Series at the BizBash IdeaFest Chicago, scheduled for November 13 at the Merchandise Mart. The morning workshops are designed to provide hands-on skills to advance the careers of meeting and event planners and will cover several topics including social media's impact on marketing, trends in event design, and how to create—and sell—an event concept.
Attendees will have the opportunity to choose two separate workshop sessions—one at 8:15 a.m. and another at 9:30 a.m.—or participate in the Event Entrepreneur Roundtable, which is scheduled from 8:15 to 10:15 a.m. Registration includes admission to the Workshop Series, the IdeaFest trade show floor, and pre- and post-event parties. Interested? Register here.
Below is more information about the schedule for the educational programs.
Event Entrepreneur Roundtable [8:15-10:15 a.m.]
David Adler, C.E.O. and founder, BizBash
(Additional speakers to be announced)
The Event Entrepreneur Roundtable is a gathering of event organizers who have created, owned, and successfully sold their event, as well as those aspiring to be an "eventraprenuer." Engage with peers and pros in a session is that will leave you inspired and armed with knowledge that can be turned into gold. Learn how to capitalize on a new event, how to sell an existing property that you have created, how to maximize your marketing in the digital age, how sponsorship sales can be the real profit, how to create content that is worth high ticket prices, and how to use new models to make money on events.
Social Media and the Future of Event Marketing [8:15 a.m. and again at 9:30 a.m.]
Ian Sohn, executive vice president of emerging platforms and partnerships, Ogilvy & Mather
(this workshop will be available for both sessions)
Social conversation at events is all about embracing the importance of real-time marketing. Events today have become a spark for social memes and discussions that brands, companies, and individuals must participate in. In this workshop Ian Sohn will discuss how social conversations are evolving into the future, the importance of crowd-fueled agendas, and how social media is the “glue” that connects event attendees before, during, and after an event.
Translating Trends Into Special Events [8:15 a.m. and again at 9:30 a.m.]
Bridget Frizzie, creative director, Kehoe Designs
(this workshop will be available for both sessions)
Event design offers some of the most creative and innovative ideas that can be utilized in many areas, including tabletops, linens, floral design, home furnishings, and interiors. In this session, Bridget Frizzie of Kehoe Designs will present some of the best decor environments and trends for the upcoming seasons, highlighting specific color palettes and how they relate to and can translate into allied industries.
Storytelling: Using Creativity to Help Sell, Connect, and Differentiate [8:15 a.m. and again at 9:30 a.m.]
Craig Chaplin creative director, Jack Morton Chicago
Shari Glickman, senior vice president of strategy and creative, Jack Morton Chicago
(this workshop will be available for both sessions)
In the digital age, event marketers are storytellers. It's the job of all event and meeting professionals to tell a story—to drive differentiation and get the attention of audiences—whether it's to a prospective client or a brand's target customer. From captivating pitch techniques to creating authentic brand experiences, all aspects of the marketing process should be a part of a powerfully told unique, compelling brand story. In this session, Craig Chaplin and Shari Glickman of Jack Morton Chicago will share the secrets behind successful storytelling and how it drives their work with brands such as Procter & Gamble, Yellow Tail, and American Airlines. Learn where these experts find inspiration and get tips on how to connect with clients and brand audiences by creating a story that sells.
