More than 1,200 event professionals gathered at BizBash IdeaFest South Florida on April 10 at the LEED Gold-certified Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale. This year's show featured a full day of education sessions, trade show floor exhibits, entertainment, plus the launch of the first Event Innovation Forum—South Florida. Planners were inspired by their surroundings and found new ideas to incorporate into future events. The excitement kicked off with the BizBash IdeaFest Egyptian-themed pre-party hosted by Off the Hookah. Shuttles helped transport out-of-town attendees from the Renaissance Hotel Ft. Lauderdale. Attendees also stayed at the B Ocean, located by the beach.
On the day of the show, the schedule was packed with events. The event schedule was readily available in our mobile app provided by DoubleDutch, BizBash’s exclusive mobile app provider. Eventbrite ran online and on-site registration. Near registration, Café Ala Carte provided attendees with fresh cups of cappuccino, and Cookies by Shar provided freshly baked cookies at the BizBash booth. Producer Chad Everett designed the entrances to the trade show floor, along with furniture in the registration area, where attendees could relax or pose for a photo op.
The morning kicked off with the Workshop series, offering four different classes for attendees. PSAV provided all audiovisual equipment for the sessions. Best Teambuilding and Corporate Events sponsored and other generous exhibitors provided gifts for BizBash’s special treasure chest at 10:30 a.m. to open the show. Attendees could visit the Eventbrite Pop-Up Lounge for various educational sessions and mimosas. So Cool Events provided furnishings for the Eventbrite Pop-Up Lounge where attendees could also relax and network. Patrón was the talk of BizBash IdeaFest with its taste wall that highlighted the different flavors of Patrón. The BizBash mini-stage featured Salvador Live!, Belly Dancer Bryanna, A Hot Party, Ariana Productions, Violinist Silvana Lanfredi, and presentations from the Association of Bridal Consultants, Meeting Professionals International, the National Association for Catering and Events, and Chad Everett.
Later in the morning the Event Innovation Forum—South Florida kicked off with a packed room and a stellar lineup of speakers. Evoga Event Productions provided event production, design, and decor for the forum and mini-stage on the trade show floor. The table linens provided by Panache a Classic Party Rentals Company added an elegant touch to the room and the educational luncheon for forum attendees. Attendees received a special Event Innovation Forum portfolio for note-taking, created by Wizard Creations.
Following the final Event Innovation Forum session, BizBash hosted the annual South Florida Readers’ Choice Awards with B awards provided by Society Awards. The day concluded with the post-show cocktail party with elegant furnishings and bars provided by Nuage and special drinks by St. Germaine. SAVOR provided delicious foods complementing the beverages provided at the bars.
BizBash extends a very special thanks to everyone involved in the show, including the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Badgetec, Backdrops Beautiful, Brightroom, CORT Event Furnishings, EXPO Convention Contractors Inc., and our exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees—all of whom made BizBash IdeaFest South Florida an event to remember.
