Chris Giftos
Entertaining Style
The Jackie Kennedy exhibit at the Costume Institute might influence events. She was a lady with lots of style and elegance, so maybe we'll go back to that. Her table settings were impeccable. Also, softer music is in, because people want to talk, and loud music just doesn't make it.
--Chris Giftos, manager of special events, Metropolitan Museum of Art
We'll see more customized banners and branding at events in order to convey the identity of the organization putting them on. Also, tailoring events to a message and really targeting guests will be more important.
--Matt Antinoro, manager of events and attractions, NBA
I think the social world will be more subdued--quality instead of quantity. The scene could change from the Hamptons to Washington. Look for a more conservative approach to fundraising and less people bragging about it.
--Lou Hammond, president, Lou Hammond & Associates
The element of surprise will be important.
--Richard Blau, president, Chez-zam Entertainment Group
Trade Shows
People are looking to be educated. They're looking for something solid they can walk away with. In a tightening economy, people no longer have the time and energy to just browse a show, no matter what industry they're in. The trend will be toward better education at trade shows and more networking opportunities, instead of just saying to people, "come to this party."
--Courtney Muller, VP of Internet World events, Penton Media
Business
Until the future of the economy is put into perspective, the special events market will be volatile. Like the stock market, we in the industry do not like uncertainty. Bids should be tested a little more cautiously if the budgets are not as large as when the economy was booming.
--Christopher Starr, owner, Starr Tents
As our economy shifts, companies will begin to put their dollars into different marketing strategies, such as events. Events, parties and conventions will become the greatest platform for companies to promote themselves internally as well as externally. Events will become a more interactive way to impart information.
--John Schwartz, EventQuest
So far we see people are actually spending more money, surprisingly. Lots of companies from out of town are choosing to entertain in New York. It's a product of there being so many new event spaces opening up.
--Serena Bass, Serena Bass Inc.
I'd like to see my corporate clients use technology. Utilizing the Internet reservations systems and having no paper trail makes it easier for the planner.
--Meryl Hillsberg, president of the New York chapter of the International Special Events Society (ISES)
Back to Event Trends for 2001 Part 1
Back to Event Trends for 2001 Part 2
The Jackie Kennedy exhibit at the Costume Institute might influence events. She was a lady with lots of style and elegance, so maybe we'll go back to that. Her table settings were impeccable. Also, softer music is in, because people want to talk, and loud music just doesn't make it.
--Chris Giftos, manager of special events, Metropolitan Museum of Art
We'll see more customized banners and branding at events in order to convey the identity of the organization putting them on. Also, tailoring events to a message and really targeting guests will be more important.
--Matt Antinoro, manager of events and attractions, NBA
I think the social world will be more subdued--quality instead of quantity. The scene could change from the Hamptons to Washington. Look for a more conservative approach to fundraising and less people bragging about it.
--Lou Hammond, president, Lou Hammond & Associates
The element of surprise will be important.
--Richard Blau, president, Chez-zam Entertainment Group
Trade Shows
People are looking to be educated. They're looking for something solid they can walk away with. In a tightening economy, people no longer have the time and energy to just browse a show, no matter what industry they're in. The trend will be toward better education at trade shows and more networking opportunities, instead of just saying to people, "come to this party."
--Courtney Muller, VP of Internet World events, Penton Media
Business
Until the future of the economy is put into perspective, the special events market will be volatile. Like the stock market, we in the industry do not like uncertainty. Bids should be tested a little more cautiously if the budgets are not as large as when the economy was booming.
--Christopher Starr, owner, Starr Tents
As our economy shifts, companies will begin to put their dollars into different marketing strategies, such as events. Events, parties and conventions will become the greatest platform for companies to promote themselves internally as well as externally. Events will become a more interactive way to impart information.
--John Schwartz, EventQuest
So far we see people are actually spending more money, surprisingly. Lots of companies from out of town are choosing to entertain in New York. It's a product of there being so many new event spaces opening up.
--Serena Bass, Serena Bass Inc.
I'd like to see my corporate clients use technology. Utilizing the Internet reservations systems and having no paper trail makes it easier for the planner.
--Meryl Hillsberg, president of the New York chapter of the International Special Events Society (ISES)
Back to Event Trends for 2001 Part 1
Back to Event Trends for 2001 Part 2
