The February ISES Columbus event titled “What’s Hot, What’s Not at The Special Event” featured a panel discussion with members that attended “The Special Event” in New Orleans, Louisiana, an international trade show sponsored by Special Event Magazine. The Columbus State Community College Conference Center was the sponsored facility for the event, along with featured caterer Creative Cuisine.
ISES Columbus members sat for panel discussion
Featured on the panel were Rick Jobe (Jobe & Associates), Annette McClure (Nationwide Children’s Hospital), Tracy Moran (Trace Ltd. Event Design Specialists), Jim Riley (Ohio Historical Society), Sayaka Sekiguchi (Experience Columbus), and Bill Ferguson (Event Source).
Popular event design trends discussed during "The Special Event" sessions
Sayaka began the discussion with various decorating and design trends that she witnessed at the trade show portion of the event and also by various speakers during educational programs. The unanimous hottest colors of 2010 are orange and turquoise, and the combination of the two. When pondering color choices experts suggested www.colourlovers.com, as well as referencing various trendy magazines covers for inspiration (i.e. ESPN, Cosmo, InStyle). Organic colors, textures, and patterns are also being incorporated into various aspects of décor, from flower covered chair covers, to bamboo bar stools. Group lounge seating is also very popular, many times using decorative area rugs for sofa seating areas, with large throw pillows that can also be used for seating. This laid back/casual atmosphere provides a great feel to reception style social events.
Design trends in centerpieces were vastly discussed
Centerpiece designs are becoming increasingly more inventive with the use of LED lighting and other technology driven materials. An array of floral arrangements featuring orchids were displayed at the trade show portion of the event, often placed inside a cylinder of mercury glass. Viewing the trade show photo gallery it is evident that centerpiece designs seem to be leaning towards the simplistic side.
Panel discussed new and innovative products being used for special events
Jim Riley followed Sayaka, discussing educational sessions that he participated in at the event. Jim noted various products being used by planners who think outside the box, and are not afraid to integrate new and sometimes odd products to a special event. One such product, “Flogos”; are foam shapes that resemble clouds. Flogos can be made into any shape or size, and are an eye catching piece for the entrance of an event. Check out flogos.net for more information. Finger food party plates were also included in the discussion. This product is a small half dollar sized plate that fits on a finger, allowing the user to hold a drink and an appetizer without having to use a table. Attendees of the event either loved or hated the idea, which is a normal reaction to an original product such as a finger plate.
Various educational sessions were discussed including “130 years of Event Experience . . . Ask the Experts”. This session consisted of a panel discussion with four event experts with over 130 years of experience. The ISES Columbus panel also discussed the session “Event Trends from Pop culture” with speaker Hillary Harris, the Director of Special Events for Warner Brothers Studios. Ms. Harris plans a great deal of movie themed events, but also tries to use inspiration from pop culture to include in her design esthetic.
Overall the panel members gave attendees a good idea of their experience at the event. It is evident that if you are able to attend, do so. The experience will be well worth the investment.
