August 2017

Countdown to the Keynote — August Educational Meeting

THE PREMISE

On Wednesday August 23rd, a large group of planners and suppliers gathered for a different kind of educational event. The premise of the event was that meeting planners and event producers invest months preparing for a major event and yet what they do in the final weeks can be crucial to the quality, cost and success of the event.

EXPERT SPEAKERS

Mark Bice—HPN Global—Ringmaster

Michelle Johnson— The Anchor Group

Steve Halling—AVFX, Inc

Ken Barrett—BG Events and Catering

Tim Seeberg—BG Events and Catering

INTERACTIVE MEETING

The experts spoke to their three audiences about the challenges they’ve faced in the last 30 days before large events.  Think of it as concurrent TED Talks where the audience got to participate by contributing their own stories, questions and comments. 

There were three separate stages with audiences designated by color-coded badges. The experts each spoke for 20 minutes and then rotated to the next stage directed by Mark Bice (Ringmaster). Mark was dressed for the part complete with top hat and red jacket with tails straight from the center ring of the circus.

The AVFX event space was set up for their Annual Event Technology Showcase and provided a unique backdrop for the program.

KILLER RECEPTION

Steve Halling (President, AVFX) kicked off the reception with an immersive concert video experience showing on 15 screens arranged throughout the event space.

The event ended with time to share stories with colleagues surrounded by live event technology, screens and displays. Guests got to experience what’s new and exciting in live event technology integrated with great food & drink from BG Events and Catering.

THE TAKEAWAY

Attendees got to share and learn from experienced event professionals and their peers. They focused on anticipating and reacting to last minute changes to create a successful event. All planners and suppliers left the event with valuable lessons and best practices to use with their next major event!

THANK YOU

MPI New England thanks co-chairs Cecil Dorman (AVFX) and Nancy D’ Ercole (Bright Horizons) for the planning that led to a successful event. F&B was provided by BG Events and Catering and furniture was provided by Party Rental Limited. The venue sponsor was AVFX.

Thank you to David Fox for the wonderful photos. To find out more about David Fox Photographer visit their website.