Join BizBash and listen to the industry’s premier speakers to become educated on the important topics event and meeting planners face. At our conference program you will learn all you need to know—from marketing, design, and decor trends to legal issues and going green—for YOUR next event! See below for a description of the sessions offered and check back for updates. 

Transformations: Keynote Presentation by Preston Bailey
10:15AM
Main Stage Area
Preston Bailey will reveal how he changes raw spaces into magnificent event settings using flowers, fabric, and lighting. The renowned event designer will walk the audience through his creative process and discuss how to create the ideal environment for entertaining.
All Attendees Welcomed

Speaker:
Preston Bailey, event designer, Preston Bailey Designs

Networking Luncheon: State of the Industry Address
12:30PM – 2:00PM
Main Stage Area
Join in this interactive session with BizBash President Richard Aaron, CMP, CSEP, and International ISES President Connie Riley, CSEP, as she gives an ISES State of the Industry address.
Conference Program Attendees Only

Speakers:
Connie Riley, CSEP, International Special Events Society, international president
Richard Aaron, CMP, CSEP, BizBash Media president

Industry Matchmaking for Enhanced Partnerships
8:15AM – 9:00AM
Many nonprofit and corporate event and meeting planners claim they are only as good as their collaborators. Find out how to create a perfect partnership from beginning to end to better attract satisfied sponsors and strategic partners, or even to lure celebrities, chefs, and entertainers into the mix with your publicists. Building buzz is the ultimate endgame if you want to stand out from the crowd and assure those next-day raves; this panel will offer insights as to how it’s done.
Conference Program Attendees Only

Speakers:
Candice Best, president and founder, Best PR Boutique

Design IQ: Utilizing design schemes to create successful events
8:15AM – 9:15AM
Looks really do matter. Regardless of the budget or brand, every event thrives with a strong design that integrates all of the elements of the event. Taking into account the plethora of design options available to us, this session will help you to make better design decisions: Do you spend your money on signage, invitations, flowers, or feathers? How do you assure it all blends together for optimum aesthetic appeal? How can you incorporate corporate logos and colors into an event in innovative ways? Get answers to all of these questions and more from a seasoned industry expert.
Conference Program Attendees Only

Speakers:
Dawn Bellini, director of PR and marketing, HUGO BOSS Canada

Legal Issues:  Protecting Your Events from Legal Issues
9:15AM -10:00AM
Are you protected from being sued? Do you know what types of legal matters can arise in the process of planning or executing a meeting or event? In this session, learn how to stave off potential liquor licensing problems, what is involved in street closures, what contracts are needed to ensure fluidity, and other matters that can help prevent a legal backlash.
Conference Program Attendees Only

Speakers:
Alan Hollingsworth, partner and practice team leader, HKMB

Gen 2.0: Join the Viral Marketing Revolution
9:15AM -10:00AM
The second generation of the Internet, powered by broadband, has changed the way business will be conducted in the future. Numerous online communities combined with electronic brand awareness are the drivers behind delivering attendees to events that planners facilitate today. Social technologies such as the Internet, text messaging, and blogs, and hot currencies like YouTube, Facebook, and MySpace are vehicles planners can use to get viral messages out there—but how do you do it successfully? Gain knowledge of the viral marketing revolution and best practices for use in the event and meetings industry in this tech-forward session.
Conference Program Attendees Only

Speakers:
Collin Douma, vice president of strategy, Social Media Group

45 ideas in 45 minutes
2:15PM – 3:00PM
BizBash's editors will lead this presentation of fresh ideas for events and meetings. You will see examples of cutting-edge ideas you can take back to the office and use for your next big or small to-do. In addition to catering, design, and decor ideas chosen by the editors, two creative event professionals will present highlights of their latest work. Bring your pad and pencil—this will be a fast-paced session packed with innovative ideas.
Conference Program Attendees Only

Speakers:
Chad Kaydo, editor in chief, BizBash Media
Domenic Chiaromonte, executive chef, Match Restaurant
Michael Cress, special events manager, CANFAR
Susan O'Neill , bureau chief, BizBash Toronto

Greening your Events
2:15PM – 3:00PM
Say good-bye to plastic water bottles, throwaway utensils, and dense press kits. Are you thinking green? It is time to take meetings and events into the environmental era, and in this hot session you will discover ways to plan more environmentally sustainable and socially responsible events while keeping within your budget. Specialists will instruct you on the do’s and don’ts and give you tips on products you can use to replace those old favourites while keeping things hot and fresh.
Conference Program Attendees Only

Speakers:
Richard Aaron, CSEP, CMP, Moderator, president, BizBash Media
Kori Gorman, CMP, CEP, director, corporate, social and event catering, By David’s Catering
Francine Socket, director, special events & merchandising, CTV Inc.
Anthony Watanabe, Ph.D., founder, Innovolve Group