Emmy-nominated designer, David Rockwell

I was invited to attend the Biz Bash Expo yesterday at the Jacob Javitz Center in Manhattan. It was a who’s who gathering of event planning A-listers.

Starting bright and early at 7:30 am, Biz Bash offered attendees the opportunity to network with fellow industry professionals, to take classes on the use of Gen 2.0 technology, the importance of nutrition for the 21st Century entrepreneur, and the latest trends in entertaining your guests.

Mr. Bling, the Human Mirror Ball

The main stage featured keynote presentations by Chad Kaydo, Biz Bash’s editor in chief, David Rockwell, whose impressive resume includes an Emmy- nominated production design for the 2008 Academy Awards, and David Stark, whose artistry and ability to work under “Climate Appropriate” conditions is remarkable.

Throughout the day, the expo floor was filled with enthusiastic exhibitors promoting their company’s swag and services.  For hospitality and event specialists like me who are always looking for unique event planning ideas, exclusive locations and additional resources, it was like waking up on Christmas morning.

Judith, Robin, Michael, Jaclyn & Lyndsey at Gotham Bar & Grill

Did you know you that could rent out the New York Mets’ Citi Field for an event, serve your food courses on an eco-friendly compostable palm leaf dish, or have a human mirror ball add some bling to your next 70′s theme event?  Neither did I.    I love this business.

After the post expo cocktail party at Stage 37, I celebrated life and a successful expo with friends at Gotham Bar and Grill.  Judith Dill, from KSL Resorts, and 2008 Biz Bash Hall of Fame inductee, Jacquline Bernstein, and Lindsey Skolnick from Empire Force Events,  enjoyed a fabulous culinary experience with Robin Gustafsson and the Gotham staff.  You may also recognize Robin’s brother, Mike Walter, from our recent speaking engagement in Nashville.

I’m looking forward to returning to Gotham in December for a dinner with David Fishman, “the middle school food critic” who was recently featured in GQ magazine and on the CBS Morning Show. I was asked to provide the entertainment for his Bar Mitzvah.

Two of the themes that resonated throughout Biz Bash 2009 were “get inspired” and “be poised for greatness“, mission accomplished.

Encore Gallery:

David Stark and Chad Kaydo (loved the socks)

Michael Dwork from Verterra Dinnerware

Julie Miller and Allison Du Val from The Foundry

Tech Expert and Web Guru, Jay Hansen from IML Worldwide

Mike Walter and fellow New York Mets fans from Citi Field

Kayrn Anastasio, Catering Manager from Metropolitan Hospitality

Tina Goldstone, Adam Bratt & Beth Greenberg from Jersey Street Furniture Rental

Michael Cerbelli, from the Search Foundation & Total Ent.

David Adler, Biz Bash Ceo & Founder