ISES Honors Cerbelli at Florentine Gardens

Congratulations to my good friend, Michael Cerbelli, who was honored at this evening’s inaugural Garden State Gala.  He was referred to as the Michael Jordan of the Special Events industry by the gala’s Emcee… for those that know him, that’s a pretty accurate description.

The dinner reception was held at The Estate at Florentine Gardens.  The ISES New Jersey North Chapter recognized industry notables who have recently produced exceptional events and who have dedicated themselves to the betterment of the production craft.  A diamond auction took place throughout the affair to raise money for Michael’s S.E.A.R.C.H Foundation.

Also featured in the photo is my good friend Jackie Bernstein, who was just inducted into the Event Solutions Magazine Hall of Fame; she is the youngest producer in the business to be included in this elite group of professionals. Brooklyn was definitely in the house!  Continued success to you both.  -mp

Biz Bash 2009 New York: Poised for Greatness

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.

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.

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: