The Special Event Conference-Going on Now

The Special Event Conference and Trade Show is going on now in New Orleans, LA. brandITbandits had the distinct pleasure of presenting a class with Debbie Elias, CSEP, CMP of Elias Events on branding. Titled " Brand Conscious or Unconscious - Steps to Wake the Sleeping Giant" was a huge success. The show chose our class to record for attendees to later enjoy. As a first time speaker at this level, I was apprehensive being the first 8:30am class on a day prior to the conference opening day. However, my fears were put to rest when people started to pour in. Moreover, the class quickly filled and 98% stayed for the entire presentation. The questions being posed were mostly related to social media and how to harness those platforms for global brand positioning. I had the pleasure of speaking to a few of the attendees later that day. The VIBE agency is a DMC dedicated to the European market and wishes to expand into the US. We spoke briefly one on one about their goals and where they want to go from here. Shortly after that, Mia Farrell, owner of Leave it to Mia, spoke about her instant success and where to go now that her company is 'on the map'. The guys with Bon Appetit Management Company posses a challenge to brand their organization next to another one to maintain individuality with cross-market efficiency.

When I reviewed the schedule of classes being offered on the sales and marketing track, I was pleased to see that most of the classes focused on branding. 'Tis the season to develop strong strategies that are cost effective and efficient. Using social media for business and global development is key.

Branding your business, small or large, takes time and a well thought-out strategy. It has always been my impression that businesses making up the special events industry were left behind when it came to campaign development and management. It seemed that the industry was focused on creating whimsical trendsetting and well branded events for their clients and missed the mark creating it for themselves.

After working with Elias Events and other special events related companies since 2007, branditbandits focus became teaching and educating the special events industry to be more brand aware. Through low cost targeted resources, our clients are able to maintain control over their brand while being part of the creative team that makes it happen.

The Special Event Conference-Going on Now