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Feel free to leave me a comment if you have any questions.  Hope to see you there!

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2011 Business Opportunity Conference & Expo

EventEssentials is looking for energized individuals to volunteer at the 2011 Minority Business Summit and the Business Opportunity Conference & Expo Conference (BOE) on March 16 and March 17 at the Cobb Galleria  Centre.

The annual conference is hosted by the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC), to promote and support the growth of minority business development.

Volunteers will be assisting with a variety of duties that are all vital parts to the success of this conference. Shifts are available throughout the day on March 16^th (Summit) and March 17^th (BOE) to work around most schedules.

Volunteers will receive complimentary parking, as well as meals to compliment the hours being worked. Thank you letters will be provided to all volunteers.

If you are interested, please fill out the link below before March 10, 2011.

http://bit.ly/2011volunteeropp-boe

Thank you for your support, we look forward to working with you.

If you have any questions, please email volunteers@eventsessential.com.

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 Date: Thursday, January 27, 2011
Times: 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway
Planner registration cost: $25.00

INFO & AGENDA / EXHIBITORS

New Year – Brand New Venue!!  If you haven’t checked out the Atlanta Marriott Gateway, this is your chance.  The hotel is sleek, modern, trendy – FABULOUS STAFF, GREAT FOOD!!

Meetings and events have changed, but planning hasn’t. That’s why, in 2011, PYM will focus on educating you on the most up-to-date technologies, social media strategies and best practices to help you plan better meetings and events.

Each of our PYM LIVE Events will include an intimate trade show and educational breakout session entitled “Next Stop: Innovation,” during which our presenters will provide insight and Q&As designed to arm you with the most innovative solutions available.

Attending any PYM educational session will help you earn continuing education units toward achieving or renewing the CMP, CSEP, CPS, CAP and/or CAE certifications. You’ll also receive a very special takeaway gift – a thumb drive filled with all-new industry best practices and advice articles.  Click the banner above for registration and details.

Don’t miss out! I look forward to seeing you there.

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Classes are forming NOW!

The first session on Saturdays begins this Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 9am and run for 12 weeks through December 4^th.  The Monday evening session in Dunwoody starts on September 20^th from 6pm – 9pm and also runs for 12 weeks, ending on December 6^th.

If you are interested, contact Clayton State University, Continuing Education at 678 466-5050 as soon as possible.  Registration closes for the Saturday session TODAY and for the Monday session, it closes on Friday, September 17^th.

I hope to see you there!

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Fall 2010 EPC Program

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• Dunwoody area

https://ace2.clayton.edu/wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?~~112KCER601

• Clayton State University East – Morrow

https://ace2.clayton.edu/wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?~~112ECER084

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Once again Clayton State University is teaming with EventEssentials

to produce the Event Planning Certificate class (EPC).  Please pass this information

on to anyone you know who may be interested in taking this course.

Two classes will be offered during Fall 2010:

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- Monday evenings in Dunwoody near Perimeter Mall beginning on September 20th

- Saturday mornings on the East Campus of Clayton State University beginning on September 11th

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Course description and syllabus

Fall 2010 EPC Program

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To register click on the links below.  Space is LIMITED so register early!

• Dunwoody area

https://ace2.clayton.edu/wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?~~112KCER601

• Clayton State University East – Morrow

https://ace2.clayton.edu/wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?~~112ECER084

What people are saying about the EPC class:

“I was 59-years-old when I enrolled in Clayton State University Event Planner certificate class taught by Qualena Odom-Royes.  I was working as an event assistant at a private golf course and wanted to get focused training in that field. About half way through the class I had a family health emergency and had to go to Washington for several weeks. Clayton State and my instructor assured me that I could repeat the class (at no charge) in the fall. I did repeat and complete the course and the following February I was hired as Events Coordinator for a new Riverstone Residential apartment community, Alta Johns Creek. I have no doubt that my Clayton State Event Planner certificate helped me edge out other candidates for a job I truly love. Another unexpected pleasure with the event planner class was  (and is) the opportunity to work as a volunteer for various events throughout metro Atlanta and to become a student member of I.S.E.S. The class was a great investment in my evolving career.”

Melinda Morrin – Alpharetta

“When I decided to switch careers into the event planning industry, one of my first steps was to enroll in Qualena Odom-Royes’ Event Planning Certificate course. Throughout the semester, Qualena provided the education, advice and encouragement I needed to get my wedding consulting business up and running. The most important thing I took away from the class was the confidence to go for it and start the business, as well as the beginnings of my large network of industry contacts. I am now in my fifth year of business and have experienced year-over-year growth the entire time.  I would recommend that anyone who is interested in the industry look into the class as a great starting point.”

Daria MacGregor – Circle of Love Weddings

“The Event Planning Certificate program at Clayton State University gave me the stepping stone into my career in the event industry. With its flexible scheduling night class options I was able to further my education of the industry while keeping my full time job. The greatest benefit was having such an experienced and knowledgeable professor aiding me through the learning process by offering onsite event experience. The program taught me more than just the basics of event planning, but gave me greater insights behind the scenes of actual events that I would be working on in the real world. Three years later I now own a successful event management company and owe it all to my stepping stone in the industry…”

Ashley Sostaric – PLAN Event Details Management

If you have any questions, please email qualena(at)eventsessential.com

Thank you!

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The 2010 Special Event Conference & Tradeshow (TSE) is fast approaching – January 12- 15^th in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

I look forward to attending TSE each year for the latest in education, professional networking with event professionals from all over the WORLD and amazing trends in event design, production and food & beverage.  TSE offers over 100 sessions in 8 different tracks focused on, Business and Professional Development, Food Services, Event Management, Sales and Marketing, Design, Wedding Trends, Event Tools and Resources, and ISES.

If you are looking for more points toward your CSEP or CMP certifications, attending TSE will earn you some points toward it or for recertification. 

TSE  also has an incredible tradeshow to experience new products hands on and meet vendors face to face.  The tradeshow will also feature the latest Tabletop Design Competition. You can register for a complimentary pass to the tradeshow floor only here – Registration.

There are a lots of registration options this year. You can register for a one day educational pass or you can pick one session or go for the full conference package.  This makes The Special Event Conference and Tradeshow a conference you can’t afford to miss!

For more information about TSE, the Educational Sessions, Speakers and Events  go to www.thespecialeventshow.com.

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You can earn various certifications in event/meeting planning, that result in designations such as CSEP, CMP, CMM, CPCE, the list goes on.  (I will define a certification each Friday in my “Alphabet Soup”).  There are several organizations and schools offering certifications and certificates.  Before you spend the money, be sure you know exactly what you are earning at the end of your class or seminar.  Your future goals in the hospitality industry can help you decide whether to pursue Certification or a Certificate and in what!

This handout found on the ISES (International Special Events Society) website – www.isesatlanta.com is one of the best documents I have ever read that clearly indicates the differences between “Certification vs. Certificate” and the value of each.  You can find this at http://www.ises.com/pdf/Certification_vs_Certificate.pdf

I always use this handout during my Event Planning Certificate Open House for my course so that the students know exactly what they are earning when taking my course and what they can earn in the future. I hope it is helpful to you!

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