San Diego is one of the top players in the special events industry nationwide, so it was no surprise the International Special Events Society’s second annual expo, Expand the Possibilities, was good for planners and vendors. More than 50 special event exhibitors and industry leaders came together to network and learn about the latest products and services.
“Event planning is a creative and fun industry,” says Annie Revel of Revel Productions Inc., a society board member and executive producer of the expo. “(The event) brings a level of professionalism to the industry and the expo gives members the opportunity to showcase their talent.”
Upon entering the expo through a steam-filled tunnel, event opportunities were everywhere and the entertainment endless. Fun photos from ProDigital, airbrushed tattoos by Just 4 Kids, delicious food by Culinary Concepts, comfy sofas by Lounge Appeal and music by Entertainment At Large, The Players and Glen Erath, made for just some of the fun. Even the mobile restroom, by Andy Gump Executive Suite, was first class — flat screen televisions hung above the sinks.
“The event industry in San Diego has really grown in the last 10 years, especially with the convention center,” says Hans Petermann, owner of expo-host Party Pals and treasurer of ISES. “After 9/11, things slowed down a bit, but now things are going great and the summer is always a busy time.”
With 96 members and growing, the society is the only special events organization in San Diego and Petermann describes its members as the cream of the crop.
“The special events industry in San Diego always tries to evolve,” says Petermann. “What was hot three years ago is not today. What is hot now will be passé tomorrow.”
Revel agrees and says one of the reasons event planning is such a fast-growing industry in San Diego is because of the special events society.
“The organization brings a level of sophistication to the industry in San Diego,” says Revel. “We have members doing global events, like the Olympics in Greece, which bring even more attention to San Diego as being at the top of the event planning field.”
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