Event design is a game-changer in this business, whether for big one-off affairs or multiday conventions and conferences. Along with F&B, a splashy presentation is food for the soul when it comes to perceptions of how an organization convenes, values its attendees and generally conducts business.
That said, I’m proud to give a little recognition to San Francisco’s Giants Enterprises for its staging of the Opening Night Celebration for last year’s MPI WEC, which recently won the coveted Esprit Award from the International Live Events Association. Because the event was held in my hometown of San Francisco and conceptualized by Giants Enterprises Vice President Sara Hunt and old industry friend Senior Vice President Stephen Revetria, who is also chairman of the MPI Foundation and past-chairman for the San Francisco Travel Association, the accolade was even more special.
And, as I wandered the colorful, circus-like atmosphere that transformed Pier 48 across from AT&T Park, I even recognized some friends and other colorful San Francisco characters entertaining the crowd. Bravo to all involved, including MPI, which seems to be on a roll when it comes to creating memorable networking events these days!
Also in This Issue
Now that I’ve given the home team some pats on the back, I hope you enjoy our October issue, with its cover story on creating a sense of place when holding international meetings—sort of like staging a successful event, come to think of it—along with our usual complement of comprehensive destination stories, features and department items that also hopefully hit it out of the park!
