Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/370741
Saturday Feb. 21 8 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Welcome Continental Breakfast and Opening Session The Mentalist for Rentalists: David Merrell's Trends and Forecasts David E. Merrell, AOO Events, Los Angeles Sponsored by Fred's Tents and Canopies, Rainier/Baytex USA and Special Event Sales As the all-important supply line to caterers, planners, venues, designers and your end client, you need to know the latest trends – preferably six months out, so you can stock them! Keeping up can be a challenge, but this breakfast session is your chance to get a complete event industry forecast. AOO Events founder David Merrell has his finger on the pulse of what's happening in weddings, food and beverage, lighting, technology, design and more. Find out what needs to be on your mind and in your warehouse to be ready for 2015 and beyond in this fast- paced, entertaining session. You'll learn: • The hottest products, designs and services for event design in 2015 • What's new in technology, social media and apps – and how to use them • How to buy smart on the trade show floor and stay ahead of your competition David Merrell is the owner/creative director of AOO Events, AOO Live and the event design blog DesignDawgs.net. Merrell was named Designer of the Year by Event Solutions Magazine, and he and his team have earned more than 25 industry awards. He has served on the ISES board and currently sits on the advisory boards of BizBash, Event Solutions, and The Wedding and Event Institute. Learn more at aooevents.com and follow @DavidMerrell on Twitter. REGISTRATION All pricing is per person. NOTE: The Events & Tents program sold out in both 2013 and 2014, and registration will be limited to 450 people. Register early to be sure you can attend! DISCOUNT Through Jan. 5 $250 ARA members $350 prospective members ADVANCE Jan. 6 to Feb. 16 $275 ARA members $375 prospective members ON SITE After Feb. 16 $300 ARA members $400 prospective members Events & Tents Reception (optional) $50 per Events & Tents attendee and $70 per guest of attendee (limit of two guests) 23