This will be the first of many posts about The Special Event in New Orleans. While the Wedding Luncheon itself was lackluster, the bright spot was the table top design by Janet Flowers with help from David Rosenzweig of CardBoard Design. The new and innovation product was so versatile, unique and all the while being incredibly green. The company even had a tree made out of cardboard at the white house, which 75,000 people were able to attach their wishes to. Definitely am looking for many opportunities to use this product. www.cardboardesign.com

Speaking at Special Event with Jennifer Schaeffer about Branding. Brand Conscious or Unconscious: Awaken the Sleeping Giant. It is all about the brand. The WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and WHY of Branding.

Throwing an at home New Years Eve Party? Then view this fabulous post on how to do it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMToVuBY0GU

Nice to be quoted in Houston Chronicle for story on the state of event planning and the economy http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/biz/6740912.html

Proud to announce that Elias Events has been nominated for a very prestigious Gala Award, the Academy Award of the Special Events industry BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION: OVERALL BUDGET UNDER $100,000 Elias Events, Houston, Texas "Fashionably Social" http://specialevents.com/news/gala-award-nominees-2009-announced-by-Special-Events-Magazine-11-2009/

Always love to be a part of articles in Weddings in Houston. This article is about cultural traditions. http://www.weddingsinhouston.com/article.asp?article_id=195

Attended the grand opening of Ricks Bridal Couture. Fabulous new bridal salon with designs by Shawn Kingsley - up and coming designer. He is going places and I can't wait to send brides there. www.onedueykingsley.com

Excited to be teaching two classes at Special Event in New Orleans. Who's afraid of the big, bad economy? Forming alliances between non-profits and their vendors. Co-Presenter is Mia Monroe. Thursday, January 14 at 3:30pm. Brand Conscious or Unconscious? Effective solutions to waking the sleeping giant. Co-Presenter is Jennifer Schaefer. Tuesday, January 12 at 8:00am

Got a great opportunity to work with Eileen with Instore Magazine to give some ideas fun party ideas for Jewelry stores. Some included draping models with nothing but fantastic jewelry and body paint for a great effect and using jewelry in centerpieces and napkin holders http://www.instoremag.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2943&Itemid=152

Was very proud to co-chair the 2009 Crystal Icon Awards. A fun evening honoring the best of houston's special event industry. Congratulations to Danny Ward and Nancy Ames for being awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. Thank you to all the contributors to the event including Aztec Party and Tents for the Clear and Gold Chivari Chairs and Gold Chargers Linen House for Gorgeous Dinner Table Linens Darryl and Co for Beautiful Centerpieces Elegant Linens for Award Cocktail Table Linens Stage Directions for the Sound, Lighting and Video Production Fashionable Events for Pipe and Drape, Innovative Staging and Kabuki Drop Hilton Americas-Houston for Venue and Delicious Moroccan Menu J and D Entertainment for Award Entertainment including unique Ball dance ShowBiz Entertainment for Belly Dancer and Stunning Whirling Dervish Prop Rock for Clean White Furniture and Fabulous Moroccan Style Furniture Catch the Moment for Fun Green Screen Photography Genesis Photographers for Just as Fun Photo Booth FHP Entertainment for Great DJ Music Simply Jubilee for Co-Chairing All of the ISES Board and event committe members Follow the link for picture of the event! http://genesisphotographers.smugmug.com/ISES/2009-Crystal-Icon-Awar/9394328_pcpKq#629220741_4XgcR