REGISTRATION & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
8:00am

Sliced Fresh Fruits and Seasonal Berries
Selected Breakfast Breads and Pastries, Bagels, Butter and Preserves
Chilled Juices
Freshly Brewed Barista Coffees and Imported Teas

 

SESSION ONE
9:00am

Creating a Signature Event
Presented by James Reber, Chris Esparza and Darlene Tenes
Experience Level: ALL

Learn from the experts on how to create a signature event for your organization that will help you reach your goals, stay focused on your mission and make an impact in the community and the people you serve.

 

SESSION TWO
10:30am

Sponsorships 101
Presented by Darlene Tenes
Experience Level: Novice - Intermediate

Learn how to get sponsorships from companies, the media and individuals that will benefit your organization and event. You'll find out how to target certain sponsors that will fit your event and be beneficial to both parties.

 

Price of $uccess
Budget Management
Presented by James Reber
Experience Level: ALL

Are you throwing a party or planning a fundraiser? Events are meant to make money for your organization. Learn to create goals and a realistic budget to successfully reach your financial goals.

 

The Ugly Paperwork
Permits & Licensing
Presented by Chris Esparza
Experience Level: Novice - Intermediate

Learn the ins and outs to getting the right permits and licensing from which government agencies to have your event run smoothly and in compliance.

 

LUNCH AND NETWORKING
11:45am

Napa Greens with Sake Baked Salmon Fillet, Sesame Seed Dressing
Lo Mein Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce and Crisp Vegetables
Baby Red Potato Salad with Stone Ground Mustard and Chervil
Hickory Smoked Turkey Sandwich with Cranberry Aioli
Pepper Roasted Beef with Onion Baguette
Baby Bocconcini with SF Sour Dough, Balsamic Reduction and Thai Basil
House Made Fennel Scented Spanakopita
Hand Made Chorizo Sausage Roll with Puff Pastry
Freshly Baked Santa Cruz Cookies
Double Chocolate Brownies

 

 

SESSION THREE
1:00pm

The Wow Factor
Event Design & Décor
Presented by Darlene Tenes
Experience Level: ALL

When guest enter the room we want them to say "Wow". Get tips and ideas on how to create the wow factor on a budget and keep your guests talking about your event for weeks to come.

 

Go Green!
Environmentally Friendly Events
Presented by Chris Esparza
Experience Level: Intermediate - Advanced

Learn tips, tools and resources to make environmentally responsible choices for your next meeting to reduce waste and make a positive impact on the environment.

 

Building a Powerhouse Team
Recruiting Board & Committee Members
Presented by James Reber
Experience Level: Novice - Intermediate

In order to have a successful event you need to have a committed group of cheerleaders for you organization. Learn how to build a committee who will a ctively sell sponsorships, solicit in-kind donations, and sell tickets to your event.

 

SESSION FOUR
3:00pm

Go with the Flow
Stage & Program Management
Presented by James Reber
Experience Level: Intermediate - Advanced

Learn how proper stage management can help your event stay lively, on time, and keep your audience interested from start to finish.

 

That's Entertainment!
Hiring Talent & Entertainment
Presented by Chris Esparza
Experience Level: ALL

Keep your event in the spotlight by hiring the right talent and entertainment to go along with the theme of your event. From headliners to Mariachis, balloon artists to Tango dancers you'll hear from a bevy of experts in the field on how to find, hire and negotiate contracts, using a talent agent or doing it on your own.

 

Event Marketing & Publicity
Presented by Darlene Tenes
Experience Level: Novice - Intermediate

You've set a date and time now how do you fill the seats? Learn creative ways to get the word out about your event and fill the house. See examples of event websites, invitations, press releases and other marketing pieces that will build excitement for your event.

 

SESSION FIVE
4:00pm

War Stories
Disasters & Blunders
Presented by Darlene Tenes, Chris Esparza and James Reber
Experience Level: ALL

Hear from other event planners and share your war stories of disasters and blunders in event planning and how you came up on top.

 

SAN JOSE CIVIC AUDITORIUM TOUR
(OPTIONAL) 5:00pm

Take a sneak peak at San Jose Civic Auditorium as it undergoes a $13 million face-lift meant to preserve its vintage Spanish Colonial charm while adding the amenities modern touring acts and audiences expect. This exclusive tour will introduce Special Events Academy attendees to exciting new opportunities that await visitors to downtown San Jose's classic venue.

 

Special Events Academy is sponsored by