Event Round-Up: Highlights of the 2011 BizBash Expo
Caroline Wolfe Papocchia Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 3:14PM Today's torrential rain did not stop planners, vendors, and exhibitors from coming out in force to attend the annual BizBash Expo and Awards at the Jacob Javits Center in New York. A bit waterlogged ourselves, we checked into the bustling conference floor to check out the latest from our favorite vendors, and to gain some insight into industry trends.
Expo guests were immediately greeted by the work of Inflate, a company that provides - unsurprisingly - air-filled temporary structures. Inflate had various caves, rooms, and canopies installed across the floor, including this illuminated cove at the entrance. Otherworldly, and a terrific beacon: in the endless halls of the Javits Center, guides needed only say: head towards the rainbow balloons.
Over in the BizBash lounge, chalk board black coffee tables from AFR seemed to inspire guests to self-promote (a natural instinct at a networking expo). But guests of any stripe love interaction, so these tables struck us as quite fun - however, it's worth noting that chalk dust, fine clothing, and the condensation off a typical cocktail glass doth not a good party combo make.
One vendor who took us by surprise was Bedazzle My Bonbons, a unique chocolatier peddling treats coated in vibrantly colored edible glitter. Reps from the euphemistically-named company distributed the bonbons on trays like old-fashioned cigarette girls. Like babies, we love anything glittery and shiny - and based on the crowds around the table, we were not alone.
Even more deliciousness awaited us in the booth of Abigail Kirsch, a caterer known for dramatic and elegant presentations and very yummy food. This year, they created a tower of sweets in shades of green set on white shelves. We were among the many fans of the mini caramel apples covered in chopped pistachios and skewered with - wait for it - cinnamon sticks!
Rose Brand, one of our favorite suppliers of theatrical fabrics and draping, had an incredible installation of laser-cut fabric that really caught our eye. Smaller samples at their table included custom foil-embossed fabrics, an innovation nominated for a 2011 Best New Product BizBash award.
To our delight, perhaps our favorite event vendor of all time was once again at the Expo. MVS Studio, purveyor of the finest digital photo and videobooths, set up their customary spare booth. Nothing wrong with that! No promotional pens or cupcakes are needed when the product sells itself so well. We chatted with the owner Mark, who was happy to report consistent growth over the last 5 years despite the influx of competitors to the market. We say, and surely Mark would agree, competitors shmopetitors. MVS is the best!
Finally, of course, what is a BizBash Expo without the Screaming Queens? The "strolling table" beauties never disappoint - although we could not help but agree with a fellow attendee that if we were in those costumes we would be running people over left and right. Luckily, these ladies have far more decorum.
Another year, another great Expo. Thanks BizBash!
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