Thousands of industry experts, corporate executives, and sales and marketing professionals gathered for a three-day networking event in New York City, planned by EMRG Media. The 11th anniversary of The Event Planner Expo boasted five events in one with over 50 speakers and 150 exhibitors. Unlike traditional networking events, this epic exposition kept guests engaged with celebrity speakers, tradeshow, after-party, and more.
PartySlate Account Executive Samantha Lehman tells us how the event exceeded her expectations at every turn. “It was a buzzing hub of creativity and innovation, with vendors and venue booths proudly displaying their exceptional work,” she shares. “The opportunity to network and connect with some of the most prominent professionals in the event industry was invaluable.”
Melissa Engel, another PartySlate Account Executive who attended the event, shares, “The Event Planner Expo was filled with vendors and venue booths showcasing their work, and was an excellent way to network and connect with top event industry professionals. I especially loved Mannya Bar Services who provided a fun, entertaining cocktail experience throughout the venue. Finishing the week with a performance at Nebula with Ja Rule was a great finale to an amazing week of networking!”
photos courtesy of & planner: EMRG Media | venues: Lavan 641 Midtown, NEBULA & The 92nd Street Y, New York
We sat down with Jessica Stewart, VP of Sales & Marketing at EMRG Media, and Mario Stewart, Owner and President of EMRG and The Event Planner Expo, to learn more about what makes and The Event Planner Expo a unique networking opportunity for event planners in the industry. Keep reading for their answers and insights.
What was the purpose and goals of this year’s expo?
Jessica shares, “The reason we created The Event Planner Expo is to bring the events and hospitality industry together. We want to celebrate the industry.
“Bringing together corporations and the best venues and services all under one roof is amazing. Corporations are looking for ways to enhance their events, and coming to The Event Planner Expo is the best way to take planners’ events to a new level. Strategic partnerships, between all the exhibitors as well as attendees, are formed at the conference.”
What made this year’s event stand out from past years’ expo?
“This was the biggest event they’ve ever had!” Jessica tells us. “It incorporated the best venues, services, and the speakers in the business. Over the course of three days, we had VIP events, 50+ speakers, 140+ booths, and three keynote speakers.” Speakers included Gary Vaynerchuk, CEO of VaynerMedia; Marcy Blum, Event Planner & Owner of Marcy Blum Associates; and Todd Hartley, CEO of WireBuzz and a Tony Robbins faculty speaker. Jessica Stewart and Erica Maurer hosted the engaging series where attendees learned strategies and tactics to grow their businesses.
Jessica goes on to say, “We had amazing sponsors at The Event Planner Expo 2023. We also have unbelievable strategic partnerships.”
What’s one moment or experience that stood out to you about the event?
According to Stewart, “The feedback!” She shares, “Emails, texts, and phone calls from attendees and exhibitors showed that this was the best one yet.
“Guests loved the activations, booth designs, interactions, and partnerships that people were able to make during their time there.”
She goes on to say, “We also noticed the amount of time and effort that the exhibitors put into creating a one-of-a-kind experience to showcase their product and services in an interactive and engaging way.”
For Mario, it was the unique activations and design booths. He shares that he appreciated the way that Cupa Cabana delighted guests with branded coffee sips. Just imagine your face or company logo printed with latte foam instead of ink. Ichiban Catering and Athena Entertainment were also on hand to elevate the guest experience.
Of course, the event was as much celebration as education. Guests enjoyed a vibrant afterparty at NEBULA where Ja Rule gave a surprise celebrity performance.
EMRG Media is already planning The Event Planner Expo 2024, which will be held in New York City on October 15th-17th!
photos courtesy of & event planner: EMRG Media
venues: Lavan 641 Midtown, NEBULA &92nd Street Y, New York
flower bar: Starbright Floral Design
entertainment: Athena Entertainment & Ja Rule
props: Big Hand Props
swag: Merchant Swag