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www.bizbashlaexpo.com I am happy to announce that for the second year in a row, I will be speaking/moderating a panel at the BizBash Expo on June 9 at the LA Mart, downtown Los Angeles. The deadline to register has been extended to May 17. The topic is Demystifying RFIs, RFPs, and the Proposal to Win Business Hear from a panel of experts as they uncover the mysteries behind great proposal writing. Learn how to decipher proposals to avoid surprises down the road. You'll leave this session with greater confidence to tackle your next RFI, RFP, or proposal. Moderator: Robb Thornsberry, President and Owner, Infinity Events Panelists: Charles Massey, Founder and CEO, SYNAXIS Meetings & Events, Inc. Janine Miccuci, Executive Producer, Along Came Mary Events Lenny Talarico, CSEP, Director of Events, MGM MIRAGE Events 9:15 - 10 a.m.

An article was just published in the recent Meeting News Magazine discussing the recent law signed by Obama in March, establishing a national convention and visitors bureau dubbed the Corporation for Travel Promotion.  This act will not likely take shape for at least 2 years. Up until now, the U.S. has never really promoted tourism on a national level for one can only assume they felt it wasn't necessary.  However many other countries are light years ahead in touting their tourism offerings such as Australian Tourism, Canadian Tourism Commission and Visit Britain just to name a few. This is a first step in what can be a very large boost to the meetings and tourism industries in the U.S. See article below: April 23, 2010 By Jay Boehmer Set into law by the stroke of President Barack Obama's pen in March, the Travel Promotion Act will begin to take shape in the coming months with the establishment of a national convention and visitors bureau and the enactment of that entit...

What to do when you've done it all?  Need to spice up the same ole same ole?  Need to make sure your limited budget can deliver an impact?  GO TO EXTREMES! Below is an entertainment concept that you just don't see everyday.  What better way to ensure your event is memorable and have your guests talking about it for months to come than to give them something they've never seen before. AeroTek AeroTek is an outdoor, aerial and stilt movement spectacle. Featuring five acrobats on stilts rolling into backbends, splits, and a myriad of sculptural forms, AeroTek stretches one's perception of the human body. Strutting and dancing, suspended and flying the performers’ pincer-like metal legs slice the air as they spin and swim like fencers in a seas, barely missing each other in their fervent exploration of their metal home. Shedding layers of armor, the acrobats slowly transform from superhuman warriors to fragile nymphs balancing high above the audience, ha...

Members of the Orange County chapter of Meeting Professionals International reverted back to their childhood as they relived some of their childhood fantasies at the Discovery Science Center in an effort to raise funds for their continued educational programs. Once inside, all the guests recieved a photo passport (courtesy of Four Quick Clicks) and were then escorted to the Cube Terrace where they stepped into a jungle explorerer fantasy where they enjoyed cocktails and a "hot" performance from a fire performer (Courtesy of Background Productions). Once inside, guests were encouraged to bid the night away on a large selection of silent auction items while enjoying delicious comfort foods (courtesy of Colettes Catering). It was a circus inside, actually to be more specific, it was a Carnival of the Mind where unique Carnival like characters roamed the floor and strolling tables (courtesy of Talented Tables) showcased auction items. After a well balanced meal of grilled che...

I just secured some amazing entertainment for the MPIOC fundraiser on March 3 at the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana. Make sure you register now if you have not already done so.

IEi President Robb Thornsberry is the chairperson for the upcoming MPIOC Fundraiser "Childhood Dreams" at the Discovery Science Museum on March 3. This event is specifically designed for MPI members to come prepared to play and have a good time. Guests will experience 3 different Childhood fantasies, Jungle Explorer, Carnival of the mind and Sports Allstar. A silent auction is planned with amazing packages and products up for bid. Decor to be provided by Cort Event Furnishings and Absolutely Fabulous, lighting provided by Shine Lighting, entertainment to be provided by Background Productions and catering provided by Collettes Catering. For more information log onto the MPIOC website.

Attended by dignitaries and superstars of the surfing industry, a capacity crowd of about 500 came out for the world premiere of 3-D Imax surf film The Ultimate Wave Tahiti at the California Science Center produced by Infinity Events . The film’s stars, Kelly Slater and Raimana Van Bastolaer, served as hosts for a guest list of surf industry executives, athletes, and media.