What's New
- The Special Event Company Produces Launch Events for Residential Property Developments in London, England and Research Triangle, North Carolina
- Fifth Award Nomination for Environmental Institute Launch
- The Special Event Company Hires UK Strategic Business Manager, Expands Focus on Fashion, Cosmetics and Lifestyle Industry Events
- The Special Event Company is a Finalist for 2006 ISES Esprit Award for Best Team Effort - Event Over $100K
- The Special Event Company Retained to Launch Residential Property Developments in London, England and Research Triangle, North Carolina
- The Special Event Company Partners with The Durham Arts Council as Strategic Advisor on Events and Sponsorship
- The Special Event Company opens new office in Research Triangle Park, moves North American headquarters from California to North Carolina
- Sally Webb Commences Appointment as Executive In Residence at Temple University
- The Special Event Company has expanded its UK office, taking additional space at its Chelmsford location and appointing new staff to oversee its ongoing growth across Europe
- Press Cuttings (Photo gallery)
The Special Event Company Produces Launch Events for Residential Property Developments in London, England and Research Triangle, North Carolina
In November, The Special Event Company created events to launch two new residential property developments in London, England and Research Triangle, North Carolina.
"The diversity of our skills was truly showcased at the launches of two distinct developments held on both sides of the Atlantic," says Webb, who serves as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the firm.
The first launch, in North Carolina, was produced for a 700 home residential development, focusing on traditional American family values. To highlight this core message, The Special Event Company delivered strategic event components to reflect the core values of the developers and the property. This was achieved by offering a series of daytime family activities for over 1000 attendees, which then culminated in evening celebrations and a spectacular fireworks show.
The second series of events combined VIP lunches and several cocktail receptions to launch a new development of luxury properties in London's exclusive Mayfair. Over the course of a week, over 400 guests were treated to unique entertainment and sumptuous delicacies, while having exclusive access to the new property. Custom created entertainment focused on the intrinsic design elements of the property, offering guests the opportunity to interact with 'living' furniture designed to compliment the luxurious surroundings.
Among other recent client developments, the Special Event Company has further expanded its client profile with a portfolio of events for a US based automotive retailer. Events include sales meetings, incentive trips, and large scale consumer events.
A recognized leader in international event production and destination management, The Special Event Company was founded in London by award-winning event producer Sally Webb. A founding member and past-president of the International Special Event Society, Webb was named International Event Professional of the Year by Event Solutions Magazine in 2004 for her work on myriad corporate events in the US, UK, Europe and Asia. She is currently an Executive in Residence at Temple University, teaching event management and production.
The UK office of The Special Event Company is located at Imperial House, Victoria Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1NY, Tel: +44 (0)1245 253 930, Fax: +44 (0)1245 268 322, and its US office at 2616 Erwin Road, Suite 1335, Durham, NC, 27705, Tel: 919 361 5074, Email: info@specialeventco.com. For more information about the firm, its work and global presence, please visit www.specialeventco.com.
Fifth Award Nomination for Environmental Institute Launch
The Special Event Company is proud to be nominated for a prestigious Special Event Gala Award for 'Best Event for a Non-Profit Organization' for the launch of the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions in the USA.
The launch event was part of a 3-day program bringing together leading environmental thought-leaders, including Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winning speakers, for a global summit on the environment managed by the company. Sean Defreitas, of Designs by Sean is co-nominee.
The revered Cameron Basketball Stadium was transformed over a 4 day period into venue with 180 degree projections of emotionally engaging images of nature.
This event has already won 3 major event awards from ISES and CASE and is also nominated for 'Best Event Catering' with Mitchells Catering for a Special Event Gala.
Managing Director, Sally Webb said "We are delighted to receive the recognition for this important event, as the logistical challenges pushed to our entire team to the limits of our expertise" She added "We are also proud to be representing the UK at the Gala Awards and this is fabulous recognition for our new US office in Durham, North Carolina".
The Gala Awards have been given by Special Events Magazine, the premier global industry publication, since 1986. They recognize the finest work in special events worldwide.
For the 2006 Gala Awards, the magazine received nearly 500 entries in 35 categories from countries around the world.
The Special Events Magazine Advisory Board will pick the winners during The Special Event 2007 Conference, Jan. 9-12 in Los Angeles. The Gala Awards will be handed out on Jan. 12 at a black-tie gala ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium, famed site for many years of the Academy Awards ceremony (the "Oscars") and still today the Emmys.
Further information:
| Sally Webb | UK: 01245 233930 | Cell: 07785 374043 |
| USA: 919 361 5074 | Cell: 919 395 9623 |
The Special Event Company Hires UK Strategic Business Manager, Expands Focus on Fashion, Cosmetics and Lifestyle Industry Events
The Special Event Company has hired Sanjay Dhrona as Strategic Business Manager in its UK office.
Sanjay brings over seven years of experience in international travel and social event planning for private clients in the fashion and cosmetics industry. He is focused on developing new avenues of work in these areas and across the lifestyle product market.
"I am thrilled to bring Sanjay on board," said Sally Webb, founder and CEO of The Special Event Company. "He is an experienced event professional with a spirit and enthusiasm for his work that is unrivalled. He is the perfect fit for our growing organization."
Sanjay has worked on events for world-renowned designers and cosmetics brands such as Ozwald Boateng and Yves Saint Laurent as well as smaller boutique brands Fever, Janet Reger and Griffin, to name a few. Sanjay's industry experience is highlighted by the diverse range of client events he has managed, which include Sony, The G8 Conference, La Salle, General Electric, The London Press Club, Pfizer and General Motors.
A graduate of the Oxford Brookes University, Department of Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Department, Sanjay was elected president of his class and delivered the student body speech at graduation. In addition to his work in fashion and beauty event management, Sanjay spent a year working in Boca Raton, Florida in catering and convention planning.
"During my time in at Oxford Brookes, I decided I would work in events, not just any events, but international events and more importantly stunning events," said Sanjay. "I'm proud and excited to have joined The Special Event Company with its massive reputation and award winning history, I am ready and willing to take on some new and wonderful challenges."
For more information about The Special Event Company, please visit www.specialeventco.com.
The Special Event Company is a Finalist for 2006 ISES Esprit Award for Best Team Effort - Event Over $100K
The Special Event Company has been nominated for a prestigious ISES Esprit Award, to be presented at the ISES Eventworld gala, August 26, 2006 at the Sheraton Waikiki, Hawaii.
Together with colleagues from Designs by Sean, Mitchell's Catering, American Audio Video, and AVS Entertainment, The Special Event Company has been nominated for Best Team Effort for an event with a budget of more than $100,000 for the gala dinner and educational conference launching the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions at the Nicholas Institute for the Environment and Earth Sciences at Duke University in Durham, NC. The event has already won two EVIE (Excellence in Events) Awards in North and South Carolina for Best Event Venue and Best Food Presentation. The Special Event Company recently opened a new office in Durham.
"This was the most challenging and rewarding event I have ever produced," said Sally Webb, founder of The Special Event Company and an award-winning event producer for over 20 years. "The team on this project worked tirelessly to create the most spectacular event we have ever been involved in, and I am so proud to have worked with this group on the event. From creative design and décor to world-class lighting design and cutting edge use of technology to innovative food and beverage, the event demonstrated what's possible in our industry."
In addition to coordinating the logistics of a three-day academic conference that brought together the world's leading scientists, environmental educators and policymakers, the team created a gala dinner and celebration event in a completely transformed Cameron Indoor Stadium, best known as the home of Duke's national championship men's basketball team.
"It was incredible to take a venue so known for one thing - basketball - and create something so different - an elegant, gala showcasing the need for environmental awareness and conservation. It was a huge challenge, and the team performed brilliantly."
For more information about The Special Event Company and to view pictures from the Nicholas School event, please visit www.specialeventco.com.
The Special Event Company Retained to Launch Residential Property Developments in London, England and Research Triangle, North Carolina
The Special Event Company has been retained by highly regarded builder-developers, designers and architects to produce launch events for new residential developments in London, England and Research Triangle, North Carolina.
A recognized leader in international event production and destination management, The Special Event Company was founded in London by award-winning event producer Sally Webb. A founding member and past-president of the International Special Event Society, Webb was named International Event Professional of the Year by Event Solutions Magazine in 2004 for her work on myriad corporate events in the US, UK, Europe and Asia. She is currently an Executive in Residence at Temple University, teaching event mangement and production.
"I am thrilled to announce the expansion of our work in the real estate sector with the addition of new projects on both sides of the Atlantic," says Webb, who serves as managing director and chief executive officer of the firm. "As the demand for innovative event production and management services in the real property industry continues to grow, we are well positioned to meet the growing needs of our clients."
Among other recent client developments, the Special Event Company has also expanded its work with a major pharmaceutical company to create and produce an extensive program of launches, events and road shows across nine European countries.
The UK office of The Special Event Company is located at Imperial House, Victoria Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1NY, Tel: +44 (0)1245 253 930, Fax: +44 (0)1245 268 322, and its US office at 2616 Erwin Road, Suite 1335, Durham, NC, 27705, Tel: 919 361 5074, Email: info@specialeventco.com. For more information about the firm, its work and global presence, please visit www.specialeventco.com.
The Special Event Company Partners with The Durham Arts Council as Strategic Advisor on Events and Sponsorship
The Special Event Company has partnered with The Durham Arts Council as strategic advisor providing event and sponsorship services on a pro bono basis.
"As we establish our Durham office, we are really excited to partner with the Durham Arts Council to provide our professional services to them free of charge," said Sally Webb, founder, president and managing director of The Special Event Company. "Event creation is an art, and we are proud, as event creators, to be a member of the thriving Durham arts and corporate community. We are eager to do whatever we can to help the Durham Arts Council further its work to promote excellence in the arts and access to the arts for all people of our community."
Among other support, the Special Event Company will provide strategic and creative counsel to annual fundraising and sponsorship efforts and events.
"As we enter our 52nd year, The Durham Arts Council is at a very exciting and important place in its history," said DAC Executive Director Sherry DeVries. "We are very happy to be working with The Special Event Company to enhance our fundraising and event planning capabilities, and we appreciate their generosity in supporting us as we work to provide a wide range of programs and services both to the public and to the arts community."
A recognized leader in international event production, conference planning and destination management, The Special Event Company was founded in London, England by award-winning event producer Sally Webb in 1986. The firm has since produced award-winning events across the globe from offices in the UK and Los Angeles, and recently opened a new North American headquarters in the Research Triangle. Its US clientele includes Duke University and the Fuqua School of Business, a Napa Valley winery and a major pharmaceutical company for which the firm is handling event management and production for a corporate and product launch across nine European countries.
The Durham Arts Council is a private, not-for-profit organization that promotes excellence in and access to the creation, experience and active support of the arts for all the people of the Durham community. DAC attendance has grown 76% in the last three years to more than 282,000, providing major economic impact as the third largest visitor attraction in downtown Durham. Last year, DAC supported the work of 300 artists, provided grants and facility space to more than 50 arts organizations and served more than 60,000 youths, including nearly 15,000 children through artist residencies in school classrooms and after school programs. Also last year, DAC completed a three-year, community wide planning process to create the Durham Cultural Master Plan that will strengthen the arts and cultural community for years to come. Among other events this year, DAC presents the 33rd annual CenterFest Arts Festival and co-presented the ever-growing Durham Arts Walk April 8-9, 2006.
The first joint effort of this new partnership is an invitation-only gala produced by The Special Event Company to launch its Research Triangle presence and feature performances by the Durham area's most talented artists. Also contributing services to the event on a pro bono basis are Mitchell's Catering, American Audio Video, Designs By Sean, and BK Design.
For more information about The Special Event Company and the Durham Arts Council, please visit www.specialeventco.com or www.durhamarts.org, respectively, or call Diana Nelson on 919 361 5074.
Award-winning International Event Production Leader Establishes Research Triangle Office
The Special Event Company has opened an office in Durham, NC and appointed Diana Nelson as Strategic Business Manager to lead its presence there.
A recognized leader in international event production and destination management, The Special Event Company was founded in London, England by award-winning event producer Sally Webb in 1986. A founding member and past-president of the International Special Event Society, Webb was named International Event Professional of the Year by Event Solutions Magazine in 2004 for her work on myriad corporate events in the US, UK, Europe and Asia. She is currently an Executive in Residence at Temple University, teaching event marketing and production.
"I am thrilled to open an office in Durham," says Webb, who serves as managing director and chief executive officer of the firm. "Having worked closely with Duke University for many years, I have become an admirer of the community and see a tremendous and mutually beneficial future in this growing and dynamic area."
The Durham office will run in an identical manner to the firm's UK and California offices, with a focus on event production and live communications, event marketing, corporate messaging and collateral materials development, product launches, conference planning and destination management. Among other responsibilities, the office will assume primary event coordination and management for the Fuqua School of Business and Coach K Leadership Conference, which the firm has overseen since 2003. Other recent management projects in Durham include the highly successful launch of the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions at Duke.
Nelson comes to The Special Event Company with over 10 years of senior advisory experience in public relations, event marketing and communications, having worked with clients such as Gucci, Starwood and ABC. Prior to joining the firm, Nelson served as director of communications at Duke Law School, where she was responsible for brand development through institutional positioning and messaging, event planning and execution, web content, video production, publication of Duke Law Magazine and national media relations. Prior to this, she was associate partner with Brunswick, the international financial communications consultancy, in the firm's NYC office.
Nelson started her career as an attorney in Atlanta, GA and NYC. Her entertainment experience includes work with ABC's Good Morning America and Zoetrope Studios in San Francisco, CA. She is an honors graduate of Duke University and the UNC School of Law.
The Durham office of The Special Event Company is located at 2616 Erwin Road, #1335, Durham, NC 27705, telephone 919.767.7584, diana@specialeventco.com / sally@specialeventco.com www.specialeventco.com.
Sally Webb Commences Appointment as Executive In Residence at Temple University
Award-winning event producer Sally Webb has joined the faculty at Philadelphia's Temple University as Executive in Residence for the Spring 2006 semester. Sally is teaching at the Temple School of Tourism and Hospitality Management in both the bachelors and masters degree programs. She taught her first classes in January 2006.
We are very happy to welcome Sally to our faculty at Temple," said Dr. Joe Jeff Goldblatt, Executive Director of Professional Development. "She is a gifted instructor and her wisdom, experience and immense talent are an inspiration."
"I am honored to have the opportunity to teach at Temple, and especially delighted to support Dr. Goldblatt, whom I consider a personal mentor," said Webb. "He is a pioneer of the events industry."
The Special Event Company Expands UK Office, with New Staff and Worldwide Clients
The Special Event Company has expanded its UK office, taking additional space at its Chelmsford location and appointing new professional staff to oversee its ongoing growth across Europe.
A recognized leader in international event production and destination management, The Special Event Company was founded in London by award-winning event producer Sally Webb in 1986. A founding member and past-president of the International Special Event Society, Webb was named International Event Professional of the Year by Event Solutions Magazine in 2004 for her work on myriad corporate events in the US, UK, Europe and Asia. She is currently an Executive in Residence at Temple University, teaching event marketing and production.
"I am thrilled to announce the expansion of our UK presence with the addition of new office space, new clients, and new personnel," says Webb, who serves as managing director and chief executive officer of the firm. "As the scale of our work continues to grow, so do our internal resources to embrace and manage the business. We are happy to be in a position where we can expand our services to best meet the growing needs of our clients."
Among other recent client developments, the Special Event Company has been retained by a major pharmaceutical company to create and produce an extensive program of launches, events and roadshows across nine European countries.
The UK office of The Special Event Company is located at Imperial House, Cottage Place, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1NY, Tel: +44 (0)1245 253 930, Fax: +44 (0)1245 268 322, Email: info@specialeventco.com. For more information about the firm, its work and global presence, please visit www.specialeventco.com.