Back for the seventh year... Penton Media is offering a limited number
of attendees the opportunity to fully experience The Special Event 2009
by joining the Hands-On Hundred Work/Study Program. Attendees volunteer
for a minimum of ten hours of work (2 five hour shifts) on the set-up,
management and clean-up crews for the social events and other show
administrative activities, in exchange for a deeply discounted
registration rate.
This program is a learning and hands-on experience. Meet other
participants, sponsors, committee chairs and staff from around the
world. If you are new to the industry, looking for a different
experience at the show, or just want to help out on-site... this
program is for you!
Read Frequently Asked Questions
Rave reviews from past participants:
"A great experience! This program is a super way to see how other producers operate."
"It was my first Special Event and I attended by myself. The Hands-On Hundred program was a way to meet new people."
"After attending for many years, the Hands-On Hundred was a
terrific new dimension to the educational opportunities of the
conference."
- Educational Package which includes all sessions, CSEP courses,
education session handouts on CD Rom, exhibit-hall access for three
days, the exhibit hall cocktail reception and Opening General Session
- Staff credentials and sportswear
- Official thank-you letter for your portfolio
Please note that HOH volunteers are granted access ONLY to the event
he/she is assigned/scheduled to work as staff. If a HOH volunteer
wishes to attend any other showcasing events and/or luncheons, tickets
must be purchased.
After registration and payment in full of the fee, HOH members will
receive a profile questionnaire. On this questionnaire, you will choose
the assignments that interest you and rank the educational seminars you
don't want to miss while at the conference. The HOH Manager, Kari
Strolberg, will use the profiles to assign you to minimum of 10 hours
of work (2 five hour shifts) to support the set-up, management and
clean up of the social events and/or other show administrative
activities. Confirmations are sent by email on your assignments. At the
initial training session you will receive your credentials and
sportswear.
We will ask on your questionnaire if you have purchased tickets at
the regular price to any other social events including the Welcome
Party, Opening Night Party, Wedding Lunch, Leadership Lunch, Theme
Lunch or the Gala Awards and Celebration. We will do our best to
schedule your work shifts around your ticket purchases.
As part of your package, you will have access to the full
educational program; however, it is likely your staff work assigned
will conflict with some seminars. We will use the profile questionnaire
to do our best to schedule around your top seminar choices.
Most assignments are focused around the social events that take
place at The Special Event. These events include the Welcome Party,
Opening Night Party, Wedding Lunch, Leadership Lunch, Theme Lunch and
the Gala Awards and Celebration. Job assignments include, but are not
limited to:
- Event set-up (including placing linens, arranging tables, helping with décor, etc.)
- Event clean-up
- Event ticketing/wrist-banding, greeting, program distribution or transportation
- Assisting the floral designers
- Work in the Sponsor VIP registration area
You will rate your level of interest in these areas on your personal profile questionnaire.
It is critical that all Hands-On Hundred participants fully commit
to and perform a minimum of 10 hours of volunteer work as assigned by
our managers. This breaks down to 2 five-hour shifts. All hours will be
tracked and recorded.
In the event that the hours are not fulfilled, the attendee will be
charged the full price of the Educational Package and an additional $25
for credentials and sportswear.
The Hands-On Hundred was designed for the attendee that wants to get
involved in The Special Event and connect to the industry leaders that
chair our committees. It is a learning experience and best suited for
those who want to work behind-the-scenes, professionals new to the
industry or individuals who do not mind digging in and helping make the
events happen on-site. This is not a way to get a discount to the show
and its parties. Penton Media reserves the right to refuse any
applicant if they do not cooperate with the program rules.
Final Note: The HOH program is a great way to meet new people, try
new things and work in a new environment. The jobs that the HOH team
fulfills for the event Chairs are integral in the production of our
world-class events. It is not always "glamorous" work but it is
necessary and we appreciate everyone who helps us out.