FOR THE BOOKSHELF 4-1-1998

Meetings & Conventions: Short Cuts April 1998
April 1998
Short Cuts:
FOR THE BOOKSHELF

Special Events:Best Practices in Modern Event Management by Dr. Joe Jeff Goldblatt, CSEP, John Wiley &Sons, Inc., New York City, $59.95

This second edition of Goldblatt's book examines meetings industry trends that have intensified since the original 1990 version: economic uncertainty, rapid technological advancement and increased competition among event planners. The author, founding director of The Event Management Program at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., presents these challenges as "an exciting platform from which to relaunch or build your career." Those who read his book from that platform should have a leg up on the rest. It has the look and feel of a textbook (not to mention the hefty price tag), but Special Events is packed with 377 pages of straightforward, practical advice in four parts: Administration; Coordination; Marketing; and Legal, Ethical and Risk Management. Chapters are peppered with creative ideas and cost-saving tips, along with "war stories" that offer real-life examples throughout. Perhaps most useful of all is an appendix with Internet addresses, sample contracts and other valuable reference material.