BY CHRISTINE COLEMAN

An "out-of-this-world" combination of education, information and entertainment designed specifically for the event and party rental industry is planned for Events & Tents 2001: The Odyssey, scheduled for Feb. 24-25, 2001, at the Clarion Hotel in Orlando, Fla. Events & Tents precedes the 45th Annual A.R.A. Convention and Rental Trade Show to be held Feb. 26-March 1 in Orlando.

Events & Tents features one-of-a-kind, industry-specific seminars covering the range of interests and experiences in event rental. The presenters and panelists, many from the rental industry, bring a wealth of knowledge and a willingness to share, making the learning unequaled, according to Maureen Conway, A.R.A. director of education and staff liaison.

As the theme indicates, Events & Tents 2001: The Odyssey will be a journey - yet one that can be customized by the participant, Conway says.

Seven separate educational tracks, "Quests," will provide seminars on a variety of event-rental topics. The range of seminars means there will be choices for those who are just starting out in event and party rental, those who want more advanced education and everyone in between. Seminar titles will reflect the content level. In addition, some seminars also are applicable to the new A.R.A. Certified Event Rental Professional designation (see opposite page).

Choose seminars from the following Quests:

· The Event Design Quest

· The Tent Quest

· The Linen Quest

· The Tabletop Decor Quest

· The Sales/Marketing Quest

· The Operations Quest

· The Management Quest

Again in 2001, seminars will be scheduled for Saturday and Sunday mornings and Saturday afternoon. Roundtable discussions also will be held Saturday during lunch and Sunday at breakfast.

After the seminars on Sunday, attendees may tour Disney Textile Services, Freeman Decorating and rental stores. The tours are optional and have an additional fee.

Cap off the weekend on Sunday night with the annual events gala, a celebration that is a combination of entertainment and education. Some seminars during the weekend will produce portions of the gala decor, such as the tabletop adornments and lighting, and will provide experience in working with your peers to produce a large-scale event. The gala will be held in a tent on the Clarion Hotel grounds and has an additional fee.

A full brochure on Events & Tents 2001: The Odyssey, including a registration form, will be included with the A.R.A. convention information coming soon. You also can check A.R.A.'s Web site at <ararental.org> for more information.

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