I was just glancing at the latest questions in the event planning forum, and ran across this one: How to organize a university rave party?

The concept of a "rave party" has changed over the years, so to avoid sounding like someone over 30, I thought that I'd share the question with readers. What would you recommend a university include in its rave party? I suggest the following:

• Begin the event after 10 p.m. and continue it until legally approved hours.
• Hire two or three bands and mix the styles of music (include Jamaican music).
• Project a laser light show on screens and buildings.
• Distribute a range of glow stick promotional items.
• Promote your rave using only social media on campus.

One way to save money is to get the support of the university's school of music and/or performing arts. Of course, the organizers should seek out the support and advice of their university student activities director and his/her resources when it comes to facilities and rental issues.

Please share your comments here or feel free to post on the event planning forum. Thanks!

IMEX Group, known for its annual hosted conference (IMEX) in Frankfurt, Germany, has announced with Meeting Professionals International, Dallas, TX, that it will establish IMEX America for October 11-13, 2011.

IMEX America will host 1,500 meetings and incentives buyers at the Sands Expo Center (Venetian/Palazzo) in Las Vegas, NV. About 80% of attendees will come from North America. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority participated in the launch announcement of Imex America. The program is being supported by other leading industry associations, including ICCA (International Congress & Convention Association), DMAI (Destination Marketing Association International), AIPC (International Association of Congress Centres) and ECM (European Cities Marketing).

The outstanding question remains, how will this partnership impact the MPI educational calendar?

"There will always be a marketplace experience at MPI live events," explains Bruce MacMillan, MPI's CEO. "Just as we have moved away from a traditional tradeshow at MeetDifferent 2010 based on member feedback, we will also continue to evolve our World Education Conference marketplace experience to be reflective of member needs at the time. With the economy recovering we need to create more marketplace opportunities for our members not less".

Hosted buyer programs may be relatively new to some U.S. event planners. Not familiar? Learn what meeting and event planners should expect on a hosted buyer program.

Angela Shumba of Tsaduko Events in a small town in South Africa wanted to know what she should do if she were to organize her area's first bridal show. Robert Chevalier of Chevalier Associates, Inc., a bridal show expert and publisher of Bride & Groom magazine in Shewsbury, MA, offered Shumba his advice, including 10 tips for producing a a bridal show. From understanding the importance of setting goals to establishing criteria for the bridal expo, learn what you should know to organize a bridal show (or what to find at a bridal expo).

Photo: Robert Chevalier, courtesy of Chevalier Associates.

'Tis the season for holiday party event planning, but how can event planners create a festive environment that will not be perceived as excessive or indulgent?

Event planner Greg Jenkins of Bravo Productions, Long Beach, CA, answered my earlier request for readers to share some of their best ideas to save money on this year's holiday party. From establishing the right holiday party theme to menu selection, meeting and event planners can save money and create an event that tells employees and clients that you value and appreciate them.

Read 10 holiday party planning cost saving tips.

If you have some inside tips and suggestions to help event planners on a particular type of event, program or service, feel free to email and contact me! Thanks.

Courtesy photo from Bravo Productions.