Millions of people watched on November 9, 2009, as Berliners marked the 20th anniversary of freedom for this city - and the world likes this new Berlin. Speeches were made and concerts were held at Brandenburg Gate, including an event with 1,000 styrofoam blocks painted by German children as a symbol of the fall of the wall as they fell like dominos.

"Representatives of many nations came here to take part in the celebrations to mark an event that wrote a whole new chapter in the history books," says Heike Mahmoud, director of conventions for the Berlin Convention Office. "Berlin's image speaks for itself and sends out the message around the globe that the German capital is a young, open and cultural city that has become the heart of Europe."

For the events and meetings industry, Berlin is seen as a creative city that is unique and affordable. And Berlin attracts more national and international participants in scientific and medical association congresses than in any other city in the world, according to data from ICCA.

I had a chance to visit Berlin this summer as part of Meeting Place Berlin, and my impression is that Berlin has become a world class city for those who have already discovered it, and this destination will continue to draw the attention of the international events industry.

Learn more about what you should know to plan events and conventions in Berlin.

Photo: Heike Mahmoud, Berlin Convention Office

If you think the only reason for hosting a holiday party is just to demonstrate your own lavishness, then it is correct not to host one.

Investment News just announced that The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. has canceled its company holiday party this year because its business model was too profitable, and they are concerned that this event will be perceived as extravagant.

As we approach the end of 2009, let's hope this mentality about the events industry stays in 2009 and does not carry forward into 2010. It seems like an awful insult that Goldman Sachs would associate the extravagance of its business model with hosting a holiday party. Perhaps they don't know how to organize a cost effective party?

Based on the logic of the Goldman Sachs decision, organizations should choose to eliminate their holiday parties if they cannot afford to host one, and they should eliminate their holiday parties if they can afford to host one.

For 2010, let's make a resolution to remind our organizations that these events have nothing to do with what is chosen for the venue, food and beverage, decor or even choice of gifts.

The goals of a holiday party should reflect the following: reinforce a message of appreciation to employees/clients, boost morale, foster teamwork, increase employee retention, highlight operating goals, and prepare to do it all again next year -- even better. By investing a few dollars, the holiday party typically pays for itself.

Most successful businesses don't have the same bonus pools to share with their employees as Goldman Sachs. So while they may have sufficient financial rewards to share with their employees, let's make sure that nobody relies on the same logic as Goldman Sachs' choice to cancel its holiday party ... associating a holiday party with being extravagant. Keep your employee appreciation events.

Share your thoughts about corporate holiday parties.

We're trying something new on this section -- we're asking for readers to share their views and answer questions. Please help me get this started.

This is the time of year when everyone is working on their final plans for this year's company holiday parties. From theme to catering to gifts, what tips do you have to share with others about this year's company party or holiday party theme? What would you suggest to someone who is responsible for organizing a holiday party for the first time? What do you enjoy about your company holiday party? Share your holiday party ideas here!

Answer here: What Are Your Top Holiday Party Ideas for the Company Holiday Party This Year?

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.

Whether you're planning a seminar, conference, incentive trip or even a wedding, one thing is certain: you will want to hold a pre-con meeting with event vendors and suppliers. It is held usually one or two days prior to the actual event, and is different from the walk through that occurs on the day of an event. Event planners should understand the following before attending a pre-con:

• What to expect during a pre-con meeting?
• What is included in the event resume?

Learn more about how to plan a seminar.

Catering can have a big impact on determining the sustainability and creation of green meetings. Not sure how to incorporate sustainability into your event's food and beverage or what to ask? Elizabeth Henderson, CMM, CMP, M.E. Des., director of corporate responsbility for Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Calgaray, Alberta, Canada, suggests 10 ideas and 4 questions that she relies upon to ensure a commitment to sustainability for her events. Learn more.

The European Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (EIBTM) holds its annual congress in Barcelona each year at the Fira Gran Via. This is one of the most popular international event shows that are held. Qualified international meeting and event planners are hosted, and they meet with various destinations and hotels to discuss potential upcoming programs. And it doesn't hurt that this congress is scheduled in Barcelona in December, either... Learn more about EIBTM.

Other trade shows for event planners.