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WARNER BROS. PREMIER EVENT LOCATIONS STUDIOS backlot sets Follow us on museums For more information please visit www.wbspecialevents.com or call 818.954.2652 screening rooms facebook.com WBSpecialEvents wbspecialevents TM & 2014 WBEI. All Rights Reserved. We ve Got Your We ve Got Your We ve Got Your Style... Style... Style... www.LuxeEventRentals.com www.LuxeEventRentals.com www.LuxeEventRentals.com Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center s six unique spaces--from sleek to laid back cool. Bogart & Co. Pacific Ballroom Pacific Gallery & Patio Promenade Atrium Terrace Lobby & Plaza Top of the Lot The first of its kind. Did you feel that kinetic shift when you entered our atmosphere Don t worry the earth s gravity hasn t changed--but everything else has. The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center s new extravagantly reconfigured Pacific Ballroom has tilted event planning on its axis. We re bending light warping sound and transforming dimensions at will to create unforgettable special events that have never been seen before because they ve never been possible--until now. Until here. sightsoundlbc.com Anywhere. Long Beach California. The Urban Waterfront Playground.TM Transport audiences and guests to another world with ethereal projection-ready curtains intelligent lighting systems that feature 180 pinpoint lights and other dazzling features. Check out the live video of our latest event-- sightsoundlbc.com for booking information please email us at newyork_rocks hardrock.com new york hardrockcafenewyork join hardrockrewards.com hardrockcafenyc 1501 broadway times square 1-212-343-3355 2013 Hard Rock International (USA) Inc. All rights reserved. The Havana Room is the newest and most elegant of all Tropicana Las Vegas reception venues. This lavishly designed space offers an ambiance that is irresistible for almost any occasion. All eyes will be drawn to the focal design element a magnificent crystal chandelier that is suspended stylishly over a dark wood dance floor. It is surrounded by more than 40 custom-built banquette-seating areas which are perfect for mingling and multiple full-service bars ensure that guests are never without a drink. There is also premium audio-visual technology as well as other customizable amenities to create the perfect backdrop for all of your Las Vegas events. HavanaRoom Sales TropLV.com o 8 88.810.8767 f 702.739.2448 TropLV.com Find us on Facebook Follow us on TwitterTM The Skylark The Skylark to location to location being everything. being everything. The Loading Dock The Loading Dock Extraordinary food. Extraordinary food. Extraordinary events. Extraordinary events. Now at The Skylark in Midtown Manhattan Now at The Skylark in Midtown Manhattan and The Loading Dock in Stamford CT. and The Loading Dock in Stamford CT. abigailkirsch.com abigailkirsch.com Intimate beautifully designed event space in the heart of midtown Manhattan TheTimesCenter is the centerpiece of Renzo Piano s iconic New York Times Building and the perfect place for your next event. Call 212.556.4300 or visit thetimescenter.com 242 West 41st Street New York City NYIT AUDITORIUM ON BROADWAY Just off Columbus Circle the NYIT Auditorium on Broadway can accommodate a range of events from conferences to film screenings executive meetings to classy cocktail parties. A versatile bi-level layout boasts a 262-seat auditorium and two reception areas including a glass-fa ade atrium and a lower-level concourse.The 262-seat auditorium comprising 3 716 square feet features a platform stage and is fully equipped with digital cinema high-definition and 35mm projectors 26-foot-wide 2-D 3-D screens Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound videoconferencing and streaming capabilities Mac PC compatibilities and wireless internet. LOCATED AT 1871 BROADWAY NEW YORK CITY 1.888.412.8731 aob nyit.edu nyit.edu aob The Newseum is Washington D.C. s top choice for memorable events. NEWSEUM The P lanet s Most E co-Friendly All-Occasion Din nerware www.ecobambooware.com BAMBOOWARE All Nat ural Reusable 100% B iodegradable Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Safe (Certified for 3000 washes) Sturdy & Colorful (other colors available) FDA A pproved BAMBOO SHEATH All Nat ural Handcrafted f rom B amboo S heath 100% B iodegradable No Har sh Ch emicals or B leaches Reusable an d Dis posable Naturally A ntimicrobial ZAFRAWARE Single-use Din nerware 100% B iodegradable Petroleum F ree & Non -Toxic Suitable f or Cold Hot F ood & B everages Freezer R efrigerator an d Micr owave Safe Environmentally S ustainable 318778 Del Obispo St. Bldg. 118-336 San Juan Capistrano CA 92675 t. 949.951.2064 f. 949.951.4726 Y O U R S P ECIAL E VEN T O U R I N S P I R I N G V I E W S. Special Events at Intrepid Museum Make your special event unforgettable with our one-of-a-kind event spaces the flight deck the hangar deck the Lutnick Theater the pier and the Space Shuttle Pavilion featuring Enterprise. Customized event and meeting packages for 20 to 5 000 people. Spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and Hudson River. For more information email eventinfo intrepidmuseum.org call 646-381-5301 or visit intrepidmuseum.org PIER 86 WES T 46TH & 12TH AVENUE NE W YORK CIT Y Untraditional Venue. Pavilion Studio 6251 sq ft. A Experiential agencies choose Soho Studios for its location flexibility and ability to create unforgettable productions. To connect with right people you need the right event space that s dynamic and offers the most event space that s available in Miami. It s Soho Studios passion to provide a turnkey venue and service to its clients. We understand our clients desires and expectations. View our impactful events and past creations. PAST CLIENTS INCUDE Audi Evian Jaguar Gilt Ford Motor Company Lincoln Automotive Absolut Vodka Blackberry L p Unpredictable Events. Armory Studio 33275 sq ft. Located in the Wynwood Art District Soho Studios is the largest venue in Miami providing any event planner with endless possibilities. Our look and feel makes any event unique and unforgettable. We have the capacity to host small events of 100 guests to large events of 5000 guests. (786)529-5889 sohostudiosmiami.com sohostudiosmia sohostudios sohostudios sohostudios 2136 NW 1ST Ave Miami FL 33127 info sohostudiosmiami.com. To an event that s unforgettable for all the right reasons. Work. Rest. Play. We have everything you need to turn your next event into your best event. With 60 000 sq. ft. of innovative meeting spaces one-of-a-kind VIP Suites state-of-the-art concert venue exceptional catering and menu options Michelin Star-Rated dining--whether it s big or small a few days or just a few hours our experienced staff is here to ensure that your event goes off without a hitch. palms.com 702 942 7059 866 725 6768 planameeting palms.com 4321 W Flamingo Road Las Vegas NV 89103 WE ARE ARTISANS CRAFTSMAN DESIGNERS & PRODUCERS 530 West Street Braintree MA 02184 T 781.848.1665 F 781.356.6350 info pbd-events.com www.pbd-events.com RENTALS Sales SERVICE Solutions EVENT CARPET Star Drapes Stanchions KABUKI DROPS Step & Repeat NY CHICAGO DC drapekings.com 888.DRAPE.ME Worldwide 24 7 A bar mitzvah designed by David Stark Design and Production had custom supersize signage including an Eat sign that comprised a collection of favorite books. See page 161 for more ideas from social events. Spring 2014 2014 BizBash Media On the Cover Photo by Andrew Martin for BizBash. 51 53 54 55 56 Readers Forum Readers discuss what s in their event emergency kits A conversation with consultant and author Shel Israel Celebrity wedding planner Sharon Sacks s rules for events Readers on Instagram Hugh Forrest the director of South by Southwest Interactive shares his favorite places The Scout 61 Customizable interactive video spheres 62 Refreshing bites desserts and drinks for summer events 64 6 clever ways to keep guests cool and hydrated 66 An event marketer s guide to music festivals Which one is right for your brand 68 Fresh ideas for summer gatherings from three top designers 70 Stylish tiki-theme rental items 72 5 new ideas for outdoor teambuilding 74 The latest software and apps for managing events 76 Unique alternatives to the basic tent 78 Behind the scenes of GMC s glamping campaign 80 9 eco-friendly gifts 82 Boost your audiovisual IQ a guide to key concepts in technical production 84 Ideas products and trends to have on your radar 86 Newsflash What s on our minds this season Venues 89 Outdoor venues that embrace the farm-to-table movement 90 New spaces for events in Atlanta Austin Boston Chicago Dallas Fort Worth Houston Las Vegas Los Angeles Miami South Florida New York Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Scottsdale San Diego San Francisco Toronto and Washington Event Reports 119 From New York Super Bowl XLVIII s public fan fest 120 From Chicago Diffa s Dining by Design 122 From Las Vegas the Life Is Beautiful Festival 124 From Los Angeles the Recording Academy s Grammys after-party Aquafina s product launch Oakley s new campaign launch 131 From Miami the YoungArts Foundation s annual gala Art Basel the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts s Imagination Ball 136 From New York Super Bowl XLVIII Sonos s product launch the Talking Transition tent the Whitney Museum s gala National Geographic s Killing Kennedy promotion Yoplait s pop-up shop 145 From Orlando the Attractions Expo 147 From Park City Utah YouTube s Sundance pop-up 149 From Toronto the Walrus Foundation s gala Rethink Breast Cancer s Boobyball 152 From Washington First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation s networking party Fight Night and Knock Out Abuse the Human Rights Campaign National Dinner Features 161 Top trends shaping social events now the latest from weddings bar bat mitzvahs and other personal celebrations 166 The rainbow connection how an event s color scheme affects how guests feel about your brand Checklist 176 8 ways to prepare for weather disasters at outdoor events PHOTO SUSAN MONTAGNA Like us facebook.com bizbash Follow us BizBash Follow us BizBash 29 On BizBash.com Our site has a new look a new way to search for ideas and resources and a new mobile-friendly design. Searching for creative hors d oeuvre ideas Looking for a venue in Dallas to host a fund-raiser Need a company to build an app for your next conference Now you can find what you need browsing by topic event type or supplier category directly from the navigation bar on every page. photos riChard pattersoN for glass (google) Courtesy of workspriNg (etiQuette) elizaBeth reNfrow for BizBash (south BeaCh) getty images (ChaNel) Nadia Chaudhury BizBash (sXsw) Have You Seen BizBash.com Lately TIPS FOR OUR COVERAGE OF South Beach Wine & Food Festival bizbash.com sobewff Guest Etiquette bizbash.com etiquette Creating Must-Attend Conferences bizbash.com conferenceideas Choosing Swag bizbash.com swagsafety Chanel s Paris Fashion Week Show bizbash.com chanel South by Southwest bizbash.com sxsw Using Google Glass at Events bizbash.com googleglass Follow us on Instagram Get the Latest News Get PHOTOS NADIA CHAUDHURY BIZBASH (PROJECTIONS) JENNY BERG BIZBASH (CATERING) ALESANDRA DUBIN BIZBASH photos Nadia Chaudhury BizBash (projeCtioNs) jeNNy Berg BizBash (CateriNg) alesaNdra duBiN BizBash (GUEST ACTIVITIES) JIM SHI (STAGE) MITRA SORRELLS BIZBASH (TRADE SHOW BOOTHS) ANNA SEKULA BIZBASH (GIFTS) (guest aCtivities) jim shi (stage) mitra sorrells BizBash (trade show Booths) aNNa sekula BizBash (gifts) Follow BizBash on Instagram and see our live coverage of events Follow BizBash on around the country. around the country. AND DON T MISS... DON T MISS... Diffa s Dining by Design Dining by Design York in New York Coachella House Correspondents White House Correspondents Association Dinner Association Dinner Cisco Live Eye-Catching Projections Eye-Catching Projections Inspiring Catering Inspiring Catering Memorable Guest Activities PLUS talking trends and We ll be talking trends and strategies at the Event at the Event Forum-- Innovation Forum-- Florida on April 23 South Florida on April 23 Lauderdale at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center. Convention Center. bizbash.com expofl More at bizbash.com expofl Unique Stage and Set Designs Unique Stage and Set Designs Interactive Trade Show Booths Interactive On-Brand Gifts PADZILLA Make a BIG Impression at Your Next Event. Fully Functional Screen & Working Home Button Access to over 1 000 000 iOS and Android Apps Portrait and Landscape Compatible Sizes 40 to 80 inches Rentals Available NAMED BEST WEDDING VENUE IN CANADA BY HISTORIC DISTILLERY EVENTS PICTURESQUE SETTINGS UNIQUE VENUES IN HOUSE CATERING MAKE YOUR EVENT DISTILLERYEVENTS.COM 416-203-2363 Impress. Inspire. When you want an extraordinary one-of-a-kind event join forces with the Hargrove team of special event professionals. We will work together to design plan and produce an event that will impress and inspire. Learn more at hargroveinc.com. EVENT DESIGN SERVICES EVENT D COR STAGING GRAPHICS AND SIGNAGE EVENT PRODUCTION EVENT PLANNING SERVICES ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES THE BEACON THEATRE Conan O Brien Show RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL NBC Upfront THE THEATER AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN Wheel of Fortune THE FORUM Lustgarten Foundation Benefit MADISON SQUARE GARDEN NYPD Graduation THE CHICAGO THEATRE Film Festival Our magnificent venues have dozens of spaces large and small ready to accommodate your special event. There s a universe of possibilities waiting to be discovered. 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For Reservations Or Booking Inquiries Please Call 212.967.7003 w w w.espaceny.com 635 West 42Nd Street Between 11th & 12th Avenue New York City Our Amazing Sta Sta Our Amazing Sta Our Amazing Your Next Spectacular Event Your Next Spectacular Event Your Next Spectacular Event Readers Forum What s in your event emergency kit WhatEvent Professionals AreTalkingAbout affer stape aniPodloaded G withafamilyfriendlyDJmix andacorkscrew. Leslie Weekes wedding and event consultant Leslie-Manning Events Washington D.C. In addition to the basics I also always have a roll of Velcro a few Coroplast arrows to throw on signs if needed gaffer s tape a hand clicker for counting attendance a flash drive and a contact list for every vendor working the event. Joshua Durando assistant director of programs and special events University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia We make sure to bring a step stool. You can t always rely on the hotel to provide a ladder to help with decor emergencies. Cheryl McShane president PEC Meetings Company Milwaukee PHOTOS MICHELLE LINDSAY PHOTOGRAPHY (WEEKES) EMILY ROSE STUDIOS (LEMP) JOHN C. WATSON (BERGSMA) COURTESY OF READERS (ALL OTHERS) ehavetwo takeboxes thatwepack W foreveryevent.Onehasofficesupplies andtheotherhas beautysupplies. Betweenthetwo wehavejustabout everythingsomeone couldneed. Kelly Woo meetings assistant Special D Events Royal Oaks Michigan A solution to wasps swarming around a dessert plating station fabric softener dryer sheets taped to the bottom of the working table and on a nearby wall. Kevin Bergsma event planner Culinary Capers Catering and Special Events Vancouver British Columbia From the geek side I always carry a switchable handheld mic and tabletop stand. Those two items have saved me when wireless mics have failed for one reason or another. When I can I try to have a small printer a wireless network and a slim USB paper scanner. Peter Blue creative specialist Evident Productions Las Vegas We often need last-minute signs so chalkboards and brightcolored chalk are always in my kit. Catherine Billings graphic artist and communications assistant Saugeen Conservation Formosa Ontario Granola bars (because no one likes a hungry event planner) and flats to wear post-event. Nilaja Parker senior account executive of engagement marketing Burrell Communications Chicago Knitting needles pre-threaded needles eyeglass cleaner Evian face spray tools WD-40 snacks and so much more. Shannon Lemp wedding planner Panache and Promises St. Louis harpies. S Lotsof Sharpies. Thom Singer speaker and M.C. Davis Hill Solutions Austin Texas More comments from readers bizbash.com readersforum bizbash.com spring 2014 51 DANIELScultural hub in Regent Park SPECTRUM a Best New Venue for Meetings & Events in Canada 2013 BizBash Event Style Awards Daniels Spectrum is an exciting new arts and cultural centre in the heart of Toronto s downtown east. This colourful facility features more than 15 000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space stateof-the-art technical systems on-site parking and no corkage fees. Revenues from venue rentals and catering support the operations of the facility which is home to seven not-for-profit arts and community organizations. CONTACT US TODAY 416-238-2453 x104 ArtscapeEventServices.ca Photos Phil Litevsky Manifesto Paul Casselman The Daniels Corporation Garrison MacArthur Photographers Food Forward Readers Forum In Conversation and drop them on the floor and keep walking because it s just noise. People are now more concerned about privacy which you describe as the freaky line. Tell us more about that. The problem is that we don t necessarily own the data that is being collected on us. We aren t being made aware of how it is being used. What we have in data is something that [can make] enormous and fundamental changes to the everyday lives of all people connected to the Internet yet at the same time there are intended and unintended consequences which can be dangerous. Everybody has a freaky line. It s the point at which we get uncomfortable with technology. The big trade-off is privacy the more privacy you give up the more benefits you can receive. Do you see any risk of technology minimizing the value of face-to-face experiences I ve been a champion of leading-edge technology for 40 years. When I first got into this Alvin Toffler wrote a best-selling book called Future Shock that warned by this time we d all be isolated zombies captivated by large computer screens never leaving our homes. Yet what has happened so far is that technology has brought people closer together. It has lowered the barriers of the tangible world so we can have friends that share comments all over the world. It s created the online conference. All that being said nothing I ve ever seen has ever eliminated the value of a face-to-face conversation has never been able to replicate a handshake or a hug or a smile or the connection between people s eyes. I think a lot of this stuff makes it easier to find that which is interesting useful or attractive to you and makes it easy to filter out the noise from your life. But it certainly doesn t eliminate the need for face-to-face connection. In the last 15 years technology has moved people online--out of the Barnes & Noble and into Amazon out of everything and into Amazon-- but now all the stuff we are talking about is bringing people back into the tangible world. The technology has become mobile. It s become a little thing in our pocket. And now it s moving into the stadiums it s moving into the conference centers it s moving into the classroom it s moving into the retail stores. I think this is a good thing and I see no evidence that the issue or danger here is the isolation of people. It s in our DNA to be social. S Consultant and author Shel Israel identifies the five technology forces that are converging to create a profound shift in the way we live and work. hel Israel is the author of five books most recently Age of Context with co-author Robert Scoble which focuses on mobile social media sensors location technology and data and how they impact our work and personal lives. He s also a frequent speaker and was slated to present along with Scoble at Macworld iWorld in late March in San Francisco. In a recent conversation Israel shared his thoughts on tech trends and their impact on events. usual order. If they say yes they don t have to pay because their credit card is on file and they just pick it up. The other guys who aren t part of the loyalty program have to stand in a mile-long line. Where this is going in the future is huge. The guy who gets a cheesesteak might get an offer to say How about coming into the clubhouse and having a Explain the five trends outlined in Age glass of Pinot and a steak of Context. The first is mobile technol- And we ll give you a seat ogy which includes wearable devices. by the window and we ll The second is social media. No organi- give it to you 50 percent zation has a go-forward strategy that off. And somebody else doesn t include social media. The third is using social media and is sensors [which] is another way of saying the Internet of things. Things are talking to things. Things are talking to people. G.E. has a network with its airplane engines that tells it when maintenance is needed which not only increases safety but it saves 3.2 billion in fuel. Fourth is location technologies which is mapping but goes well beyond that. Our phones and other devices have the ability to know where we are at any given point. That ability to pinpoint where things are and where people are is becoming very important. Finally the fifth is they [tweet] How come these guys data. It s become the glue to the other get the short line all the time They four. What s really interesting are can get an instant offer saying We re those little pinpoints of data that you sorry you feel that way. Next time create every time you do a search. Our you come here s a barcode and you ll technology starts knowing us better be able to use the short line to make than whoever the human closest to your order. They can upsell an entire us is. And it also begins understanding stadium this way. through our patterns what we may want next. The convergence of these How can this be applied to trade five things is where it gets interesting. shows and other types of events There will be if not millions thouWhat s an example of how these five sands of applications. Every booth can forces converge The N.F.L. uses condo geofencing which uses sensors text at Gillette Stadium so it knows to know if somebody who has talked where the most loyal fans are seated. about the brand on social media is It knows that loyal fans have habits within range. You can send messages such as they may get a cheesesteak to your best customers. You can signal and a beer at halftime. So for exampeople you are about to deliver a talk ple four minutes before halftime the and invite them to come into the league can use a mobile app to ask room. You will be able to understand that customer if they would like their not only that a person is a customer Everybody has a freaky line. It s the point at which we get uncomfortable with technology. but their whole buying record. When they come into your booth you can say Hello Bill. Did you enjoy the gizmo you bought from us last year We have an upgrade would you like to take a look at it You can personalize your message to the most important people that come into your booth or area. One of the issues in marketing in general is all the noise you are not interested in. This contextual technology creates what we call pinpoint marketing You can know where your customers are when they are near you what direction they are walking in what their intention might be in the moment. You can send messages just to them instead of broadcasting messages or hiring booth bunnies to pass out coupons for free drinks or whatever--most people take those PHOTO LOCA SARTONI HEISENBERG MEDIA Interview by MITRA SORRELLS More with Shel Israel bizbash.com readersforum bizbash.com spring 2014 53 Readers Forum My Rules Sharon Sacks is the president and founder of Los Angeles-based Sacks Productions where over the past 25 years she has produced events for clients including former President Bill Clinton Prince Andrew and Kim Kardashian. Recent events include Michael Jordan s wedding and Gwen Stefani s baby shower. 1. Choose the right team. Surround yourself with people who will complement each other and whose skill sets are as diverse and widespread as each event. It is important to hand-select a team that you feel can make the event come to life. As event planners we are only as good as our teams. 2. Be a trendsetter. Don t follow the trends of the season-- set them. Every event is a moving work of art. Never be afraid to try something new creative and inventive. Take a chance be a little risky--it always pays off in an exciting way. 3. Form a friendship. It is important to remember it s about the client s dream not your dream. Make sure you listen to the client s vision and that you clearly understand the experience they want to create for their guests. Ask open-ended questions and offer up suggestive innovations. It s about a dialogue between you and your [client] not a one-sided conversation. 4. Value your vendors. Your vendors are your family within the industry. They are the ones who will help bring your vision and ideas to fruition. The vendors I work with trust me and enjoy working with my team. Make sure you are kind to those who work alongside you to help make the event a success. 5. Set your vision. Be meticulous in your design selection of materials and flow of the event. I get inspired by life around me. I utilize vision boards in my office daily to draw inspiration. It s important to me to never do the same thing twice because each individual client deserves an idea that is unique only to them. 6. Create an experience. From the moment the guests receive their invitation to the days and weeks following the event it is important that they experience everything. An event is all about the details--you can never include too much. There should always be little pops of wow throughout the event to create a memorable and fascinating experience. 7. Always be prepared. The Girl Scouts have it right. In any event there are so many moving parts it s not unthinkable that something might go wrong and it often does. Make sure you are quick on your feet. Think ahead and bring extra supplies or have vendors on call to help resolve any last-minute mishaps that may occur. 8. Never say no. This is my biggest pet peeve. I don t like being told no from vendors and I never say no to my clients. If a client wants something that may not be possible due to venue restrictions or budget restraints instead of saying no offer them another idea or a solution that will please them just as much. It is important to understand the clients needs and wants and to help guide them in a way that lets them have their dream event all while staying within the realms of reality. photo Scott clark readyluck photography Readers Forum Lorem Ipsum BizBash on Instagram To show us what you re up to tag your Lorem ipsum dolor with BizBash. We ll Instagram photos sit amet porta consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam tweet our favorites from BizBash. pellentesque urna sit amet. Donec luctus nibh et nisi mollis tempus. Nam consequat aliquet justo eu dignissim mauris aliquam non. Fusce ut diam eu purus luctus tempor porttitor ac purus. Pellentesque arcu nisl pretium eu vehicula eu ornare eget sapien. Donec a consequat sapien. Mauris nisl est posuere vitae faucibus eu congue eu tortor. Vivamus porta risus eu lacus ac sapien posuAudiovisual Production ere eu placerat tellus sound VSG Solutions viverra. Aliquam vesCatering Design Cuisine Caterers tibulum fermentum Decor A Vista Events sollicitudin. Design Production Events Donec placerat by Andre Wells euismod diam sed DJ DJ Adrian Loving Entertainment Black Violin convallis. Phasellus LED panels displaying Flowers Volanni faucibus eros id justo colors and images Gifts Keith Lipert Gallery form the backdrop for Lighting Frost expo in posuere ultricies. Ves- the band at anLighting Melbourne Australia posted by On Point tibulum neque enim security darrenjkerr. Security Inc. tempor vitae accumsan vitae fermentum Venue Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American at ipsum. Mauris Theater Cities Restaurant mollis bibendum nuland Lounge la quis condimentum Venue L2 erat sodales sed. IF YOU CAN IMAGINE IT WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN PROPS FURNITURE & FABRICATION ALL FROM ONE SOURCE prop & furniture rentals weddings bar and bat mitzvahs themed events parties corporate events product launches trade shows TV film theater Phasellus eoga Nam hendrerit nulla nec ultrices justo fermentum justo risus molestie tortor l vel ligula. Proin ac est orci. Donec elit odio centerpiece at an event in Fort A beach-theme facilisis eget mollis sit amet interdum acFlorida posted by konceptevents. Lauderdale justo. Vestibulum tincidunt risus eu ornare luctus diam metus varius nisi in faucibus tortor dui quis odio. Ut nec elit a ante elementum placerat in id purus. Praesent feugiat congue tempus. Sed dolor nunc pulvinar vitae cursus Nunc dictum justo id pulvinar vestibulum libero semper id at sapien. libero semper Nunc dictum Catering Blue Plate justo id libero semper Decor Design Draping Flowers signage Kehoe hendrerit. Nam non Designs sem sem ut hendrerit Entertainment Arlen Music magna. Integer id Consultants Inc. nulla ipsum vehicula Entertainment August Jackson Company scelerisque ipsum. Integer eget neque erat. Lighting Frost Linens BBJ Linen Vivamus varius conTenting Partytime dimentum pretium. Productions Inc. Transportation Chicago Cras non adipiscing Trolley & Double Decker augue. --Jenny Berg A free-standing modular stretch-fabric tunnel masking the parking lot at an event in New York posted by pinkdeb. Company CUSTOM FABRICATION upholstery carpentry mold making crafts metal work delivery set-up & break-down photos Courtesy of Instagrammers YOUR ONE-STOP PROPPING SOURCE LIC Showroom propsfortoday.com 212-244-9600 NJ Shop thespoongroup.com 732-499-9370 Readers Forum Where I Go The director of the SXSW Interactive festival shares his favorite places. To Entertain Out-of-Towners It is a bit of a hike but out-oftowners are always impressed by a trip to Mount Bonnell (3800 Mount Bonnell Road Austin Tex. 512.974.6797 austinparks.org) on the west side of Austin. Mount Bonnell Ten Thousand Waves To Get Inspired Meditate Austin s a good place for that. But I also love [luxury spa resort] Ten Thousand Waves (3451 Hyde Park Road Santa Fe N.M. 505.982.9304 tenthousandwaves.com). For My Favorite Meal Sausage at Ruby s BBQ in Austin (512 West 29th St. Austin Tex. 512.477.1651 rubysbbq.com). Completely delicious and completely unhealthy. Whole Foods For a Teambuilding Activity Karaoke at Austin Karaoke (6808 North Lamar Blvd. Suite B-120 Austin Tex. 512.323.9822 austinka raoke1.com) located in a strip mall that caters to Korean businesses. Long Center To See a Show My favorite Austin live music venue ever was Liberty Lunch but unfortunately that space has long since been sacrificed to the office building deities. These days most of the shows I attend occur at the Long Center (701 West Riverside Drive Austin Tex. 512.457.5100 thelongcenter.org). To Entertain Sponsors Trudy s Tex-Mex Food (409 West 30th St. Austin Tex. 512.477.2935 trudys.com). Who doesn t love Tex-Mex To Watch Sports Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium (405 East 23rd St. Austin Tex. 512.471.7437 texas sports.com) which is where the University of Texas football team plays. Let s hope new coach Charlie Strong makes the venue even more special. To Relax After SXSWi Sleep sleep sleep (and then sleep a little more). Shady Grove For Outdoor Entertaining My backyard in the summer (with lots of mosquito spray). Or in the winter (with a few logs in the fire pit). I also really enjoy the Shady Grove restaurant (1624 Barton Springs Road Austin Tex. 512.474.9991 theshadygrove.com) in South Austin which has lots of outdoor seating. For an Intimate Meeting The flagship location of Whole Foods (525 North Lamar Blvd. Austin Tex. 512.542.2200 wholefoodsmarket.com) is directly across the street from the SXSW offices in Austin. Whole Foods is always busy but there are enough nooks and crannies in the building such that you can conduct a (relatively) private meeting. 56 bizbash.com spring 2014 Share this story bizbash.com readersforum PHOTOS COURTESY OF HUGH FORREST NADIA CHAUDHURY BIZBASH (MT. BONNELL LONG CENTER WHOLE FOODS) COURTESY OF VENDORS (ALL OTHERS) Hugh Forrest is director of South by Southwest Interactive known as SXSWi which ran March 7 to 11 in Austin Texas. The festival focuses on creativity as much as technology and includes a gaming expo a trade show and awards. While Forrest spends much of the conference at host hotel Downtown Austin Hilton here s where he spends the rest of his time. Tracking the Latest Event Trends Ideas and Strategies The Scout Sphere Campaign PHOTO COURTESY OF PUFFERFISH For a unique way to display digital content United Kingdom-based Pufferfish (pufferfish displays.co.uk) provides spherical systems that deliver interactive 360-degree videos photos motion graphics text and more for events or touring exhibits. Called PufferSpheres the displays have a simple projector and a range of software tools that map content onto the sphere s surface. The globes come in three sizes The PufferSphere M is a standalone unit with a diameter as large as 36 inches the PufferSphere XL can be anchored to the ground or hung from the ceiling and is as large as 79 inches in diameter and the PufferSphere XXL designed for large shows demanding light conditions or permanent installations is as large as 158 inches in diameter. Clients include Sony Boeing Audi and Google rental prices vary. --Claire Hoffman bizbash.com november december 2012 61 New on the Menu photos Nadia Chaudhury BizBash (Word of Mouth) ElizaBEth rENfroW for BizBash (lyoN & lyoN) CarolyN Curtis BizBash & aNdrEW MartiN for BizBash (sWEEt hospitality) CourtEsy of dNa EvENts JaMEs atkiNs for BizBash (tasty CatEriNg) Chill Out Cool off during the sweltering months with bites desserts and drinks ideal for summer events. By Nadia Chaudhury Fancy snow cones crushed ice drizzled with mangomint strawberry-basil and lavender-lemonade syrups by Word of Mouth Catering (512.472.9500 wordofmouthcatering.com) in Austin Texas Mango semifreddo on an almond biscuit with coconut kataifi served with raspberry-studded sweet curry anglaise by Lyon & Lyon Catering (305.534.0600 lyonandlyon.com) in Miami Compressed watermelon with a feta-red-onion relish and mint granita by Tasty Catering (847.593.2000 tastycatering.com) in Chicago 62 bizbash.com spring 2014 Share this story bizbash.com catering The Summer-Thyme lemon cocktails mixed with vodka St. Germain and honeythyme lemonade by Sweet Hospitality Group (212.582.5472 sweethospitalitygroup .com) in New York Bloody Mary granitas with poached shrimp by Lyon & Lyon Catering (305.534.0600 lyonandlyon.com) in Miami Scallops served on a half shell topped with apple-lemongrass shallot sambal and wasabi cr me fra che by DNA Events (323.960.2200 dnaevents.com) in Los Angeles A cucumber and sage gin martini with diced cucumbers garnished with sage leaves by DNA Events (323.960.2200 dnaevents.com) in Los Angeles Boozy Jell-O shots John Daly topped with lemon zest and slice Tom Collins with a maraschino cherry and candied ginger and margarita by Word of Mouth Catering (512.472.9500 wordofmouthcatering.com) in Austin Texas Lemon curd tartlets topped with candied confection flowers by Sweet Hospitality Group (212.582.5472 sweethospitalitygroup .com) in New York Frozen berry and bourbon lemonades with strawberries blueberries blackberries and raspberries topped with mint and served in Mason jars by Tasty Catering (847.593.2000 tastycatering.com) in Chicago bizbash.com spring 2014 63 Idea File Cool Customers Hosting an event in a toasty climate Steal these ideas for keeping guests comfortable and hydrated. By Jenny Berg Cosmetics companies make prime sponsors for events held in the dog days of summer. When Gilt City launched in Washington in 2011 the brand hosted a garden party where Lush the purveyor of natural bath and body products provided spritz bottles. At the It s so Miami lounge at Lollapalooza in Chicago in 2013 Clearasil displayed its new products in an ice-cream-cart setup (pictured) offering Refreshing Superfruit Wash along with fruity ice pops. If swag keeps guests hydrated on hot days the gifts automatically become keepers. The SodaStream SodaBar (pictured) at the Cannes International Film Festival last year doled out complimentary drinks served in biodegradable cups or in reusable BPA-free bottles that guests could refill and keep. For its multiday conference in Palm Springs California in February 2013 TEDActive gave attendees water bottles they could refill at hydration stations. If Mother Nature isn t providing any relief from the sun create your own breeze. For GQ s lounge at Capsule s New York show in July Stoelt Productions created a fan wall (pictured) using Dyson Air Magnifiers. The area served as a cool--literally--sponsor activation. A similar wall was popular at the 2012 Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago where festivalgoers cooled down next to EMusic s aura-reading activation. Sweet chilly snacks never lose their appeal--even for V.I.P. guests used to high-end perks. At Lollapalooza in 2013 Jeni s Splendid Ice Creams brought a colorful truck to the Artist Lounge. Guests picked up cold treats in flavors like salted caramel from a walk-up window to help beat the sweltering heat. Cooling tropes-- even fans-- don t have to be high-tech For a Yelp community event in 2009 in New York the user review and social networking Web site kept guests chill with custom fans and misting stations near the event s entrance. More warm-weather event ideas bizbash.com summer-party-ideas 64 bizbash.com spring 2014 photos Courtesy of the Walt Disney WorlD sWan anD Dolphin hotel anna sekula BizBash (GQ lounGe) entWineD stuDios (yelp) niColas ziajko (soDastream) Barry BreCheisen for BizBash (all others) The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel in Florida hosts fetes in its walk-in freezer (pictured). And in Las Vegas and New York are locations of Minus5 a bar made of ice where as the name suggests the interior temperature stays at minus 5 degrees Celsius (29 degrees Fahrenheit). NEW YORK MIAMI LOS ANGELES LONDON www.shirazevents.com Here everyone s a sea-level executive. Chart a course for bolder brainstorming and bigger ideas. Get down to business at sunny.org meetings Music Festivals Find the best fit for your brand or activation with this insight culled from veteran festival South by Southwest Where when 2014 dates & ticket prices Vibe Austin Texas March Music film and digital media March 7-16 admission prices start at 495 Crowded celebratory frenetic and keyed in to all things media--especially music given its origins as a music fest. The significant presence of many start-ups adds dynamic energy throughout the event and a hipster sensibility pervades venues throughout the city. The 2014 iteration drew an estimated 150 000 people who turned out for all or part of the 10-day program. Among the ranks are mostly twenty- and thirtysomethings with more than one in 10 traveling from abroad. It leans more heavily toward male attendees--about 60 percent to 40 percent female. An Event Marketer s Guide Ultra Music Festival Miami March Electronic dance music March 28-30 admission prices start at 399.95 Ultra feels like an eclectic costume party. Scantily clad attendees from all over the world offer plenty of people-watching opportunities. It attracts newbies and longtime festival vets alike. Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival Indio California April Music and art April 11-13 April 18-20 admission prices start at 375 Generally peaceful joyful. Think braids and daisy garlands amid a free-to-be atmosphere. There s an air of concern for the environment interactive recycling programs draw heavy crowd participation. Type of offerings Audience Last year Ultra broke attendance records with about 330 000 people from more than 80 countries at Bayfront Park the festival also attracts a number of college-age spring breakers. A generally sold-out crowd blanketing Indio s vast Empire Polo Club comprises mixed-genre music fans many traveling from Los Angeles to the three-day-long program that repeats on consecutive weekends. The range of ages and interests appeals to marketers in the categories of fashion media and beverage. Last year drew 90 000 three-day ticket holders for each of the two weekends and this year is sold out as well. Lacoste Armani Exchange T-Mobile Guess ShopBazaar H&M Chevy Volt Heineken H&M JBL PlayStation Red Bull Fruttare With the desert heat often soaring well above 100 degrees pool parties reign supreme. The parties often take over private residences and hotels on the festival grounds as well as in neighboring Palm Springs Cathedral City and others. With the music-minded crowd live concerts are often the centerpieces though festival host Goldenvoice has restrictions on performances by its official acts. Daytime events without a pool component--the weather is too unforgiving. Second-weekend events aren t as popular so brands overwhelmingly prefer the buzzier first weekend. Past event hosts Past main event sponsors What works USA Network 3M Beats by Dre Sonos Filter Fader MySpace Chevrolet Friskies American Airlines Oreo Yahoo Smirnoff Taco Bell SideCar Media- music- tech- and innovationheavy parties and activations are right for this crowd--last year 3M even used a disturbingly lifelike digital avatar named Jenny that directed guests to panels and events at the Austin Convention Center. Official and unofficial events take over hotels restaurants and nightclubs throughout the city. Events without a surprising interactive element--or another obvious draw like headlining entertainment--will have trouble rising above the noise. Absolut SiriusXM Belvedere Red Bull Heineken Pool and yacht parties private warehouse bashes and nightclub events start after the festival s official daily curfew. Record label parties are a huge draw allowing guests to check out DJs and related talent. An electronic music component is essential to grab attention. What doesn t work Ultra doesn t have an especially upscale feel--folks are dressed casually in neon and high-tops--so events that feel too dressed-up aren t the right fit. Morning events are a definite no-no for the latenight crowd. 66 to Music Festivals attendees and marketers. Bonnaroo Manchester Tennessee June Music art film and comedy June 12-15 admission prices start at 234.50 The festival draws a crowd with overtly artsy and environmentally friendly sensibilities. There s a sense of community and an eagerness to explore the festival footprint and its campgrounds throughout Great Stage Park a 700-acre event ground. The Superfly Presents-produced Bonnaroo draws a crowd of about 80 000 including older attendees who have been around since the festival s beginnings in 2002 to college-age kids from around the country. By ALESANDRA DUBIN Pitchfork Music Festival Chicago July Music and a retail media fair July 18-20 admission prices start at 60 Set in Chicago s Union Park the festival feels a little calmer than Lollapalooza which shares its host city. It s smaller and therefore easier to traverse. Headline performances draw a bigger crowd whereas daytime events have a more relaxed vibe. With affordable ticket prices for a major festival Pitchfork is able to draw a broader audience. The festival also feels more intimate with about 18 000 attendees per day. Think indie music lovers and people wanting to discover up-and-coming bands. Lollapalooza Chicago August Music food and retail August 1-3 admission prices start at 95 based on 2013 one-day passes The atmosphere is festive crowded--the event drew a record 300 000 attendees in 2013--and subject to Chicago s unpredictable elements. It s known to rain on the hot late-summer festival creating a devil-may-care environment with attendees sloshing around in mud. Young and with diverse musical genre interests fans come to see indie hip-hop dance R&B and even country acts. But many attendees weren t even born when some of the festival s headline acts like Nine Inch Nails and the Cure were topping charts. The crowd is also international At least one in 10 attendees travels from abroad. Belvedere Gilt City Fiji Water Billboard Asos Bed Head Red Bull Bud Light Samsung BMI Toyota Citi Mophie Gap Hard Rock Hotel Given the festival s urban downtown environs in Chicago s Grant Park hotels are popular--and proximate--venue choices for parties. And hotels welcome the event business and tourists the festival has an economic impact of 120 million on the city. Austin City Limits Austin Texas October Music food and art October 3-5 October 10-12 admission prices start at 200 The festival feels buzzy and big in 2013 back-to-back weekends drew 375 000 fans. All-ages attendees contribute to an agreeable atmosphere Frisbee throwing kids activities and juggling are mixed in with the music offerings at Zilker Park. Austin City Limits draws the young audience that you d expect at a music festival but more than a quarter of its attendees fall into the 35-to-44 age bracket. There s even an Austin Kiddie Limits area to accommodate families. A third of attendees are local to Austin. PHOTO BARRY BRECHEISEN FOR BIZBASH Fuse State Farm Ford Ben & Jerry s Dell Garnier Miller Lite Events held at night are a great match for the festival where the masses are camping and make for a captive audience on the grounds. And given the Tennessee summer heat giveaways that help keep attendees cool are favorites. Ray-Ban Threadless Vans Hostess ZipCar Heineken Goose Island Brands tend to draw in consumers with perks like icy treats snacks cell phone charging stations and other essentials for staying comfortable at a hot music festival. H&M even brought in deodorant in 2012. Pizza Hut Viacom Tito s Handmade Vodka Bud Light Samsung Honda For off-site events festivalgoers are attracted to the comforts they don t find on festival ground amenities places to sit and relax and free food and drink. Free barbecue--and even free tattoos--are popular event offerings. Because of the festival s strict 10 p.m. curfew after-hours events have a good bet at drawing crowds. Traffic is a huge challenge to and from the festival venue so hosts that choose locations too far away have it tougher when trying to pull attendees. The crowd doesn t fancy itself as cool as say the Coachella kids so events that feel exclusive are less likely to make an impact. Sponsor signage on the festival s stages was a no-go in 2013 so sponsors used everything from carnival games to reps dressed as Twinkies to draw attention. Overcrowding at related events is a perennial problem and long lines have created headaches for guests and hosts alike. Further Chicago s notoriously dicey August climate has led to cancelations and lastminute tweaks (including an evacuation of the grounds in 2012). 67 Summer Party Ideas Reinventing the Outdoors It s the season to take events outside so BizBash asked three top designers to give the standard summer party a fresh twist. By PhilliP B. Crook Stemware An eclectic variety of glasses in shades of green reinforce the color scheme. Known for his edgy concepts and 3-D designs Garin Baura of Baura New York (212.243.3645 bauranewyork.com) envisions a partially tented picnic inspired by the leafy green-and-white 1970s pattern in fashion designer Thom Browne s Black Fleece for Brooks Brothers Spring Summer 2013 collection. A Fashion-Inspired Picnic Menu Summer salads in greens and whites are placed in elevated tabletop displays for a family-style meal with custom-patterned luncheon napkins. Centerpiece Oversize elephant-ear leaves positioned on huge metal spikes act as a simple visually dramatic canopy. Tent A long marquee tent is draped in the patterned fabric both inside and out with a long communal table outfitted in a custom linen of the same pattern. Share this story bizbash.com summer-party-ideas 68 bizbash.com spring 2014 photos Marla aufMuth (picnic) nadia chaudhury BizBash (Baura cocktail party) scott suchMan (doughnuts) chris alvanas (popcorn) iMagelink Moving pictures (couick) rose chevalier BizBash (BarBecue) shawn sMith (worley) courtesy of vendors (all others) Menu To accompany home-style brews we love man snacks like pretzel and dip pairings flavored pork rinds cheeses nuts and bacon lollipops. Decor Use bottle labels as the inspiration for your color palette to arrange the ingredients found in beer--such as hops and barley--in bottles steins and pilsner vases. Bar Craft breweries often offer kegs of limited-edition small-batch brews that you can serve at your event. You can even hire the brewmaster or local distributor to give mini lessons on flavors profiles and the brewing process. For long summer nights refreshing beverages are a must. Danielle Couick at Magnolia Bluebird in Washington D.C. (703.926.0766 magnoliabluebird.com) suggests engaging guests with local breweries and craft beers. Many [brews] have interesting histories and more complex flavor profiles than wine or spirits. Linen The Saltillo serape table runner from La Tavola pulls in summer-perfect blues and greens and simple ivory bandanas make a unique napkin. Settings Nothing says barbecue like blue enamelspeckled plates and for a fun flair provide camping cutlery. A Craft-Focused Cocktail Party Say barbecue and most people think red-and-white gingham tablecloths Mason jars and too much food say Jamie Geffen and Brian Worely of Los Angeles-based YourBash (310.393.2274 your-bash.com). But put your own spin on it while still keeping things simple and you ll step out of the traditional. A Western-Style Barbecue Bar Whip up a refreshing Centerpiece Take centerpieces to the next level by combining them with serving pieces. To create various heights for displaying food mix Saltillo tiles with terra-cotta pots and planter bases. Bullfrog summer slushy by blending frozen lemonade ice vodka club soda and mint. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint--and be ready for a brain freeze. Grill If you really want to go old-school invest in the kamado-style Big Green Egg. A lump of oak and hickory charcoal produces incredible results. bizbash.com spring 2014 69 For Rent White Acapulco chair price upon request available in California from Yeah Rentals (323.522.3843 yeahrentals.com) Tiki bar 200 available in South Florida from Atlas Party Rental (561.547.6565 atlaspartyrental.com) Palms round ottoman price upon request available in South Florida from Ronen Rental (305.893.9334 ronenrental.com) These rentals prove a tiki theme doesn t have to veer into kitschy territory. By Lauren matthews Bamboo cocktail table 25 available in South Florida from Atlas Party Rental (561.547.6565 atlaspartyrental.com) Broadway end table 100 available nationwide from AFR Event Furnishings (888.237.7368 rentfurniture .com) Palm Springs sofas 500 for two available in the New York area from Patina Vintage Rentals (347.464.5788 rentpatina.com) More tiki-style rentals bizbash.com rentals 70 bizbash.com spring 2014 Photos Mike ZiMMerMan (tiki bar baMboo cocktail table) courtesy of Vendors (all others) Tiki Room Stripes lounge chair price upon request available in South Florida from Ronen Rental (305.893.9334 ronenrental.com) Thatch umbrella price upon request available nationwide from Blueprint Studios (415.922.9004 blueprint studios.com) Tall and Round Reed lanterns 25 and 30 respectively available in California from Designer8 Event Furniture Rental (310.873.3118 designer8 furniture rental.com) In the heart of Manhattan without the Manhattan cost a Elegant & affordable space a Corporate & social events a Accommodates 30 to 660 guests a Outside caterers welcome 630 Second Short and sweet Special incentive for short-term meetings booked and held by June 30 2014 - Up to 100 000 Starpoints signing bonus - 2% rebate on master-billed rooms - Accelerated comp room policy (1 35) - Welcome reception AND - 5 suite upgrades AND - Complimentary guest room internet Learn more or submit RFP at sheratonstlouiscitycenter.com meet 2014 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest SPG Sheraton and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. or its affiliates. 630 Second Avenue at 34th Street www.630second.com (212) 252-1171 BizBash.indd 1 5 22 13 5 23 52 PM Teambuilding Summit Climb In New Mexico Adventure Partners has teamed up with Four Seasons Rancho Encantado (505.946.5700 four seasons.com) to offer a summit climb for corporate groups of 15. The activity begins with a scenic drive to Windsor Trail. Guests then hike through alpine forests and wildflower meadows to reach one of several summits each offers impressive views. Night Swimming The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina (619.291.2900 sheratonsandiegohotel.com) has partnered with San Diego Bay Adventures for a nighttime water activity. Dubbed Nite Opps the experience lets guests take guided tours through the San Diego Bay while standing on LED-lit paddleboards. Afterwards guests gather around a fire for refreshments and Hawaiian-style storytelling. A typical group for the activity is 10 to 20 guests but the program is available for larger numbers of attendees. Fresh Air Take advantage of the pleasant seasonal weather by booking one of these new outdoor activities for groups. By Jenny Berg To Market Art restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle (206.749.7000 fourseasons.com) has a new activity called Market to Art. Staffers take a group of 10 to the outdoor Pike Place Market where guests are split into teams of two. Each team gets 60 and 30 minutes to select ingredients for one of five courses for the evening s meal. The chefs at the hotel s restaurant then make a dish using the gathered ingredients and each team presents its plate to the group. Share this story bizbash.com teambuilding A Historical Quest Hotel Madeline Telluride (970.369.0880 hotelmadelinetelluride.com) offers a GPS Orienteering Quest that can be catered to any group size. Guests explore the mining town in a team-based mission to find hidden flags. Teams use two-way radios GPS units maps verbal instructions and a set of clues during the expedition. Photos Ken Farren (night swimming) Courtesy oF Vendors (all others) On a Boat The Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki Beach (808.923.7311 royal-hawaiian .com) in Oahu has a new canoe-based activity for groups. Inspired by the ancient Hawaiian tradition of outrigger canoe paddling the experience puts guests in canoes (or wa as) that seat six paddlers apiece. Teammates use synchronized movements to make the canoe glide through the water quickly and smoothly and each team member has a different role. The activity is available for groups of 50 or more. 72 bizbash.com spring 2014 NEW YORK MIAMI LOS ANGELES LONDON www.shirazevents.com Technology Technical Assistance Check out the latest software and apps to help planners manage their events. By Mitra SorrellS Organization is a critical component of a successful event. Planners have to juggle vendors contracts schedules bios venues team members and more. Rather than old-fashioned binders planners are turning to online project management systems to handle documentation and communication. Here s a look at six of the newest digital options to help you stay organized. conversation creating a complete stream of communication. Completed projects can be archived for future access. (trackolade.com) GetPlanning MobilePlanner Smartsheet The spreadsheet-style collaboration tool is now available as an Android app to accommodate GetPlanning Hilton Worldwide planners on the go. announced in January that it now The system allows offers a cloud-based planning and teams to collaborate collaboration tool to its meeting in real time--sharing clients. GetPlanning allows planners documents assigning to consolidate all documents such as tasks tracking vendors contracts speaker bios menus floor updating schedules plans and schedules in one system creating budgets and more. Planners that can be accessed by multiple can invite others to collaborate on the team members from an Internetevent by sharing the entire sheet or enabled device. Documents in the by sending a single row with attachGetPlanning system are encrypted ments. Smartsheet sends automated for security. Users can track comreminders about deadlines and it can munication and action in real time send email notifications when someand can also respond to GetPlanning one makes a change in the system. correspondence directly from their Smartsheet is integrated with Google own email inbox. In addition to Hilapps such as Drive Gmail and Calenton GetPlanning is offered by several dar and also offers interactive Gantt other hotels and it s also available chart capabilities. (smartsheet.com) for use by individual planners. GetMobilePlanner The newest app Planning is a product from Roundfrom QuickMobile allows planners Table HQ. (letsgetplanning.com) to manage documents vendor conTrackolade Launched in Detracts maps photos event schedcember the collaboration software ules contacts speaker information creates a shared online workspace so menus and more in one system that team members can create and assign can be accessed on any device. Plantasks share and discuss documents ners can manage multiple events and track progress in real time. As simultaneously within the app as tasks are created or completed users well as allocate full or partial acreceive notification via email. In adcess to other users. MobilePlanner dition to prioritizing tasks within an tracks progress and communication event users can also prioritize tasks among people working on an event assigned to them across multiple and the organizers can send push events. Trackolade also allows files to notifications for quick updates. At be linked with a task or attached to a an event the app indicates who has 74 bizbash.com spring 2014 Smartsheet checked in and tracks details such as flight information transportation accommodations and dietary needs. (quickmobile.c0m) The companion mobile app allows team members to access files and information from their smartphones and tablets. (goombal.com) Goombal A former event marketing professional for German software company SAP is the creator of Goombal an online system designed to add efficiency to corporate event planning. The system is set up with a dashboard organized with dropdown tabs where users input information related to speakers venues sponsors exhibitors entertainment food and beverage and audiovisual needs. Activity cards within each tab hold details related to each topic. Goombal automatically updates the event budget as expenses and revenue are added and yellow and red triangles flag tasks that are incomplete or behind schedule. Every member of the event team can have full or limited system access and Goombal can also be used for communication with those outside the team for example to contact speakers to request a bio or photo. Planning Pod The makers of My Wedding Workbook Pro launched a new tool in early 2013. We took what we learned from the wedding and party industry and built a tool that is applicable for any type of event says co-owner Jeff Kear. Organizers can use Planning Pod to manage all aspects of an event from budgets and schedules to speakers and vendors. They can assign tasks to one or more users set due dates attach notes and images and track progress in the master calendar. Planning Pod can also be used to generate proposals and invoices and it can process online payments through PayPal. Users can create templates for to-do lists budgets and questionnaires for multiple events. Planning Pod can be used through a desktop or mobile Web browser and will soon be available as a native mobile app. (planningpod.com) Share this story bizbash.com event-technology photos Courtesy of Vendors Tents Pitch Perfect Hit the right note at your outdoor event with these unique alternatives to the basic tent. By EllEn Sturm niz The Grand Marakesh from Raj Tents (310.329.8222 ext. 25 rajtents.com) is a 27- by 44-foot Moroccan-theme tent that includes arches and silk string drops on all openings a full lighting package and furniture for 24 guests with low tables and area rugs. It has room for as many as 120 people and is available for rent throughout the United States for 9 950. The Double Decker Tent from Regal Tent (800.364.4430 regaltent.com) can be topped with a flat-top facade (pictured) which hides the peak of the tent and creates a more boxlike shape providing an area for customization. The structure can be built with glass hard or vinyl walls. The smallest size at 50 by 16 feet holds about 150 larger formats hold as many as 1 500. The tent is available for rent anywhere in North America and the Caribbean prices vary. The Savannah Series Tents from Sperry Fabric Architecture (774.849.3505 sperryfabricarchitecture) are wooden-framed tents with cloth canopies and clerestory windows. The windows above an adjacent roof allow sunlight in during the day and indoor lighting to project out at night. The tents seat as many as 350 guests. The units are available for purchase in the United States through Sperry Fabric Architecture and licensed Sperry Tent providers prices are available upon request. 76 bizbash.com spring 2014 Share this story bizbash.com eventtents photos Kelli Boyd photography (tidewater) Janis davis (Jet) lauren Methia photography (signature Blue star) Courtesy of vendors (all others) The Tidewater Sailcloth Tent from Aztec Tent (800.228.3687 aztectent.com) is a highly translucent pole tent built with a catenary-accented perimeter and starburst design eave and peak reinforcements to give it a unique shape. The Tidewater ranges from 20 by 17 feet to 59 by 159 feet depending on the configuration it can hold as many as 700 people. It is available for rent in the United States from Tidewater Tents (tidewatertents.com) or for purchase from Aztec Tents. Prices are available upon request. The Flex Tent from the Flex Tent Company (800.994.0989 ext. 208 theflextentcompany .com) a subsidiary of Event Labor Works can be stretched around trees structures and rocks and has expandable tent poles that adjust to uneven surfaces. Sizes start at 20 by 10 feet and can increase to any size. As the tents are modular they can be guttered together or with other structures to form larger spaces. Flex tents are available for rent or purchase in a variety of colors and designs. Prices are available upon request. The 24 Metre Trident Inflatable Dome from Brand Interactivation (407.334.7024 brandinteractivation.com) provides almost 4 000 square feet of floor space with no internal support poles or trussing and holds as many as 350 people. The unit is available for rent nationwide for 11 500 for three days or it can be purchased for 70 000 and customized with colors and logos. Sperry Tents (888.825.7542 sperry tents.com) Signature Blue Star Tent is handcrafted with genuine navy sailcloth panels dotted with white stars by sailmakers in coastal Massachusetts. It sports geometric support patches and festive pennant flags atop each peak. Support poles are wooden and hand-milled at a 1930s sawmill. The tent is available in six sizes The largest at 46 by 85 feet holds 150 guests for a seated dinner. Prices are available upon request. The Jet tent from Classic Party Rentals (310.966.4900 classicpartyrentals .com) is available in 16- 32- and 50-foot depths and custom lengths in 16foot increments. It is available with clear white or custom colored fabric and accommodates large graphics. The tent is offered for rental or purchase throughout the United States prices are available upon request. bizbash.com spring 2014 77 Strategy Session An artist converted a truck bed into a bar. General Motors and Grand Central Marketing turned three camping spots at El Capitan State Beach into luxury lounges. Shifting Gears General Motors surprised editors with a glamorouscamping experiential campaign for the 2014 Sierra. By PhilliP B. Crook For someone who works at creating immersive experiences the chance to go camping offers a certain appeal. [Camping is] really the first immersive environment without anybody doing anything says Lacey Hoff design director at Grand Central Marketing which brought to life General Motors s glamorous camping-theme launch of the 2014 Sierra truck. We spend so much of our time avoiding it stuck behind our phones. Perhaps most in need of a reminder to unplug were 30 members of the media invited to luxuriate (while blogging and tweeting) in a California campground last May alongside a fleet of Sierra 1500 Crew Cabs each with its own Airstream trailer. Editors--from automotive and lifestyle publications including Popular Mechanics and Vanity Fair--would normally show up for a new model s live drive to spend time behind the wheel dine at a restaurant and sleep in a hotel. Most live drives I think are pretty boring says Haley Price the account director at Grand Central Marketing s Los Angeles office. So it was in the spirit of the unexpected that Joe LaMuraglia then-General Motors s communications director and Kelly Wysocki the General Motors product communications manager asked Grand Central Marketing to evoke the Sierra s upscale qualities with a glamorous camping known as glamping program. Editors were even allowed to bring a guest to the two-night experience executed in three waves over the course of a week. Hoff and Price spent three months refining concepts to General Motors s vision which culminated the day before the first session during a test run for company representatives. My first reaction to a pick-up truck is Great you re gonna be stuck helping your friends haul furniture Hoff says. But Joe and Kelly really imparted on us that the purpose of this event was to show people what kind of lifestyle they can have with a Sierra. General Motors positions its premium Sierra brand to buyers who can afford for example to capitalize on the truck s towing capabilities with an outfitted Airstream. The 23-foot A big part of the campaign was allowing editors to test drive the new truck s towing capabilities. trailers became the editors bedrooms once they completed towing training at Camarillo Airport outside Los Angeles and made the scenic 69-mile drive The glamping experience included elegantly furnished up the Pacific lounges games and roasted marshmallows. Coast Highway engineering program. ) But the bigto Santa Barbara. Grand Central gest hit with editors turned out to be Marketing turned two campsites at El Capitan State Beach into a tented- a cornhole tournament area customized with tire treads and Astroturf-- and-floored base camp complete next to the bar. with furniture hammocks and Smart move for GMC to do activities. For camping-chic inspiration Hoff drew largely from her own something different to introduce experiences with plein air luxury like the 2014 Sierra to the motor press Sue Meade wrote in her review for large-scale farm-to-table dinners Car Lady News because the truck produced in the middle of a field by the aptly named Out Standing in the really isn t that much different. General Motors wasn t the only Field. Mid-century modern chairs one taking note of Grand Central were removed while an Etsy-based Marketing s surprising approach to artist in Virginia was commissioned projects. Allied Integrated Marketing to turn the bed of the truck into a acquired the agency in November signature bar. ( We actually still use it Wysocki says. The bar was just at 2013 as its new experiential division an auto show a dealer event and an Allied Experiential. Share this story bizbash.com general-motors 78 bizbash.com spring 2014 photos Courtesy of Grand Central MarketinG Freed Photography events AT STRATHMORE Let Our Creativity Inspire Yours Rodney Bailey Let the stunning facilities relaxing green landscape and outdoor sculpture garden at Strathmore s thriving arts campus inspire your next special event Ideally located on D.C. s Beltway and with our own Metrorail station Strathmore s 1 976-seat Concert Hall with its stunning 65-foot glass lobby wall is perfect for your next gala cocktail reception or product launch. For more intimate gatherings our turn-of-the-century Georgian Mansion art gallery spaces inspire elegant affairs. Exceptional cuisine created for your event by Restaurant Associates Chef Fred Pryzborowski in our on-site kitchen. Jim Morris www.strathmore.org (301) 581-5255 Rental Information (301) 581-5225 Catering Rodney Bailey Gifts VivaTerra s (800.233.6011 vivaterra.com) office-friendly wall art 59 grows plants including the Oncidium Twinkle. The tiny orchids bloom yearly and only need to be sprayed or watered once a week. Naturally Gifted Give these eco-friendly gifts as takeaways or favors at meetings and events. By Jenny Berg Moxie Pear (moxiepear .com) offers cute customizable pencils made from recycled paper. Available in a wide range of colors the pencils come in sets of five or 10 for 5.25 and 11 respectively. S well s (swell bottle.com) sleek reusable water bottles from 25 are made from nontoxic stainless steel. The bottles keep water cold for 24 hours or keep hot drinks warm for 12 hours. Superior Business Solutions (269.323.1333 inkonit.com) offers customizable umbrellas from 14.98 that are made from 100 percent recycled materials. Handmade treats from Katherine Anne Confections (773.245.1630 katherine-anne .com) from 9.50 contain no artificial preservatives flavors or colors and come in seasonal flavors. RuMe (303.799.8256 myrume.com) is a lifestyle brand that offers customizable and reusable tote bags 12.95 that hold as much as 50 pounds. Gifts for the Good Life (410.573.4898 giftsforthegoodlife.com) creates customized soy candle gifts. The sets from 28 contain four hand-poured candles matches and lip balm. Ethically Engineered (636.393.8442 ethicallyengineered .com) creates vegan soaps including no bottle shampoo bars 18. The soaps produce large suds and come in lemon and lime scents. Botanical PaperWorks (877.956.7393 botanicalpaper works.com) has customizable plantable journals from 7.80 each. The books which are embedded with wildflower seeds contain 75 pages of postconsumer stock paper. 80 bizbash.com spring 2014 See more eco-friendly gifts bizbash.com gift-ideas photos paul Miller (rueMe) Chris Zibutis (ethiCally engineered) Jody Kivort (s Well) Courtesy of vendors (all others) Taking EvEnTs To a New Level Miami miami zhantra.com 305-423-0432 chicago zhantra.com 630-487-1871 nyc zhantra.com 917-426-0554 w w w. z h a n t r a . c o m Chicago NewYork Event Production Boost Your A.V. IQ By Mitra SorrellS Planners often have to wear many hats figuring out everything from program content and menus to room layouts and technical production for their events. One of the most daunting tasks can be audiovisual production which becomes more complex as continual changes create new options and new lingo to understand. We asked four experts in the field of technical production to identify and demystify some of the key concepts to keep in mind. Use this quick guide to some of the key concepts in technical production. 1. Don t skimp on audio. One tip shared by all four experts was that quality audio is essential. That means making sure every attendee whether sitting in the center of the room or in a back corner can hear the event or meeting s speakers. Think about both the quality of the audio equipment and the number of microphones. If there are six speakers in any given section of a program rent six wireless lavalieres Brandt Krueger the director of video and production technology for Minneapolis-based Understanding key concepts in technical production will save time and money. sufficient rear-projection distance in a room and we must front-project onto video screens. It isn t possible 8. Reserve the venue for to do this if there is a chandelier or enough time to account for other piece of scenic [equipment] in between the video projectors and the set up and tear down. Don t get caught having to pay your crew screens David Smith the president overtime to set up a show in the midof ShowPro in Los Angeles says. dle of the night because you didn t book the venue the day before. This 5. Understand variable can be one of the most expensive items that affect your gotchas out there Krueger says. cost such as... Rigging points The places in the ceiling where you can hang lights sound 9. Establish clear content equipment and projectors. Find out if deadlines and formats for MetroConnections says. Don t try your presenters. Ask them to your venue charges for these. to get away with two planning on turn in their presentations well in Audio inputs Count every micro swapping them out between speak- phone as well as each piece of advance preferably in digital forers. With every swap you increase computer audio video playback and mat through a download-sharing the chances that a speaker will turn program. If a presenter hands us audience response equipment to off the mic or a cable will come unensure your sound mixing board can a thumb drive right before they plugged. rehearse we will spend more time accommodate all of the inputs. fixing their presentation than we will Display inputs Like audio mixers 2. Make sure the content fits video switchers have a finite number rehearsing their presentation Smith the equipment. Nowadays most of inputs. Count all of your video says. Don t be afraid to nudge your screens are high-definition wideclient to get materials early. They ll sources including backups to make screen 16 9 aspect ratio. If presenters sure your budget accounts for the thank you after a perfect show. have content created in the old 4 3 right type of switcher. format you ll see black bars along the Display outputs If you have multiple 10. Take care of the technitop and bottom or sides. If you have cal crew. Provide crew members screens each showing different imolder graphics or standard-definition ages it will cost more than a single clear information about where to videos ask your production company signal on all screens. park where to enter the facility and to reformat them ahead of time. And when they will get breaks and proif you are creating something new vide meals on show day. If you take 6. Get more than one bid make sure it is formatted correctly. care of the crew they will be sure to for audiovisual services. take care of you Trace Goodman the In-house audiovisual companies are 3. Don t assume power is convenient know the space and can president of Goodman Audio Services included. Find out how much your be flexible since they often keep an in Santa Fe Springs says. venue charges for power and how inventory on site. If the venue won t they define it--meaning do they 11. Ensure you have appropenalize you though it s still a good charge only for large power requests idea to compare a quote from an priate Internet access. In addior for everything down to plugging a outside vendor and possibly use it tion to your attendees who will want cord into a wall to use social media check email or as a negotiating tool. go online high-speed Internet access 7. Focus on the is also used by modern audiovisenses. The color sual equipment to stream audio and of the lights can cre- video. Use one of the readily available bandwidth calculators to get an ate a warm mood idea of what you ll need and talk to create a cooler mood wake people your venue to determine what it can provide. up in the morning calm people down 12. Hire a technical director. in the evening and The technical director is the coorreenergize them dinator among all of your vendors after a meal Mike facilitating communication and Stengel senior vice scheduling so people have what president at PSAV they need when they need it. Your says. Music also aflighting vendor will not know that fects the mood so your scenic vendor needs to use the think about what only lift available at the exact time he is playing as people needs to focus his lights. Your technienter and exit your cal director will catch that and work it event throughout Smith says. out the day. Scent Share this story bizbash.com event-technology 4. Don t block projection lines. Oftentimes there is not machines can be used to provide an additional sensory experience but first consider if attendees may have any allergies. 82 bizbash.com spring 2014 photo Claire paCelli for BizBash Ideas products trends and other new stuff to have on your radar from across North America. Forecast Snack Attack As an alternative to serving unhealthy snacks such as muffins and doughnuts Chicago company SnackItToMe (312.254.5010 snackittome.com) customizes healthy snack boxes for meetings and events. Our mission is to rework the corporate snack culture says founder Todd Barancik. Packs include whole-food goods such as pumpkin seeds and organic snack bars from small manufacturers. Items are all-natural calorie-conscious and preservative-free. Britney One More Time Just in time for 2014 Britney Spears debuted her show Britney Piece of Me at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas (855.234.7469 planethollywoodresort.com). Marking the beginning of her two-year residency at the fully reconstructed Axis Theater the pop star s production is a compilation of more than 20 hits. It features a four-piece band 14 dancers elaborate sets over-the-top costumes and high-end technology. Sweet Emoji Eleni s Cookies Vintage Vibe Farm & Fable (617.451.1110 farmandfable.com) is a new Boston shop that sells antique cookbooks and vintage kitchen goods. In a basement demo kitchen owner Abigail Ruettgers hosts cooking classes for private groups of 10. Sample class topics include oyster shucking and beverage pairing plus pies and tarts. The venue is also available for receptions of 40 guests. Just Add Bacon En Ville Catering (416.533.8800 enville.com) in Toronto now offers a spaetzle station. A traditional German dish spaetzle is a comfort food easily set up at meeting or event spaces with just a tabletop burner and a frying pan. Plus it s not frequently seen on event menus. The stations are staffed by chefs and let guests top their dishes with condiments such as savory whipped cream spinach and smoked bacon lardons. Share this story bizbash.com forecast 84 bizbash.com spring 2014 photos DaviD Becker (Britney spears) Denise truscello (JuBilee) sugar strung photography (B cupcakes) courtesy of venDors (all others) (888.435.3647 elenis.com) in New York offers a new collection of emoji cookies that shows a variety of the expressive faces often used to illustrate texts and other social media posts. Eleni s can customize the treats with corporate logos and messaging. Precious Metals Enticing Elements of Style The Elements collection from Cort Event Furnishings (888.710.2525 cortevents.com) includes eclectic rental decor pieces such as cages candelabras vintage trunks and greenery. The line available in Cort s home base in the Washington area as well as nationwide mixes materials such as rustic wood and metal furnishings appropriate for trade shows meetings or private events. Tables (858.354.8940 enticingtables .com) designs one-of-a-kind metal event decor pieces in the company s Southern California workshop. The collection includes uniquely shaped centerpiece and ceremony stands cupcake and cake stands and arches and chandeliers and each item is fabricated by hand. Best in Show Jubilee (866.574.3851 ballyslasvegas .com) the longest-running show on the Las Vegas Strip closed at the end of January with plans to reopen in March after undergoing a major transformation under the direction of creative director and choreographer Frank Gatson Jr. Group tickets are available for 10 or more--but keep in mind the showgirl revue is not right for every audience so know your crowd. Creative Cupcakes Serve milk and cupcakes at your next meeting with an order from B Cupcakes (407.660.2253 bcupcake.com) which opened a second location in Orlando suburb Winter Park in December. Among the bakery s 20 daily flavors are sweet potato salted caramel and key lime all based on owner Sheila Norton s grandmother s recipe. Milk comes in 10 flavors like toasted marshmallow and chocolate mint. Delivery is available. Name in Lights Food Truck Fever PGA National Resort & Spa (561.627.2000 pgaresort .com) in Palm Beach Gardens Florida offers a mobile gourmet food truck which it s calling iTruck. Designed to cater golf events weddings and other private gatherings it serves fare such as lobster sliders truffle fries crab fritters and burgers. The vehicle also caters off-site events. For a new take on event signage Ultra Vista Systems (310.464.2977 ultravistasystems .com) offers 3-D lighted signs. The Los Angeles company can customize signs with illuminated brand names logos or art in a lightweight and low-voltage design. bizbash.com spring 2014 85 Newsflash What s on our minds this season. Speaking Your Language For multilingual events new software from Translate Your World (770.414.6000 translateyourworld.com) is specifically built for business conferences product demonstrations and speeches. It offers real-time translations in 78 languages that appear as subtitles on handheld devices or are heard aloud in a computerized voice similar to Apple s Siri. Get a Room As an alternative to tents or trailers Forts (954.949.3200 fortsusa.com) offers a portable structure for V.I.P. lounges at festivals and sporting events. The air-conditioned and insulated structures can be set up in 10 minutes and accommodate couches and other furniture rentals and decor. Read This... Need floral inspiration Two event designers share their latest creations in new books. Los Angeles-based Eddie Zaratsian released his first book Eddie Zaratsian Custom Florals and Lifestyle (Stichting Kunstboek) late last year. The collaboration with photographer Marianne Lozano shows off Zaratsian s architectural arrangements that incorporate fullbloomed peonies roses orchids twigs berries and pods. And available April 1 is Preston Bailey s sixth book Designing With Flowers (Rizzoli) which explores the inspiration and process behind recent work from centerpieces and bouquets to hedge-like walls of greenery. Grab-and-Go Golf Many conventions and meetings include a golf outing but lugging clubs across the country is a drag for attendees. Enter Ship Sticks (561.429.3900 shipsticks.com) which specializes in shipping golf clubs to and from resorts. The process is managed online and includes door-to-door home pickup and resort drop-off. Through a partnership with FedEx and U.P.S. which offer volume discounts to corporate customers the service may be more affordable than other methods of transport (prices start from 39 per bag). Bonus If the resort hosting your meeting is one of the 15 000 with which the company works guests can simply leave their bags in the hotel room and the resort staff will handle the labeling and shipping. 86 bizbash.com spring 2014 photos Marianne Lozano photography (eddie zaratsian) Courtesy of Vendors & pubLishers (aLL others) Edited by BETH KORMANIK Venues Farm Fresh photo Courtesy of Lonesome VaLLey Lonesome Valley Outdoor venues are embracing the farm-to-table movement with sustainable-minded spots ideal for picnics garden parties clambakes and formal dinners. By BETH KORMANIK When the custom Sperry reception tent is erected each April at the Castle Hill Inn in Rhode Island it means outdoor event season has started. Made with a natural wood frame and ivory sailcloth the structure overlooking Narragansett Bay is topped with a cupola that rises above the silhouette of the tent. Events typically begin with a reception on the lawn where guests visit cocktail tables or sit on Adirondack chairs followed by dinner at long communal tables inside the tent. The menu features seafood fruits vegetables and garnishes selected--as often as possible-- from local and sustainable sources as close as the property s own garden. The farm-to-table concept has gone beyond a trend to a full-blown movement and event planners have caught on working with chefs to create menus that reflect these values. Outdoor The most anticipated spring venue openings bizbash.com venues bizbash.com spring 2014 89 Venues The biggest change that Simms has noticed is that clients have become more flexible in planning menus as they learn more about the local farm movement and rely on the banqueting team to steer them toward what s fresh now. What s available one week is not available another week Simms says. There s a lot of communication We venues fittingly are a popular choice for serving were going to have local baby kale in your salad this particular type of fare. but we will have this baby arugula. My custom We are focusing on the local sustainable resources whenever possible says Marie Cuccia ers are more flexible and leave it to us to create menus based on what s available. director of sales and marketing for Castle Hill A popular theme for outdoor events at the which also offers alfresco events on three terBreakers--which has six outdoor venues--is races on a private beach and in front of a lighthouse. It goes hand in hand being on a property Florida tropical Simms says. At hearts of palm like this. The type of guests we attract are looking buffet stations for instance two-foot-long logs of hearts and palms are sliced to order along with for healthy good food. At Grande Lakes Orlando which comprises a ceviche made from local fish. The mise en place includes split coconuts tropical leaves gathered Ritz-Carlton and a JW Marriott resort guests experience farm-to-table dining on an actual farm. from across the property local sugarcane and fresh lychees from local farmers. Located on the property Whisper Creek Farm Herbs and edible flowers from the property s is a 13 000-square-foot complex that uses half own kitchen garden are also available. At one of its grounds for agriculture and the rest as a dedicated event space. The farm which opened in recent event Simms served an heirloom tomato October 2012 includes fruit trees vegetables and and mozzarella salad and staff trimmed justan apiary future plans potentially involve raising picked purple basil over the dishes at the table as they were served. livestock and chickens. You can t get any fresher than that Simms Every hotel has ballroom space--and we continue to manage that as a traditional space-- says. It s a lot more work for us to do the local but the benefit is so worth the reward. Our but customers have told us they re looking for guests are telling us that and our chefs have a lot something new and different says Karen Englund director of sales and marketing at Grande of fun with it. In the Blue Ridge Mountains of Cashiers Lakes Orlando. What we love about the farm is it s slightly away from the building and is almost North Carolina the destination event venue Lonesome Valley offers menus from organic like an off-property venue. produce grown in its own gardens and in nearby With a wrought-iron gate and hay bales lining the entry the space has a rustic aesthetic but farms as well as craft beers from local breweries. planners can calibrate the feel with their own deWhisper Creek Farm at cor and entertainment. The space has been used for seated dinners of 250 guests social receptions Grande Lakes Orlando with 600 guests and 12-person board meetings set under a large oak tree. The Breakers Palm Beach in Florida has also made a commitment to sourcing local ingredients. Jeff Simms executive chef of banquet operations at the hotel says the resort made the decision on its own but more clients are coming to the Breakers with the same philosophy. We work with very high price points and very high expectations he says. Working with our catering and sales team and our banquet chefs we put together ideas and brainstorm. These people want something special. Castle Hill Inn The Breakers Palm Beach sources local ingredients for its catering. Chef John Fleer who also oversees the property s Canyon Kitchen restaurant grows salad greens such as kale and Swiss chard and vegetables including rhubarb broccoli and eggplant. An apple orchard overlooks the event site. Planners of the executive retreats corporate parties and social events that meet at Lonesome Valley often combine the property s 250-person Jennings Barn with an extensive lawn for indooroutdoor events. Farm-to-table is not exclusive to high-end resorts and retreats. Restaurants such as the Rustic in Dallas which has indoor and outdoor seating for 300 keep to the philosophy in a casual setting. In Austin Texas El Monumento serves homemade Mexican fare sourced with local ingredients and landscaped its courtyard and terrace with plants native to rural South Texas and Mexico. The widespread nature of farm-to-table should help convince doubters the movement is not a trend. As Simms says It s not going away. 90 bizbash.com spring 2014 photos sCott CLark photography (Breakers paLm BeaCh) Courtesy of Venues (aLL others) Atlanta Venues Spice to Table The new restaurant from chef Asha Gomez of Cardamom Hill and the Third Space serves dishes such as appam muffins railroad beef hoagies and pork vindaloo sliders. The 1 200-squarefoot venue which opened in November seats 40 guests or holds 70 for receptions there is also a 200-square-foot patio. (659 Auburn Ave. 404.793.7963) Flip Burger Boutique The upscale burger joint concept from Top Chef winner Richard Blais opened its fourth location this winter. The restaurant in PonceyHighland serves burgers and shakes as well as gourmet hot dogs from HD1 Blais s former restaurant at the space. The eatery s modern interior seats 85 as does a rooftop patio. (644 North Highland Ave. 404.815.1127) photos Erika BotfEld lEttEr B CrEativE (spiCE to taBlE) andrEw thomas lEE (thrEE tavErns) CourtEsy of lips hEidi GEldhausEr (flip) Three Taverns Craft Brewery The Decatur brewery which opened in October has a contemporary tasting room designed with exposed salvaged brick walls reclaimed wood surfaces and custom lighting. The venue holds 200 people comfortably and offers buyouts that include tours during the event. Weekly tours and tastings are also available. (121 New St. Decatur 404.600.3355) Lips The New York-based chain of drag theaters opened an Atlanta outpost in October. The 7 000-squarefoot venue has a restaurant dinner theater and event space and features Vegas-style revues. Designed in jewel tones the glittery space has six five-foot crystal chandeliers more than 100 disco balls and a gold ceiling. It seats 190 or holds 235 people for receptions. (3011 Buford Hwy. NE 404.315.7711) More venues and a local directory bizbash.com venues bizbash.com spring 2014 91 Austin Venues reopened in October adding an outdoor bar liquor cocktails and a menu from Stubbs Bar-B-Q. The decor is a curated collection of clutter with an emphasis on all things Texas and Johnny Cash. The signature Mean Juice drink is silver tequila infused with fresh ghost pepper chilies that comes with a warning from bartenders about its potency. The bar holds 160 guests. (1621 West 5th St. 512.920.6645) Mean-Eyed Cat Bar Following a renovation and expansion the venue LaV NO VA Kitchen & Bar Located in a two-story house on Rainey Street the restaurant opened in August with a menu of items such as pear pecan salad whipped blue cheese and beer-braised pork shank. There are several options for hosting private events. Indoors is a main dining room for 50 guests and a 14-seat private dining room with audiovisual equipment. A patio with a dual-sided fireplace seats 50 and a covered balcony seats 25. (87 Rainey St. 512.382.5651 Barlata The colorful 3 100-square-foot Spanish tapas restaurant open since fall is available for buyouts and seats 125 at booths tables and a bar. The design from Austin architect Michael Hsu features long communal tables an open kitchen and cartoon-like murals in black and white. (1500 South Lamar Blvd. 512.473.2211) 92 bizbash.com spring 2014 More venues and a local directory bizbash.com venues photos hodgepodgepresents.com (mean-eyed) Buff strickland (lav) natalie paramore (nova) lisa munoz (Barlata) The French-inspired restaurant opened in early March in a converted warehouse on the city s east side. Designed like a home the interior has several intimate rooms each designed with a distinct style. The wine bar has tall communal tables the bar lounge is in the center of the restaurant the main dining room has an elegant feel and the wine cellar holds 12 for private events. Outdoors a fountain area offers pergola seating and stone tables. In total the 5 000-square-foot space seats 146 and buyouts are available. (501 East 7th St. 512.391.1888) Boston Venues Hotel Chocolat Cocoa Bar-Caf The Londonbased brand known for gourmet chocolate stores opened a caf on Newbury Street in January. An intimate space for 16 guests the caf doubles in size from March through November when the weather allows for alfresco dining. In addition to receptions the space is available for private tastings. (141A Newbury St. 617.391.0513) Ward 8 Named for the neigh- boring voting precinct the restaurant and bar opened in late December in the North End. Classic cocktails are served at a four-sided bar which seats 32. Guests can sample chili duck wings and crispy pork tacos in the 75-person dining room amid exposed brick walls and white subway tiles. While there aren t any private rooms the 2 500-squarefoot restaurant is available for semiprivate functions or full buyouts. (90 North Washington St. 617 823 4478) in a freshly renovated 15 000-square-foot bilevel building in South Boston s Fort Point neighborhood the gym provides private groups of as many as 100 people a luxury fitness experience. The club offers additional athletic activities like boxing-inspired Pilates and spinning as well as an on-site juice and coffee bar for postworkout refreshments. A sauna a steam room and showers round out the amenities. (15 Channel Center St. 857.250.4140) The Club by George Foreman III Located Row 34 In November the team behind the acclaimed Island Creek Oyster Bar opened a seafood-focused restaurant with a New England-inspired menu. The Fort Point hot spot has architectural features such as a walk-in steel and glass beer cooler designed to look original to the 100-year-old space. But those beers aren t just for show With 24 draft lines a rotating cask and a substantial bottle cellar the restaurant caters to those interested in the growing American craft beer industry. A 1 050-square-foot private dining room known as the Cooler Room holds 45 guests. (383 Congress St. 617.553.5900) More venues and a local directory bizbash.com venues 94 bizbash.com spring 2014 photos morGan ionE yEaGEr (row 34) CourtEsy of vEnuEs (all othErs) Chicago Venues Vanille Patisserie The dessert haven opened a third location in Lincoln Park in December. The venue prepares artisanal sweets and lays claim to Chicago s largest selection of classic French macarons. For events a private consulting and tasting room holds eight guests the main area seats 24. The main space which has an espresso bar pastry displays and a cake decorating room is available for cocktail receptions. (2229 North Clyboun Ave. 773.868.4574) Summer House Santa Monica photos niCk uliviEri (vanillE) anjali pinto (summErhousE) CourtEsy of hilton ChiCaGo o harE airport Clayton hauCk (dusEk s) Dusek s Board & Beer The buzzed-about venue opened in Pilsen in September in a 19th-century building. The menu focuses on food paired with beer while downstairs the Punch House specializes in not surprisingly punch and it has a private dining room that seats 28 or holds 40 for receptions. The drink list includes eight house-made punches that rotate daily as well as old-fashioned cocktails. A food menu offers oysters bar bites such as wood-roasted olives and malted English pudding. (1227 West 18th St. 312.526.3851) The beach-house-inspired Lincoln Park venue which opened in November is available for buyouts and seats 200 or holds 250 for receptions. The semiprivate Vitamin D Room which is curtained off from the bar area seats 120 or holds 150 for receptions. For smaller groups a semiprivate lounge area seats 20 or holds 30 for receptions the main dining room holds groups of 20 with special menus and a patio seats 20. The restaurant serves seasonal fare including roasted cauliflower with jalape o pesto and candied lemon fresh burrata with roasted celery root and surfer style fish tacos. (1954 North Halsted St. 773.634.4100) Hilton Chicago O Hare Airport The hotel completed a 3 million renovation of its second-floor conference center in late October. Connected to the airport by underground walkways the hotel has 860 rooms and its conference center has 41 rooms. Within the boardrooms new perks include updated LED lighting and 60-inch LG Smart TV monitors that connect to conference tables. The tables themselves have power and computer connections for as many as 14 meeting guests. There are also new blackout screens electronic signage at the rooms entrances and dedicated areas for food-and-beverage buffets. The new look includes a color palette of grey navy and creamy neutrals and carpeting with a geometric pattern. In addition to the meeting rooms on the second floor the hotel has a 3 500-square-foot Grand Ballroom and nine mezzanine-level banquet and meeting rooms that are suited to catered functions. (10000 West O Hare Ave. 773.686.8000) bizbash.com spring 2014 95 Dallas Fort Worth Venues Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Richardson The movie theater chain expanded into Richardson opening a seven-screen cinema for new release films in the fall. Auditoriums have QSC digital audio systems Sony 4K digital projection and 3-D capabilities. The full menu includes beer and wine as well as options for brunch and a children s menu. The theaters are available for rental with the smallest seating 47 and the largest seating 247. (100 South Central Expwy. Richardson 972.534.2120) Savor With an enviable location downtown in Klyde Warren Park the gastropub opened in late September. The striking structure with floor-to-ceiling glass walls is LEED certified. Among the green features is a wall with 12 craft beers and 16 wines on tap it is estimated to save 40 000 glass bottles a year. The space seats about 325 people including 175 seats inside and 150 seats outside. Its two patios overlook the 5.2-acre park. (2000 Woodall Rogers Fwy. Dallas 214.306.5597) Gas Monkey Bar N Grill The stars of the Discovery Channel series Fast N Loud opened the live music venue in the fall. With more than 10 000 square feet of patio space and 9 000 square feet indoors the site functions as an entertainment complex. It has two stages the larger of which is outside and has a 500 000 sound system. The venue with a menu of burgers and beer also has an upstairs with more than 2 000 square feet of V.I.P. space including a deck private room and bar. (10261 Technology Blvd. East Dallas 214.350.1904) Kimbell Art Museum The Fort Worth museum debuted its Renzo Piano Pavilion a new building designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano in late November. The pavilion provides more gallery space as well as classrooms an expanded library underground parking and a 298-seat auditorium with musicfriendly acoustics. The pavilion s natural-light-filled lobby is also available for events and holds 500 for receptions or seats 300. Constructed of glass concrete and wood the expansion has two parallel wings connected by two glass passageways. It has green features such as a sod roof and solar cells. (3333 Camp Bowie Blvd. Fort Worth 817.332.8451) 96 bizbash.com spring 2014 photos john doC stranGE sEliG polysCopE Company (alamo) roBErt polidori (kimBEll) CourtEsy of vEnuEs (all othErs) Houston Venues Capital Grille The upscale steak house chain opened a location in CityCentre in November. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner with menu items such as porcinirubbed Delmonico steak with an aged balsamic glaze lobster mac n cheese and a wine list of more than 350 selections. The eatery holds 274 guests spread among the main dining room and three private dining rooms. A spacious lounge area opens onto a covered patio. (840 West Sam Houston Pkwy. North 713.463.5051) Fusion Taco A brick-and- mortar home to the popular food truck of the same name opened downtown in late summer. The small yet stylish eatery features mid-century modern chairs bright floralpatterned banquettes and chandeliers made from chord lights. Its Asianinspired menu offers tacos such as Tempura rock shrimp with wasabi aioli and sandwiches such as Kim Cheese (kimchi grilled cheese). The 2 500-square-foot space seats 65 and a 16-seat patio offers views of Market Square Park. (801 Congress St. 713.422.2882) 024 Grille Westin Houston Memorial City opened the combination bistro and steak house in the fall. Four private dining rooms are available for groups of as many as 50 people each the rooms also feature large-screen TV monitors and Wi-Fi connectivity. (945 Gessner Road 281.501.4350) photos EriC sausEda GroovEhousE (liBErty) CourtEsy of vEnuEs (all othErs) Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette The seafood-centric restaurant opened in October from F.E.E.D. TX restaurant group. Anchoring the dining room is a circular bar that dedicates half of the space to cocktail service and the other half to oyster and seafood dishes. The 200-seat restaurant has a 46seat glass-encased private dining room. (4224 San Felipe St. 713.622.1010) More venues and a local directory bizbash.com venues bizbash.com spring 2014 97 Las Vegas Venues Chayo Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar The restaurant opened New Year s Day at the Linq the new restaurant retail and entertainment corridor between the Quad Resort & Casino and the Flamingo Las Vegas. The 14 000-square-foot space spread over two floors seats 320 and includes a 40-seat semiprivate dining room and a patio. Rounding out the experience is a DJ booth and a mechanical bull. (3545 Las Vegas Blvd. South 702.691.3773) Carmine s Las Vegas Vdara Hotel & Spa The hotel redesigned its 300-person meeting space called Silk Road and reopened it in October. The 6 500-square-foot space features floor-toceiling windows a foyer a prefunction area and a breakout room. The hotel is positioned as a boutique property that offers groups a non-gaming and nonsmoking environment. (2600 West Harmon Ave. 702.590.2111) 98 bizbash.com spring 2014 More venues and a local directory bizbash.com venues photos Brian mannasmith (Chayo) CourtEsy of CaEsars palaCE (CarminE s) kEllyCrEativE (vdara) Brian Brown (Crush) Crush A new restaurant from the Morton Group opened in December at MGM Grand. The 7 000-square-foot restaurant is divided into two rooms a garden-like atrium that seats 130 and the 100-person main dining room which has a separate private dining space for 40 guests. Each dining room has its own bar. The shared-plates menu includes dishes such as shrimp risotto roasted cauliflower and wood-fired pizzas. (3799 South Las Vegas Blvd. 702.891.3222) The eatery inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace is a spin-off of the popular New York spot. The 750seat location maintains a quaint Italian restaurant vibe despite its sprawling 27 000-square-foot floor plan. For groups it offers six private dining rooms which include access to Wi-Fi T1 lines and charging stations at each table. (3500 South Las Vegas Blvd. 702.473.9700) THe Be Seen. Be Heard. Be recognized. The BizBash Event Style Awards are back for 2014 with new categories and new voting criteria fashioned exclusively to honor creativity innovation and excellence in the meeting and event industry. Combining elements from the Readers Choice Awards Event Style Award finalists in select categories will be able to campaign for their own People s Choice Award. We invite you to submit events that broke new ground green ideas that made an impact innovative uses of social media remarkable catering concepts groundbreaking PR campaigns and the newest venues that will astound event guests for years to come. AWARD CATeGORIeS INCLUDe Best Association event Best Trade or Consumer Show Best Conference Best Print Invitation Design Best Digital Invitation Design Best New event Product Best Use of event Technology Best event Lighting Design Best Catering at an event Best event entertainment Act Best New Venue for Meetings & events Best Hotel for Meetings & events Best Wedding Venue Best Rooftop Space Best event Photo Best Floral Design for an event or Meeting Best Use of Social Media for an event or Meeting Best Green Initiative or Sustainable Program for an event or Meeting Best Use of Video at an event Best Video Capture of an event Best Trade Show Booth Best Staging & Set Design Best Product Launch Best Special effects For additional details and to submit your best visit bizbash.com eventstyleawards Online submissions open APRIL 1 2014. event Style Awards webinar OCTOBeR 2014. event Style Awards OCTOBeR 29 NeW YORK. ceremony NeW FOR 2014 PeOPLe S CHOICe CATeGORIeS Best Corporate event Concept-- Budget Over 250 000 Best Corporate event Concept-- Budget Under 250 000 Best event Decor-- Budget Over 250 000 Best event Decor-- Budget Under 250 000 Best Nonprofit event Concept-- Budget Over 250 000 Best Nonprofit event Concept-- Budget Under 250 000 Best Social event Best Marketing Activation or Guerrilla Marketing Campaign Rising Star PeoPle s ChoiCe Categories only Los Angeles Venues Sugar Factory The sweets emporium s new Hollywood location offers a third level available for private events as well as a patio that overlooks Hollywood Boulevard. A DJ booth a candy carousel and a bright yellow crownshaped couch are part of the whimsical design. There s room for 60 for a reception. (6933 Hollywood Blvd. 323.464.7352) Philippe Beverly Hills Philippe Chow opened a new Beverly Hills location in October. The cuisine is Chinese with dishes such as glazed spare ribs Peking duck and spicy prawns. There s also a cocktail program created by mixologist Ray Ewers. The venue has a minimalist look with its signature red black and white decor scheme. The space includes a 25-seat lounge and a 50-seat main dining room. There is also a four-room V.I.P. area for private events. (8620 Wilshire Blvd. 310.289.3500) Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles War Room To celebrate its Spin Standard The club at the Standard Downtown L.A. is the place to get groups moving--over a friendly (or competitive) ping-pong match. Or use the ping-pong tables as meal seating with custom linens and room for 12. For meetings the venue seats 75 classroom-style in the Spin V.I.P. room which has 1 300 square feet of space and offers full-service catering. The flexible space is available for full buyouts for 250 guests or it can be broken into three sections Spin Arena Spin B and Spin V.I.P. (550 South Flower St. 213.439.3065) 100 bizbash.com spring 2014 90th anniversary in September the hotel introduced what it s calling the War Room specially designed for private meetings--especially those taking place over an extended period of time. There s 3 040 square feet of private space including six furnished self-contained offices as well as a welcome reception and sitting area a private boardroom with high-back leather chairs for 12 a large office for senior partners or executives a storage room Internet and a kitchen. Expansive windows offer natural sunlight and downtown city views. (506 South Grand Ave. 213.624.1011) More venues and a local directory bizbash.com venues photos Chris wEEks wirEimaGE (suGar) andy lai (philippE) CourtEsy of vEnuEs (all othErs) Miami South Florida Venues Raleigh Hotel Penthouse In November the hotel updated its 6 000-square-foot penthouse which is available for events of as many as 150 guests. With views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean the venue includes a spacious living room three bedrooms with their own private terraces and outdoor showers and nearly 2 000 square feet of oceanfront terrace. The interiors include new furniture curtains and decor that complement the hotel s Art Deco architecture. Restaurant Michael Schwartz located on the property can provide catering. (775 Collins Ave. Miami Beach 305.534.6300) AmericanAirlines Arena Flagship Lounges For the Verde In December Stephen Starr Events opened a restaurant in the new Perez Art Museum Miami where it is the official caterer. The 104-seat restaurant was designed by Herzog & de Meuron and is seeking LEED certification for its environmentally sustainable features. The decor includes concrete walls draped with gauze-like material pendant lighting wood tables and beige banquettes. The seafood-heavy menu includes ceviche charred octopus sashimi sweet corn and jumbo lump crab soup gulf shrimp and Florida-theme desserts such as cane sugar donuts with Cuban coffee dip. (1103 Biscayne Blvd. 305.375.8282) current basketball season the home to the N.B.A. s Miami Heat renovated its Flagship Lounges which are available for private events on non-game days. The 2 400-square-foot spaces have their own bar sound system and direct access to a private garage. The lounges each seat 80 or hold 150 for receptions. (601 Biscayne Blvd. 786.777.4211) Lure Fishbar photos CEndino tEmE (vErdE) david waltEr Banks (ralEiGh) CourtEsy of vEnuEs (all othErs) Loews Miami Beach Hotel opened a Miami outpost of the New York restaurant in December. The seafood restaurant is designed with a stylish nautical theme meant to evoke the Queen Mary (its private dining room displays a replica of the famed ocean liner.) The space offers ocean views as well as a terrace and a patio with their own bars. For private events it seats 20 people in the main dining room or 28 in the wine vault. Buyouts are available for seated events of as many as 200 guests or for receptions of 300. (1601 Collins Ave. Miami Beach 305.695.4550) 102 bizbash.com spring 2014 More venues and a local directory bizbash.com venues New York Venues The Skylark For an event with a view the garment district lounge offers full-length windows overlooking the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline including the Empire State Building. The fashionable cocktail bar accommodates 200 people in its 7 000-square-foot space private rooms are available for smaller gatherings of 30. The enclosed lounge is open yearround while a 140-person roof deck is seasonal. The small-plates menu includes dishes such as lobster tacos wild mushroom kebabs and mac n cheese cupcakes. The space opened in late October. (200 West 39th St. 212.257.4577) New York Palace Hotel A 140 Bouley Botanical Chef David Bouley s latest venture is a performance kitchen designed for private events. The light-filled space features more than 400 edible species of plants growing in vertical window gardens and events include seasonal floral arrangements. To customize the TriBeCa space planners have access to color LED lighting a media wall and sound and video equipment. The space seats 65 people or holds 100 for receptions. (281 Church St. 917.237.3205) High Line Hotel Formerly the Desmond Tutu Center the 60room hotel opened last year in Chelsea. Its grand Hoffman Hall offers more than 8 000 square feet of event space spread over several rooms many with views of the High Line Park. Individual spaces include the Refectory which features soaring ceilings wood paneling and stainedglass windows it holds 400 for receptions or seats 250 banquet-style. Meeting rooms and prefunction space were created from a century-old gymnasium with original maple hardwood floors. Three small meeting rooms can be used as 20-person boardrooms private dining space or breakout rooms. The hotel has a full kitchen and catering capabilities as well as audiovisual equipment including a projector a screen and microphones. (180 10th Ave. 212.929.3888) More venues and a local directory bizbash.com venues 104 bizbash.com spring 2014 photos Bruce Buck (Villard) thomas schauer studio for photography llc (Bouley) courtesy of Venues (all others) million renovation at the hotel completed in the fall includes six new dining venues two redesigned lobbies and specialty suites such as the Champagne Suite. Two of the new eateries come from chef Michel Richard marking the Washington D.C.based chef s first ventures in the city. They are the French market and caf Pomme Palais as well as the fine-dining restaurant Villard Michel Richard an opulent space that combines the landmarked interiors with modern elements such as the glass-walled wine cube in the middle of the dining room. (455 Madison Ave. 212.888.7000) a unique EXPERIENCE for any event for our complete catering guide & details on booking contact custom MENU OPTIONS private VIP SUITES skyline VIEWS PLAYMEADOWLANDS.COM CATERING PLAYMEADOWLANDS.COM or 201-The-BigM [201-843-2466] Orlando Venues Epicurean Hotel The food-centric property in Tampa opened in December. The 137-room 35 million hotel has an 80-seat restaurant a culinary classroom a wine store a rooftop bar a full-service spa and 5 200 square feet of flexible event space. Corporate groups can also book private cooking or wine tasting classes. The hotel was developed in collaboration with Bern s Steak House a Tampa landmark and is the first newly constructed property in the United States to join the Autograph Collection of Marriott International. (1207 South Howard Ave. Tampa 855.829.2536) Castle Hotel The Kessler Collection completed a 6 million renovation of the hotel in October. Designed as a modern interpretation of a Europeanstyle castle the International Drive hotel has more than 8 000 square feet of meeting space which includes two ballrooms meeting rooms a terrace and a courtyard near the pool. Dining options include the Garden Bistro & Bar and Antlers Lounge. The hotel recently joined the Autograph Collection a group of independent properties associated with Marriott. (8629 International Drive 407.345.1511) OK Corral Gun Club The facility opened a new 7 000-square-foot event space in October that includes a 30-person meeting room and a larger room that holds 300 people for receptions. Attached to the event center is a 1 200-square-foot covered patio. Two other flexible event spaces on the property include a 3 700-square-foot clubhouse that has a covered porch with rocking chairs and a livery stable suited for semi-covered gatherings. The club offers full-service catering and activities suitable for teambuilding such as two sporting clay courses shooting ranges and a fishing pond. Staff can also arrange fishing hunting or birding excursions in the surrounding area. (6341 NE 96th Ave. Okeechobee 863.357.2226) Westgate River Ranch The western-theme property in southern Osceola County completed an extensive renovation of its accommodations and event space in October. The resort offers more than 8 000 square feet of flexible meeting space including 10 rooms and 4 500 square feet of outdoor event space. Accommodations include two-bedroom cabins an inn and 10 new glamping sites that offer tents with deluxe amenities air-conditioning and private bathrooms. For events that incorporate recreation the resort has a ropes course a dance hall mini golf a rock-climbing wall a zip line a mechanical bull bungee jumping horseback riding golf and nature trails. Guests can fly straight to the resort using the property s 5 000-foot paved and lighted runway. (3200 River Ranch Blvd. River Ranch 863.692.1321) 106 bizbash.com spring 2014 photos amy pEzziCara pEzz photo EpiCurEan CourtEsy of vEnuEs (all othErs) Philadelphia Venues Garces Trading Company In September Jose Garces s restaurant replaced its retail section with a full-service bar. In addition to its Italian menu the European caf -style venue features a popular olive oil sampling bar as well as a hand-pulled mozzarella bar and a made-to-order paella station. A large open floor plan offers room for 100 seated or 130 for receptions. (1111 Locust St. 215.574.1099) Headhouse Crab & Oyster Company photos fanniE alliE (GarCEs) Erin puGh (hEadhousE) tom CranE (radisson) CourtEsy of ashton CiGar Bar Ashton Cigar Bar Located in upscale Rittenhouse Square the elegant space includes an 18-seat marble-topped bar as well as leather chairs and couches. Guests can sample 200 varieties of cigars as well as a wide selection of alcohol including 200 whiskies 300 spirits six draft beers 20 bottled beers 20 specialty cocktails and 50 wines. The 2 850-square-foot venue includes seating for 81 the entire venue holds as many as 115 guests. The space also includes two flat-screen TVs with cable and DVD hookups. (1522 Walnut St. 267.350.0000) Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel Philadelphia The cuisine at the restaurant puts a modern spin on traditional seafood dishes complete with a raw bar that serves fresh oysters and a bar menu with local microbrews and spirits. The 4 000-square-foot space seats 180 a private event space with a stage and bar holds 70 for receptions. Planners can take advantage of the restaurant s projector screen P.A. system and 10 flat-screen TVs. (119 South St. 215.418.0600) Following a 20 million renovation and reflagging the hotel took over the former Radisson Plaza-- Warwick Hotel Philadelphia in October. The space maintains its historic charm and heritage while offering an updated contemporary style. Plans to upgrade the meeting rooms were scheduled for later this year. When complete the hotel will offer more than 17 000 square feet of meeting and event space. With a grand ballroom and 10 event rooms the property will accommodate as many as 400 guests for events. (220 South 17th St. 215.735.6000) More venues and a local directory bizbash.com venues bizbash.com spring 2014 107 Phoenix Venues The Gladly The contemporary American restaurant which opened in the fall in Anchor Centre in the Biltmore neighborhood offers several spaces for events including a patio that seats 55 or holds 65 for receptions a semiprivate dinning room for 25 and a large private dinning room that seats 56 or holds 75 for receptions full buyouts are available. (2201 East Camelback Road 602.759.8132) Twenty6 Lounge New to the JW Marriott Desert Ridge is the airy lounge which serves charcuterie flatbreads and treats from a gelato bar. The space which debuted in the fall has a modern Southwestern design with weathered woods exposed brick and sandstone. It seats 162 and overlooks a 100-seat patio that is studded with fire pits. A trellis has a built-in cooling system in warmer weather. (5350 East Marriott Drive 480.293.5000) Chicago Cubs Spring Training Facility Dubbed Wrigleyville West the sprawling 84 million complex opened in December. Built on the site of the old Riverview Golf Course the site includes a 15 000-seat stadium with six suites multiple concession areas and a 65 000-square-foot clubhouse and training center. Several areas are being built for groups including a left field rooftop party area party decks along third base and first base a right field party tent and a kids area. Other features include a 120-person theater in the clubhouse a picnic area and a site for food trucks. Design touches include a cantilever roof and light towers recall Chicago s Wrigley Field. (SE Corner of 8th St. and Dobson Road Mesa 480.644.2011) Vig Fillmore The third location of the local venue opened in the fall. Featuring the historic William Edward Cavness House s brick interior and 100-year-old wood flooring the 2 000-square-foot tavern is a combination of old and new. Guests can enjoy their meal by the outdoor fireplace or play a friendly game in Vig s boccie ball court. Buyouts are available. (606 North Fourth Ave. 602.254.2242) 108 bizbash.com spring 2014 photos CourtEsy of vEnuEs San Diego Venues Bang Bang Famous for its Ryan Gosling-theme bathroom the 7 000-square-foot nightclub has patrons eat drink and dance under a ceiling of large paper lanterns. Three rooms are available for private events a sushi room that seats 25 a theater room with a dance floor and stage that holds 250 guests and a dining room that seats 200. It opened in the summer. (526 Market St. 619.677.2264) Tom Ham s Lighthouse photos dErEk plank (tom ham s) BrEvin BlaCh (lakEhousE) CourtEsy of vEnuEs (all othErs) One of Harbor Island s architectural landmarks reopened last year with a fresh interior new menus and a bayfront bar that serves 32 beers on tap as well as craft cocktails. The space has four meeting rooms that accommodate groups of as many as 250 guests including a 2 100-squarefoot space with a view of the downtown skyline. (2150 Harbor Island Drive 619.291.9110) Lakehouse Hotel and Resort After a property-wide renovation that finished last summer the 250-acre resort now offers guest suites and amenities such as fire pits and sand volleyball. It has more than 18 000 square feet of meeting and event space in four lakefront cottages each fitted with a view of St. Mark golf course and Lake San Marcos. (1025 La Bonita Drive San Marcos 760.744.0120) More venues and a local directory bizbash.com venues Morada The 2 230-square-foot restaurant which opened in July has a main dining room and a patio that seat 96 guests combined while a lounge seats 38. Guests can also reserve the Vintage Room which seats 18 and features antique decor or the Library a private room that seats 36 and includes a fireplace. (5951 Linea Del Cielo Rancho Santa Fe 858.756.1131) bizbash.com spring 2014 109 WHICH YEAR ARE YOU WHICH YEAR ARE YOU 2014 2014 Your all-in-one event solution for Your all-in-one event solution for Diagramming Diagramming Seating Seating 3D Rendering 3D Rendering .com .com San Francisco Venues photos sEan malon (alioto s) paul dyEr (prEsidio) CourtEsy of san josE mCEnEry ConvEntion CEntEr miChaEl david rosE (BErGEraC) Inn at the Presidio The inn added a nearby four-room historic residence dubbed Funston House down the street from the main inn. Using green standards the home underwent a 1 million renovation to the four bedrooms common living room dining room service kitchen and outdoor porch and patio. Historic photographs and contemporary regional art celebrate the park s military history and natural setting. The Funston House opened in July. (42 Moraga Ave. 415.800.7356) Alioto s Restaurant The Fisherman s Wharf restaurant reno- vated its banquet rooms in October. The Harbor Room which seats 55 guests has large windows with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. The room includes a private bar and is equipped with an audiovisual system television and projection screen. The Bridge Room seats 18 guests and includes design features such as antique crystal lighting granite-top buffets and bronze leather ceiling tiles a window frames views of the water. (8 Fisherman s Wharf 415.673.0183) San Jose McEnery Convention Center The center debuted a 130 million renovation and expansion in October adding 125 000 square feet of additional flexible ballroom and meeting room space bringing the total usable space to 550 000 square feet. Other features include a new networking lounge more breakout rooms event spaces with bright California colors and reclaimed redwood ceilings and a new open plaza entrance facing downtown that is available for outdoor events. (150 West San Carlos St. San Jose 408.295.9600) Bergerac With interiors inspired by the French mansion where the Rolling Stones composed Exile on Main St. the restaurant and bar opened in the SoMa district in late September. Designed by Josh Rowland the 3 500-squarefoot space features rich jewel tones a 25-seat bar finished with a zinc countertop and velvet and leather tufted couches. The cocktail menu comes from Russell Davis co-star of Spike TV s Bar Rescue. The space seats 75 people or holds as many as 250 people for receptions. For smaller groups there is a draped private banquette in the back. (316 11th St. 415.255.9440) More venues and a local directory bizbash.com venues bizbash.com spring 2014 111 Toronto Venues Jump The restaurant celebrated its 20th anniversary last year with a 1 million upgrade and renovation to the dining room bar and kitchen. The 6 000-square-foot space features built-in flat-screen TVs and dramatic lighting elements including a 46-foot sculptural light fixture. The private dining room seats 165 or holds 300 for receptions two semiprivate spaces are also available. (18 Wellington St. West 416.363.3400) Flirty Girl Fitness With a new location on King Street West since August the fitness center now has a 5 000-square-foot studio--said to be the largest pole-dancing room in Toronto--plus three separate training rooms. For events the venue offers a licensed bar spa treatments and catering and audiovisual services. (580 King St. West 416.920.1400) The 600-seat Grecian-style villa which opened in the summer has large white plastered walls water treatments throughout the main dining room birch branches tethered to the ceiling and awnings to create an oversize Mediterranean terrace with lakefront views of the city. It has three event spaces the main dining room the Cove which seats 150 guests and the Upstairs Lounge which comes with its own bar dedicated sound system and private rooftop terrace with seating for 80 guests. (1681 Lake Shore Blvd. East 416.698.3456) Trinity Taverna El Catrin Destileria The Distillery District restaurant serves both traditional and modern Mexican cuisine in a vibrant setting. A semiprivate dining room called La Bodega seats 30 guests in a main-floor space that features a 25-foot handpainted wall with skulls from Mexico and a glass-encased ritual Dia de los Muertos altar. El Balcone the chef s table accommodates 18 guests at a harvest table on a floating balcony giving guests a bird s-eye view of the entire restaurant. The venue opened in July. (18 Tank House Lane 416.203.2121) 112 bizbash.com spring 2014 More venues and a local directory bizbash.com venues photos allison woo (jump) CourtEsy of vEnuEs (all othErs) ARCHITECTURE ART EVENTS Book Your Event Today 416 979 6634 events ago.net ago.net venue-rental Art Gallery of Ontario Washington Venues Muze In December Mandarin Oriental launched the Asian fusion concept restaurant with all-day service. The 96-seat restaurant replaces Sou Wester and serves as a complement to the hotel s fine-dining restaurant CityZen by Eric Ziebold. The private dining room accommodates 10 guests and the restaurant includes a 36-seat patio. (1330 Maryland Ave. SW 202.554.8588) Dolcezza Gelato Factory Tasting Room & Coffee Lab The state-of-the-art gelato factory which debuted in December is housed in a 4 000-square-foot warehouse facility near Union Market. Previously home to a wholesale flower market the factory now includes a gelato tasting room with a bar overlooking the gelato production. A new mezzanine level overlooks the gelato-making process and the space incorporates skylights 18-foot-tall glass garage doors and vintage industrial pieces from the Hershey Chocolate Factory circa 1950. With the venue s open floor plan events for private groups of as many as 100 guests can be arranged. (550 Penn St. NE 202.333.4646) Echostage At 30 000 square feet the massive new space is touted as the Washington region s largest standing-room concert venue. It is outfitted with state-of-the-art sound design and LED visual displays as well as two 60-foot-long bars flanking the dance floor and more than 30 bottle service areas which each comfortably accommodate eight people. (2135 Queens Chapel Road NE 202.503.2330) City Tap House DC A Washington outpost of the Philadelphia restaurant opened in December. The beer-centric spot in Penn Quarter boasts 40 beer lines and seats for 180 people. The industrial design by Streetsense emphasizes wood beams copper fixtures and stone panels. A private dining room includes audiovisual capabilities and seats 100 guests or holds as many as 200 for receptions. The private dining space can be divided into two smaller rooms. (901 9th St. NW 202.644.9433) More venues and a local directory bizbash.com venues photos joshua CoGan (dolCEzza) dan swartz (City tap) CourtEsy of vEnuEs (all othErs) 114 bizbash.com spring 2014 INCORPORATE OUR AMAZING VIEWS INTO YOUR NEXT SPECIAL EVENT www.potomacviewterrace.com The Potomac View Terrace Washington D.C. Photo by Pepe Gomez TM Audio Lighting Staging Video Labor Rigging Power Distro Mobile Stages 4th of July The South Lawn Event Tech is your source for production services and equipment rentals. From a simple stage to a complete production package we are here to help with your next event. 866-950-8343 www.eventtech.com facebook.com Event.Tech catering by design 703.979.9400 WWW.DESIGNCUISINE.COM CREATE YOUR PALETTE EvEnt REpoRts Your behind-the-scenes look at the latest event ideas and strategies. photo carolyn curtis bizbash slide Rule The largest activation for this year s Super Bowl was Super Bowl Boulevard a public fan fest occupying 13 blocks of Midtown Manhattan. The biggest attraction--in both size and popularity--was the toboggan run a 60-foot-tall and 180-foot-long ride between 40th and 41st Streets. For more on Super Bowl XLVIII s biggest events turn to page 136. 119 event reports chicago A canopy of twigs and a wraparound scene of birds flying in a blue sky gave a calming vibe to the table from Halcon designed by Perkins & Will and TenFab. Dining Differently Steal these decor ideas from Diffa s Dining by Design in Chicago. ith dining-room vignettes from nearly 30 artists architects and interior designers the Chicago run of the Design Industries Foundation Fight AIDS Dining by Design event in November offered a wealth of inspiration for event professionals. Compared with years past the use of flowers was noticeably restrained. And while tables did contain floral arrangements in spots--one held lush bunches of pink roses for example--other decor pieces incorporated more avant-garde materials. For instance in one vignette a tangle of wishbones covered a row of candles another table was dotted with oversize eggs and still another used foil-wrapped condoms as ornamentation. --Jenny Berg Orchids in small golden vases topped stacks of patterned plates in the setting for Oscar Isberian designed by Meg Caswell. W The bright sunny-day-inspired vignette from Kadlec Architecture & Design had no table at all instead a cluster of bikes surrounded a center of flower-filled bike baskets. The table from Geiger and Interior Investments designed by Harley Ellis Devereaux had a beauty-productlaboratory feel. A sign spanning the entrance to the vignette read Makeup can only make you pretty on the outside but it doesn t help if you re ugly on the inside. Unless you eat the makeup. The table was covered in mirrors and test tubes. 120 bizbash.com spring 2014 Photos Barry Brecheisen for BizBash The setting for Diffa Chicago by Lional Rivero of Event Creative included golden hues undulating lines and a wall covered in patterns that resembled raindrops in puddles. An elegant tailgate party inspired the vignette from Sparc Inc. designed by Richard Cassis and Hunter Kaiser. Surrounded by a cocoon of black strings the Mohawk Group vignette designed by Gensler had a chandelier covered in gold-wrapped condoms. A dish of the shiny prophylactics also shone in the monochromatic setting. The Gensler-designed Coalesse table had a dense arrangement of wishbones laid over glowing electric candles. A chandelier made of bunches of baby s breath hung over the flowery setting at the CS Interiors table designed by Lalique Interiors with Natural Beauties Floral. Ornaments that resembled glitter-flecked sea urchins sat in bowls at Cambria s table designed by Susan Fredman Design Group. More ideas from Diffa bizbash.com diffa event reports las vegas Fans flocked to multiple stages for daytime and headline entertainment including Beck Jurassic 5 Imagine Dragons Vampire Weekend and the Killers. Festive Fare With the goal of revitalizing downtown Las Vegas the inaugural Life Is Beautiful Festival wove together music art food and TED-style talks across 15 urban blocks. he Life Is Beautiful Festival took over downtown Las Vegas October 26 and 27 bringing a slate of music food art and educational programming to a part of town that s typically away from the national media spotlight largely overshadowed by the glitzier glossier Las Vegas Boulevard Strip events and venues. But that s just the point as a centerpiece of the Downtown Project led by Zappos C.E.O. Tony Hsieh and meant to revitalize the neighborhood and build community the festival is among the projects bringing culture and creativity to the area and t Cirque du Soleil performers had a big presence at the event performing throughout the two-day run. proving it a more relevant destination for events. And energy there was. Think Coachella but instead of the remote middle-of-nowhere desert location this was a smack-dab-in-an-urbancenter location with tens of thousands of ticket holders swarming 15 closed city blocks. Among the offerings were five music stages food Ferris wheels an eclectic--and grand-scale--street-art program curated by Charlotte Dutoit a learning program with a range of notable speakers (including festival organizers) and clever sponsor integrations that engaged the crowd. With such diverse cross-disciplinary offerings stages and activations took place inside downtown s permanent sites (like bars and clubs) as well as tents and alfresco venues. Indeed Hsieh s marquee talk about his plans to revive downtown by building an engaged community saw eager attendees forming a line outside the Fremont Country Club venue. Unseasonably warm weather added to a feel-good vibe and the atmosphere felt inspirational--much like the festival s name. Festival founder Rehan Choudhry who is also the C.E.O. of Aurelian Marketing Group pulled the massive undertaking together with partners Another Planet Entertainment Maktub Marketing and the Downtown Project. --Alesandra Dubin 122 bizbash.com spring 2014 More music festival stories bizbash.com music-festivals In the so-called Alchemy Garden wooden crates dotted with wine bottles formed a rustic bar backdrop. Although the festival took over a paved urban area in downtown Las Vegas a small grassy spot known as the Secret Garden invited guests to sit (and snap photos) amid a backdrop of eye-catching art. Staffers held signs--readable in any language--to show they were available to answer any questions. It was a useful human-powered directional tool in a festival that spanned 15 city blocks. photos Filmmagic (multiple stages cirque du soleil) sweet orange photography (Zappos) alesandra dubin biZbash (all others) Attendees left their mark on a massive scrawling wall intended as an interactive art piece. Guests shot paintballs to decorate an interactive art piece. A far cry from traditional festival staples like fries and pizza (which were available too) high-end chefs and restaurants offered their dishes in the Culinary Village. Outside the Zappos Recharge Retreat custom leather bracelets were distributed in pairs to stylish festivalgoers with the idea that one could pay it forward to the next for special access. The idea embodied Zappos s customer service and community messages. bizbash.com spring 2014 123 EVENT REPORTS LOS ANGELES A huge illuminated gramophone not unlike the Grammy award statuette itself served as the event s striking centerpiece. Towers of balloons lent a vintage aesthetic to the Recording Academy s affair a balloon drop punctuated Boyz II Men s performance. Record Deal A mid the flurry of events in the week before the 2014 Grammys the Recording Academy of Arts and Sciences once again made the biggest splash with its after-party at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The event which immediately followed the January 26 ceremony at the Staples Center was organized by a team of producers from the Recording Academy including Branden Chapman executive in charge of production and chief business development officer. This year the gathering for award winners nominees and other big names in the music industry took on a 1920s theme a distinctly different look from the previous year s Bollywood-inspired design. To fill the space which was the equivalent of three football fields the academy and Angel City Designs used floor-to-ceiling projections oversize Art Deco artwork working fountains and a blackand-white checked dance floor. A striking visual centerpiece was an enormous illuminated gramophone not unlike the Grammy award. Adjacent to the main party area the MasterCard Jazz Lounge had a more subdued feel with a distinctly different supper-club-like look. The space featured performances by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and members of the Grammy Camp Jazz Session. The menu which was catered by Along Came Mary using locally grown meat produce and cheese also added to the party s overarching theme. The buffet stations anchored visually by vintage cars were dubbed New York Italian Chicago Steakhouse Atlantic City Boardwalk Los Angeles Brown Derby and San Francisco Chinatown and served items like hot fudge sundaes Boston cream whoopie pies and Coney Island devil dogs. --Alesandra Dubin More stories like this bizbash.com award-shows PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE RECORDING ACADEMY SEAN TWOMEY 2ME STUDIOS 2014 Immediately following the 2014 Grammy awards the Recording Academy s official after-party took over a space the size of three football fields within the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Roaring 20s-theme bash featured costumed entertainers and performances from Boyz II Men Ciara and more. Rounding out the 20s theme were costumed entertainers dancers and acrobats throughout the room. 124 bizbash.com spring 2014 Vintage cars illustrated the 20s theme. The vehicles sat within buffet setups from Along Came Mary. The after-party had 60 dancers and acrobats and five featured performers. UNDER THE STARS AMONG THE CARS 5 stunning event spaces for 20 to 2 000 guests. STREETSCAPE (1st floor) Host a block party on this indoor 1930s downtown boulevard GRAND SALON (2nd floor) Host your event surrounded by classic automobiles PAVILION (2nd floor) Nearly 18 000 sq ft of enclosed space with an additional 6 000 sq ft available FOUNDER S LOUNGE (4th floor) A beautiful board room for off-site meetings PENTHOUSE (4th floor) Our all-glass penthouse with a large rooftop terrace offers dramatic views The Petersen Automotive Museum 6060 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles CA 90036 petersen.org specialevents petersen.org 323-964-6348 Oversize Deco-style artwork covered the walls and gave the massive space a more intimate feel. advertisement SwarmWorks Takes Audience Engagement to the Next Level SwarmWorks named by Connect magazine as one of the 50 Big Ideas Changing Meetings excels in creating innovative ways of actively engaging large groups in meetings. To truly engage each and every participant of large events SwarmWorks developed a unique worldwide solution to allow hundreds or thousands of people to jointly play computer games by means of optical signals. SwarmGaming revolutionizes the way audiences experience entertainment every individual in the room receives a reflector or SwarmPad and takes part in for example navigating an airplane playing the classic game of Pong and racing cars or a Super Mario-like game. Delegates are immediately drawn into the experience and are riveted by the feeling of contributing--as individuals--to something bigger than themselves. This is an experience participants will remember for years to come. SwarmGaming can also convey relevant messages or support existing content in an emotional way. Neuroscience teaches that sustainable learning works best (or only) if the cognitive as well as emotional networks in our brain are stimulated simultaneously. Then and only then are new neuronal connections created and hardwired to stay. SwarmGaming fosters interactions that ensure just that and is perfect for any level of event from private and intimate parties to auditorium-size conferences. To engage every single delegate in the room give them a voice and make them an active part of the program and results--that s our mission says Heiner Koppermann co- C.E.O. of SwarmWorks. Founded in 2008 the company has offices in the United States Germany and the United Kingdom and provides interactive event solutions and services globally. In addition to gaming technology SwarmWorks offers a range of products to create innovative platforms that engage audiences including real-time polling or networked development of ideas strategies and solutions. (828.705.1969 swarmworks.com) evenT rePorTs Los AngeLes Not only were Austin Mahone s social media channels displayed for guests to encourage interaction but R.F.I.D. bracelets also allowed the attending teens to share content from the event through social media. The bands were activated via an email sensor whenever brand ambassadors snapped their photos. Pictures included a custom Aquafina overlay when shared. T The entrance was framed by walls of falling water designed to give guests the feeling they were entering a virtual oasis. 128 bizbash.com spring 2014 A complete vendor list bizbash.com aquafina photos Lester Cohen Getty ImaGes for aquafIna fLavorspLash (mahone entranCe) Imeh akpanudosen Getty ImaGes for aquafIna fLavorspLash (aLL others) Teen Pop when tapped by the band. Elsewhere two photo booths a digital graffiti wall and a product sampling station invited guests to share via the R.F.I.D.s. Aquafina used R.F.I.D. wristbands We worked closely linked to social media channels and with the Aquafina Flavora performance by Austin Mahone to Splash team to design onengage teens at a product launch. site activations that were engaging and allowed o debut its new line of sparkling water beverguests to Make a Splash ages and liquid water enhancers Aquafina Floyd said. Bright and colorful merged the worlds of teens and technology for To ensure the event signage and lights a live event experience that complemented a special was parent-friendly orgaled guests around the performance by young heartthrob Austin Mahone. nizers sent all guests beperimeter of the space to The FlavorSplash launch at the Sony Pictures tween 14 and 18 years old a different activity areas Studios lot on October 15 marked the PepsiCo-owned waiver legal release prior including a photo booth. brand s first-ever consumer event targeted to teens. to the event questions from More than 400 teens ages 14 and over turned out parents were fielded ahead of time and answered in for the bash having learned of it through Mahone s a timely manner. And for the adults who wanted to social media channels the affair naturally had its own attend the event a lounge was equipped with seating dedicated hashtag MakeaSplash. Scott Floyd chief televisions magazines and Samsung tablets. operating officer and executive vice president at PMK- --Jim Shi BNC produced the event working alongside Rebecca Granne senior director of Aquafina. As part of the A unique aspect of the event which PMK-BNC brought to the table was the entrance wristband that alcohol-free event s decor displays of contained an embedded R.F.I.D. chip. Guests who acAquafina s colorful tivated the bands were able to directly share content new sparking water from the event through Facebook Twitter or email. beverages were Most of the activations were digital so attendees placed throughout could easily post photos and comments about their the venue. FlavorSplash experiences to their social channels and any posts marked with the MakeaSplash hashtag populated a media wall behind the stage. Teens have considerable spending power in the United States and are also playing a greater role driving beverage purchasing decisions at home with their families Granne said. To encourage guests to use the wristbands the team set up several interactive stations including the step-and-repeat where brand ambassadors photographed guests using mobile devices that automatically uploaded the image to be shared or emailed evenT repOrTs LOs AngeLes The entrance to the event was designed to indicate the mysterious nature of the experience inside. A prism in the middle of the event space represented the energy of creation. A so-called mad scientist from Oakley ran a light transmission test on the Oakley Plutonite lenses at the event. Twisted Creative Guests found secret rooms and encrypted messages at an Oakley launch event. n February 24 Oakley launched its new design amid live DJs and VJs Raymond said. global marketing campaign Disruptive by At the back of the large event space the team Design with an interactive experience at created secret rooms with interactive installaRed Studios Hollywood intended to celebrate the tions. Before entering the rooms guests were brand s past present and future. Oakley North given infrared pointers which they could use on America brand director Pierre Martin creative the walls floor and central prism to reveal mesdirector Brian Takumi global director of brand sages about Oakley. When a visitor uncovered a communications Tom Cartmale and the North word or mantra it triggered real-time sound and America communications team tapped Moment video effects. Factory to produce and design the event. The idea was that the visitors could change Moment Factory was tasked with creating the space they are in in order to discover unsuswhat brand experience producer Stephane Raypected realities Raymond said. Guests were also mond called multimedia scenography ... through able to test products and discover new things a spatialized visitor experience --a about Oakley s technologies. The Oakley s Disruptive by mouthful that seemed to sum up installation took the production Design Launch Event the event s mysterious qualities-- team of 50 about a week. to aid the brand s efforts in creating Catering Border Grill The Hollywood event served as Collaborative Agency a unique emotional experience a kickoff for what the company is Four23 surrounding the campaign. billing as its first global multimeDesign Production With that in mind the Moment dia brand culture campaign set Moment Factory Factory team created a surpristo launch in April. It is designed Equipment Installation ShowTec ing and very visual environment to show off the evolution of its Planning Logistics New including a prism in the middle of so-called disruptive products Breed Marketing and the room to represent the energy designs technology culture and Production of creation and a 270-degree proicons--beginning with Oakley PR Ketchum Set Build Greco Decor jection room. We created a visual founder Jim Jannard his first OakVenue Red Studios experience that brought people on ley invention the B1B motorcycle Hollywood a journey of innovation through grip. --Alesandra Dubin Share this story bizbash.com oakley O The campaign kickoff included a projection of the Oakley global headquarters in Foothill Ranch California. The building was designed by Oakley C.E.O. Colin Baden and looks like a steel bunker. PHoToS JoNaTHaN LeiBSoN GeTTy iMaGeS FoR oaKLey A test conducted at the event showed off Oakley s patented lens which has a 360-degree thickness. bizbash.com spring 2014 129 Corporate Events Entertainment Production Hospitality Sporting Events Charity Not-For-Profit & Foundations Groundbreakings Grand Openings & Product Introductions Mobile Activations Social Events Paulette Wolf Events & Entertainment Inc PWolf_Events PWolf_Events Paulette Wolf Events & Entertainment Inc. 1165 N. Clark Street Suite 613 Chicago IL 312.981.2600 events pwe-e.com www.pwe-e.com We Transform Visions Into Unique Experiences Worldwide G CENTER R KARTIN IER INDOO A S PREM AMERIC 100% ELECTRIC EVENTS CORPORATE S MEETING ROOM AUTHENTIC ATMOSPHERE TEAM BUILDING CATERING (855) 517-7333 K1SPEED.com AZ - PHOENIX CA - CARLSBAD . IRVINE . ANAHEIM . TORRANCE . ONTARIO . SANTA CLARA . SAN FRANCISCO . SACRAMENTO . SAN DIEGO FL - FT. LAUDERDALE . MIAMI IL - BUFFALO GROVE . ADDISON TX - AUSTIN . HOUSTON . SAN ANTIONIO . DALLAS WA - SEATTLE LET OUR EXPERIENCED TEAM PLAN YOUR NEXT COMPANY EVENT event reports miami The event took place at the YoungArts Foundation s new campus on the site of the former Bacardi Building in Midtown Miami. Menu items included hollowed-out tomatoes filled with chicken curry salad fresh figs filled with cheese mousse and jars of country-style p t . A new after-party offered a full bar and sweets including Parisian-style crepes. Lawn Ball The YoungArts Foundation s new campus provided a fresh home for the Miami organization s annual gala. he National YoungArts Foundation hosted its annual gala on January 11. With a new name the Backyard Ball the event took place for the first time on the organization s new campus. On the former site of the Bacardi Building on Biscayne Boulevard the venue gave planners room to host the entire evening in one space. In previous years the night had included performances at one venue and the rest of the program at another but this year the event took place under a tent with decor from Wow Factor Marketing Group. Playing off the event s new location--literally the YoungArts Foundation s backyard--decor took on a French countryside look. As the evening s alumni performances and award ceremony played out guests noshed on rustic fare from Thierry s Catering that included artisan breads country p t and roasted sliced beef with rosemary roasted potatoes. More fund-raising ideas bizbash.com benefits t Another new element was the After Hours party in the courtyard. The main gala which sold tables from 10 000 to 50 000 drew National YoungArts 800 guests and Foundation s Backyard sold out. Planners Ball partnered with Catering thierry s Catering Gilt City to sell 125 Decor Event Management tickets to the afterSignage Staffing Wow Factor Marketing Group party which took DJ Mark leventhal rock place in the plaza star entertainment and offered sweet Draping Quest drape treats dancing and Miami Photography World red a full bar. The bash eye attracted some 150 PR harrison & shriftman additional guests Production Anchor Arts and the evening Management Rentals prop planet raised more than Sound Beach sound Inc. 1.5 million overall. Tenting eventstar --Jenny Berg photos World red eye event reports miami Branding Basel Media brands had a prominent role at Miami Art Week sponsoring concerts dinners and installations. a t the weeklong extravaganza of Miami Art Week in December where Art Basel and its satellite fairs drew crowds to events in Miami Beach and beyond some of the biggest activations came from media companies. One of the largest undertakings was Flaunt magazine and Wildfox s Affordable Care show which attracted art and music lovers for six days of performances and appearances by Kendrick Lamar Kanye West Boy George and others. The Mana Production Village a Wynwood soundstage was decked out in greenery red lighting a main stage and a pop-up gallery. Harper s Bazaar had one of the most ambitious lineups with a full week of programming at multiple venues within Soho Beach House. The centerpiece was its ShopBazaar pop-up boutique which showcased brands such as Acne Proenza Schouler and Dion Lee. MCM s Craig & Karl hosted a bash to launch a new collection and a Day of Beauty offered appointments for makeup applications and hairstyling courtesy of Givenchy and Moroccanoil. Under the direction of designer Mark Cunningham Architectural Digest returned to South Beach with its AD Oasis lounge at a new location the James Royal Palm. The space was outfitted in a serene color scheme of shades of blue and neutral tones and had its own undulating logo created by Wilcox LA. The lounge also became a venue for other brands to hold events including a breakfast and paddleboard clinic hosted by Dedon and a happy hour hosted by Caesarstone. Saveur partnered with Heineken for an intimate dinner to honor local up-and-coming artist Alexander Mijares (the talent behind the rubber ducky Art Basel attraction at SLS Hotel South Beach). The dinner and cocktail pairing took place at the Gale South Beach s Dolce where the artist collaborated on a menu in which each course evoked one of his works. Haute Living sponsored a fashionable bash along with Hublot the Mourning Fammily Foundation and artist Hebru Brantley at 5 Star Island. A bevy of Ferraris and statues and art by Brantley served as spectacles for the exclusive event that included a Dom P rignon champagne and caviar lounge. More eye-catching components included the Hublot helicopter which shuttled A-list guests to the affair as well as Ferrari-inspired Hublot timepieces displayed in poolside cases with hologram technology. --Tracy Block Harper s Bazaar art Basel Kickoff Brunch At a kickoff brunch for Art Basel Harper s Bazaar invited guests to Soho Beach House to preview a pop-up of its ShopBazaar boutique. The decor extended to the pool which sported the boutique s logo. aD oasis Designer Mark Cunningham created the AD Oasis a lounge hosted by Architectural Digest at the James Royal Palm hotel. Guests ordered coffee beverages using the TopBrewer device from Scanomat. Built into the tabletop the gadget was controlled by a tablet device. thrillist & Herradura Barrel art event Thrillist co-hosted the Herradura Barrel Art Collection event which honored artists who reimagined Herradura tequila barrels. The event held at LMNT awarded 100 000 to the winning artist. 132 bizbash.com spring 2014 Share this story bizbash.com artbasel affordable Care show Flaunt magazine and Wildfox presented a Univision Dinner For Univision s dinner at Cafeina Wynwood Lounge Shiraz Events created a playful vibe with mismatched furniture and floral pieces made from white and hot pink ranunculus. Place cards were arranged in a vintage card catalog. three-day group show called Affordable Care at Mana Production Village in Wynwood. In one piece artist Rob Montgomery created a sculptural poem from oak then ignited the Fire Poem before an audience. photos Javier sanchez (Univision) coUrtesy of evolUtionary Media GroUp (affordable) coUrtesy of the Workshop (alexander MiJares) kat GodUco (thrillist) neilson barnard Getty iMaGes for architectUral diGest (ad oasis) World red eye (all others) Heineken and saveur Dinner for alexander mijares At a press VH1 & Scope Party on a stage set up on the beachfront in Miami Beach. official vH1 & scope party Tegan and Sara performed at the official dinner at Dolce a suckling pig became a social media star. The courses were designed after artwork by Alexander Mijares who showed off a special work inspired by Heineken s green bottle and red star. niche media s art of the party Actress Zoe Saldana who appeared on the cover of Ocean Drive magazine s December issue hosted Niche Media s party at a private home on Miami Beach. John Cox created a scrolling art installation titled This Is How Much I Love You that began outside and went through the house into the backyard and into the pool. Hublot s art of Fusion event Works from artist Hebru Brantley were on display at the entrance and throughout the manse at 5 Star Island. The artist also donated an original piece to the Mourning Family Foundation earlier in the day at the Hublot Bal Harbour boutique. bizbash.com spring 2014 133 event reports miami Child s play The Imagination Ball from Miami s Adrienne Arsht Center for Performing Arts kept guests busy with high-energy performances and kid-friendly catering. a Centerpieces included sweet treats as well as crayons and markers that offered immediate entertainment. few telltale signs offered clues that this was not a typical gala Amusement park mascots escorted guests inside the centerpieces held gummy bears lollipops and art supplies and there was a table where guests could play games on iPads. At most performing arts galas kids stay home with a babysitter while mom and dad get dressed up. But at the Imagination Ball a debut event in October hosted by the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County s Arsht Families membership circle children were the target audience. This really connected with parents and families who understood the value of the performing arts and having their children connected to the arts said Suzanna Valdez the center s vice president of advancement and cochairwoman of Arsht Families. They could have an experience as a family and see a performing arts center as they ve never seen it before. The experience began as families arrived for the afternoon affair. While families waited to take photos at the step-and-repeat kids could explore a Batmobile from Miami s Auto Museum at the Dezer Collection. From there mascots Kids danced down a Soul Train-like aisle as part of a dance party hosted by DJ Uptown Dale. America s Got Talent finalist David Garibaldi and his CMYK dancers performed energizing music. The event had a paintbrush theme and used lots of bright colors. Tables were set up on the stage at the Ziff Ballet Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center. The concept for the event was to present the performing arts center in a novel way for children. 134 bizbash.com spring 2014 More fund-raising ideas bizbash.com benefits photos RodRigo gaya foR WoRld Red eye (david gaRibaldi) Manny heRnandez (poRtRaits) Justin naMon (all otheRs) from local attractions such as Jungle Island and the Miami Seaquarium escorted guests into the Ziff Ballet Opera House where tables were set up on the colorful stage. Centerpieces held crayons and markers as Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet porta well as treats such as gummy bears cake pops consectetur adipiscing elit. G. that could be and dipping sauces from BartonNullam pellentesque urna paper-covered tables-- used as paint on the sit amet. an interactive touch that fit the paintbrush Donec of the event. nisi mollis tempus. Nam theme luctus nibh etA buffet served a kidconsequat aliquet justo eu and cheese chicken friendly menu of macaronidignissim mauris aliquam non. Fusce ut diam eu and fresh fruit. tenders pizza veggie sticks purus luctus tempor porttitorslate of entertainment arcu nisl pretium The ac purus. Pellentesque kept kids eneu vehicula eu them eget sapien. Donec a congaged and got ornaremoving. America s Got Talsequat sapien. Mauris nisl est posuere vitae fauent finalist David Garibaldi created graffiti art cibus eu congue eu paintings to a soundtrack of energizing music tortor. Vivamus porta risus eu and later DJ Uptown Dale held a dance party. At lacus ac sapien posua table set up with iPads kids could play the app Audiovisual Production ere eu placerat tellus Super Kid Cannon. sound VSG Solutions viverra. Aliquam ves-every 15 to 20 minutes We made sure Catering Design Cuisine Caterers tibulum fermentum something new was available to them Valdez Decor A Vista Events sollicitudin. said. We ensured Design Production Events thatDonec placerat kids were by Andre Wells Arsht Families euismod diam sed entertained from DJ DJ Adrian Ball ImaginationLoving Entertainment Black Violin convallis. Phasellus the moment they Flowers Volanni walked in to the faucibus eros id justo Catering Decor Furniture Rentals Linens barton g. Gifts Keith Lipert Gallery momentultricies. Ves- DJLighting Frost Lighting posuere they dJM star time walked out. enim entertainment tibulum neque security On Point Security Inc. The debut tempor vitae accum- Entertainment david Venue Arena Stage at event proved popusan vitae fermentum garibaldi s Rhythm andthe hue Mead Center for American lar selling out and at ipsum. Mauris Invitations Cities Restaurant Theater Cre8tiv Juice raisingbibendum nul- groupLounge mollis 200 000 and Venue arc3 forquis condimentum Lighting L2 design la arts education PR schwartz Media and community erat sodales sed. strategies programming. ArPrinting original sht Families plans impressions to repeat the event Security allied barton security services next year Valdez Valet park one said with a HalVenue adrienne arsht loween haunted Center for the performing arts of Miami-dade house theme. County Nam Kormanik --Bethhendrerit nulla nec ultrices justo Lorem Ipsum Phasellus eoga advertisement fermentum justo risus molestie tortor l created five Proin ac est orci. Garibaldi vel ligula. portraits of familiar icons as part of the entertainment. Donec elit odio facilisis eget mollis sit amet interdum ac justo. Vestibulum tincidunt risus eu ornare luctus diam metus varius nisi in faucibus tortor dui quis odio. Ut nec elit a ante elementum placerat in id purus. Praesent feugiat congue tempus. Sed dolor nunc pulvinar vitae cursus Nunc dictum justo id pulvinar vestibulum libero semper id at sapien. libero semper Nunc dictum Catering Blue Plate justo id libero semper Decor Design Draping Flowers signage Kehoe hendrerit. Nam non Designs sem sem ut hendrerit Entertainment Arlen Music magna. Integer id Consultants Inc. nulla ipsum vehicula Entertainment August Jackson Company scelerisque ipsum. Integer eget neque erat. Lighting Frost Linens BBJ Linen Vivamus varius conTenting Partytime dimentum pretium. Productions Inc. Transportation Chicago Cras non adipiscing Trolley & Double Decker augue. --Jenny Berg Company Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment Adds a New Dimension to Racing Entertainment In November 2013 Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment opened an event space that spans 180 000 square feet over three floors plus an outdoor area that accommodates as many as 10 000 guests. With an exciting environment that both racing fans and nonfans can enjoy Meadowlands Racing features state-of-the-art accommodations for events from social celebrations and corporate functions to happy hours. Victory Sports Bar & Club opened by Chris and Albie Manzo in a partnership with Funbars.com is a unique event space for a private party that incorporates FPO AD the finest hospitality live racing and TV entertainment in one setting. In April Victory Terrace and the Backyard will open at Meadowlands Racing to provide outdoor parties with amazing city views table service and entertaining and dining space. To book your private event email catering playmeadowlands.com. event reportS new york Bud Light Hotel The Bud Light Hotel now in its fifth year took over a Norwegian cruise ship docked on the Hudson River and hosted about 4 000 overnight guests through the long weekend. Produced by Fusion Marketing the 300 000-square-foot activation included the ship as well as three other venues the tented Bud Light Hotel Lounge a concert venue located across the West Side Highway and the Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum. SuperSized The N.F.L. s championship game hit the New York-New Jersey region for the first time and brought with it a slew of events and promotions. S uper Bowl XLVIII brought football s championship game to the New York region for the first time in February and brands like Bud Light Fox Sports and ESPN stepped up with events worthy of the world s biggest stage. While the game itself was played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford New Jersey most of the major events took place at venues throughout Manhattan. From intimate gatherings with A-list talent to the 13-block-long Super Bowl Boulevard fan fest along Broadway this year s events celebrated the host city through venue choice decor and local entertainers like Jay Z. --Beth Kormanik & Jim Shi Directv Super Saturday night The decor for DirecTV s Saturday-night party was inspired by the gritty beginnings of New York City--with dance platforms made of thick wood beams and scrap metal--mixed with today s glamour evoked by gold chandeliers and fabrics of sequins fur and leather. Combining fashion with city sights models wore costumes made from The New York Times newsprint as well as custom creations that paid homage to the Statue of Liberty Chinatown and other New York landmarks. CL22 Productions created the event which saw a headliner Jay Z perform a set that included 99 Problems Public Service Announcement and Empire State of Mind. Beyonc surprised the audience by joining her husband for a duet of Drunk in Love. 136 bizbash.com spring 2014 Fox Super Saturday Night The Black Crowes headlined an event for Fox Sports at Central Park s Rumsey Playfield. Produced by Angel City Designs the event used the animated robot mascot for Fox Sports Cleatus as its motif. The character was used throughout the decor and 3D Systems printed four-inch Cleatus figurines on site for guests. Lighting also figured heavily in the event s design with 650 lights used in the tent and on stage Kinectic Lighting handled the lighting. photos stephen Lovekin Getty imaGes for Bud LiGht (Bud LiGht) andre maier (fox) Gustavo ponce for BizBash (espn) kevin mazur Getty imaGes for directv (Jay z & Beyonc ) Getty imaGes (modeLs) ESPN the Party ESPN marked its 10th annual Super Bowl party with a blowout at Pier 36. The event was designed with a New York City Lights theme and production firm Event Eleven under the direction of Tony Schubert created the 60 000-square-foot set that took 12 days to build. The set was anchored by 20 model skyscrapers all lit from within and some 1 100 linear square feet of star drapes as well as manhole covers with faux steam. The organizers also carefully integrated sponsors into the design of the party with 11 activations spread throughout the venue. That included a replica ship s bow courtesy of the History Channel s Vikings show Guests could board the ship for a memento picture. It was a big photo op for them Schubert said. Because we had so much square footage and such high ceilings it wasn t hard to accommodate. More Super Bowl coverage bizbash.com super-bowl bizbash.com spring 2014 137 event reports new york Mood Music To educate consumers about its latest product Sonos created an audiovisual experience that wrapped guests in an engaging color-soaked environment. H ow do you create a physical event around The question was how can we show visua product that s all about sound For the ally and aurally what our music home looks and global launch of its new Play 1 sound sysfeels like said Eric Nielsen Sonos s senior public tem wireless Hi-Fi manufacturer Sonos took over relations manager who estimates that about the 477 Broadway Lofts for two days mounting an 600 guests experienced the installation over the immersive installation that combined art music course of its run October 28 to 29. The technoland technology to bring the ad campaign for the ogy really let guests interact in a physical way home speaker system to life through colorful pro- with the music. jection mapping. On the opening night of the activation proThe interactive musical colorscape dubbed duced by CC Events a private dinner party in the Play A Visual Music Experience was designed by space was hosted by Jose Mangin SiriusXM s diBrooklyn-based technology artist Aramique in colrector of programming and an on-air host. Guests laboration with creative agency Fake Love. It consist- a curated mix of artists journalists and influenced of four stylized all-white rooms--a bathroom a ers ate a dinner catered by Peter Callahan while bedroom a living room and a dining room--each listening to Mangin talk about his own experiequipped with a tablet linked to the Play 1 app. ence with using Play 1 in his home. Guests could pick a song to play which the installaFor the second night Sonos partnered with tion s technology then analyzed based on elements UrbanDaddy which opened up the guest list to its such as danceability major or minor key and tonal- newsletter subscribers. Instead of having guests ity to wash the room in a corresponding Pantone control the music as on the first night a roster color. (For example moodier songs would show up of musicians including Matt & Kim Cut Copy in blue tones while energetic songs would appear Chromeo and Natalia Kills served as DJs. The on the yellow scale.) The system also DJs created playlists in advance analyzed pitch beats per minute and Sonos Play 1 Launch but as they walked throughout the other attributes to trigger ripple-like space and talked to the guests they Audiovisual Production aramique projections. Each room had a cuswould change and add songs based Catering little owl peter tom piece of LED-embedded acrylic on people s reactions Nielsen said. Callahan Catering pinch furniture--the bed in the bedroom As they enjoyed cocktails and food Food Design for example--that also lit up and from the Little Owl and Pinch Food Flowers blue Water Flowers Photo Booth phhhoto pulsed to the beat. Touching one of Design guests were encouraged to Production CC Events Fake the speakers displayed throughout interact with and lie on the furnilove the rooms would cause the color of ture in the rooms and take photos Rentals Greenroom luxe the room to change slightly say from to post to Instagram with the Event rentals & Decor Venue 477 broadway lofts dark blue to light blue. hashtag SonosPlay. The tagged Each room featured a custom piece of LEDembedded acrylic furniture--the bed in the bedroom for example-- that also lit up and pulsed to the beat of the soundtrack. images were projected onto blank canvases that hung on the walls. In November Play A Visual Music Experience headed to the Sonos Studio in Los Angeles the brand s year-and-a-half-old artist collaboration space which hosts performances workshops movie screenings and listening parties. --Lauren Matthews Tablets which guests used to control the songs in each vignette were embedded into household items such as a record player in the living room. Items such as wine bottles in the dining room and framed art in the bedroom encouraged guests to touch the Sonos speakers which would cause the projected colors to subtly change tones. The first night s dinner was catered by Peter Callahan Catering which served guests miniature pizzas in Sonos boxes during cocktail hour. 138 bizbash.com spring 2013 Share this story bizbash.com sonos photos ElisabEth CarEn (room) alEx portEr GEtty imaGEs (all othErs) TM Audio Lighting Staging Video Labor Rigging Power Distro Mobile Stages M&M Dark Chocolate Release Times Square Event Tech is your source for production services and equipment rentals. From a simple stage to a complete production package we are here to help with your next event. 866-950-8343 www.eventtech.com facebook.com Event.Tech event reports new York Black milk crates stacked outside spelled out talk. Above the entrance a giant red arrow pointed inside where more black milk crates hanging from the ceiling spelled out here. At iPad stations people could take a survey-- also available online--that allowed them to answer questions about their neighborhoods and other topics. New Yorkers could share their opinions by writing their thoughts on stickers color coded by topic and placing them on plyboard walls. Visitors to the Talking Transition tent could collaborate on an interactive mural-painting project overseen by mural-making nonprofit group Groundswell. The hashtag TalkingTransition was carved into plywood and displayed on the clear structure. Civic Center A coalition of nonpartisan foundations set up a temporary tent that let New Yorkers express their hopes for the city under new Mayor Bill de Blasio. I n late October New Yorkers who happened to pass by Duarte Square--a half-acre triangular park in Lower Manhattan--probably noticed a mysterious new structure being raised on a lot that once played host to Occupy Wall Street marchers. While on-site workers stayed tight-lipped over the next two weeks curious city dwellers finally got answers when the expansive transparent tent space opened its doors on November 9 as the headquarters for Talking Transition a nonpartisan forum for New Yorkers to express their views to newly elected Mayor Bill de Blasio s incoming administration. The citywide program was not planned by de Blasio s campaign rather it was supported by an independent coalition of foundations including the Ford Foundation the New York Women s Foundation and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund in an effort to create an open conversation about the future of New York and the city s transition to a new mayor for the first time in 12 years. During the program s final week which wrapped up November 23 de Blasio made an inperson appearance at the tent. The three-week program which also included street teams canvassing high-traffic areas throughout the five boroughs was centered on the 500-person temporary meeting space designed by Production Glue. Our directive 140 bizbash.com spring 2013 photos Brooke Cassidy BizBash West Club Nestled in the heart of Midtown Manhattan Guests could stand on a soapbox and deliver a video message or take a still photo holding a dry-erase board with a message to the incoming mayor or comptroller. was to design and create a space that was very open inviting and approachable said Jennifer Kurland the event production firm s principal and executive producer. Transparency was a big message throughout the program. The content coming from inside the tent was the important part and we just wanted to lay the groundwork for that. The space hosted panel discussions on public policy issues and offered opportunities for visitors to let their voices be heard. At iPad stations people could take a survey--also available online--that allowed them to answer questions about their neighborhoods and other topics. (At the end of the initiative a full report with the data collected from New Yorkers during the project was sent to the de Blasio administration.) New Yorkers could also share their opinions in a more low-tech way by filling out stickers color coded by topic and placing them on the space s plyboard walls. We originally had only a couple of walls designated for the stickers but within a couple days they became completely covered Kurland said. So we ended up telling people that as long as it wasn t a screen they could put a sticker on it. We re hoping the sticker-covered panels will find a home potentially in the offices of the foundations that supported the program-- they ve become a living art piece. The tent was also home to musical performances film screenings and even an interactive muralpainting project overseen by mural-making nonprofit group Groundswell. During its run the Talking Transition tent saw more than 10 000 visitors pass through and the overall program had more than 50 000 survey respondents with 300 000 questions answered. It s not uncommon that [Mayor Bloomberg] was the only mayor people have known so it s an interesting time Kurland said. This new exciting chapter is opening up and it s a really special thing for the people of New York. --Lauren Matthews Share this story bizbash.com pop-ups The historical 3 West Club - Providing world-class cuisine Seamless service and diverse event space that blend to create a unique and lasting experience 3 West 51st Street New York NY 10019 212-582-5454 ext. 2310 www.3westclub.com event reports new York Guests entering the reception space walked through a gauntlet of beams of light created by Bentley Meeker. Recreating a life drawing class artists sketched nude models. Extra easels were set up for guests to create their own sketches. work of Art The Whitney Museum of American Art s gala encouraged guests to be artists for the night by sketching nude models and drawing on canvas tablecloths. t the Whitney Museum of American Art gala on October 23 guests walked into an artist s studio complete with nude models posing for sketches canvas tablecloths to draw on and works from the museum s collection projected onto screens throughout the space. We were trying to emphasize the art-making process said Gina Rogak the museum s director of special events. It s all designed to get our guests to be artists for the night. That the evening went as planned--and happened at all--was a triumph considering the experience last year when Hurricane Sandy and the destruction it left in its wake caused the Whitney to cancel its planned fund-raiser at Pier 57 and reschedule it at the museum six weeks later with a new layout and decor. This year Rogak sought a venue away from David Stark designed a dining room that incorporated artist materials such as canvas stretchers that hung in various sizes from the ceiling. A Playful centerpieces featured silver paint cans that held breadsticks and Sharpie markers that guests could use to draw on the canvas tablecloths. the water and selected Skylight at Moynihan Station where the museum hosted its Art Party earlier in the year. The raw space was a blank canvas in itself for David Stark who produced and designed the event. The idea was being inside the artist s studio and that was exciting to us Stark said. Rather than try to transform it into the Plaza ballroom we wanted to work with the space. That meant using materials familiar to artists from paintbrushes and sketch pads to finished products. For the step-and-repeat guests posed in front of a reproduction of a drawing of the Hollywood sign by the evening s honored artist Ed Ruscha. It s lovely he was gracious enough to let us use [it] Stark said. It s like stepping into the drawing. In the reception space the centerpiece was a mountain of Louis Vuitton luggage assembled on a theater-in-the-round stage that served as a backdrop for four nude models who posed for a life drawing class. While the gala had artists sketching at easels extra stations were set up for guests--some artists themselves--to draw. As guests moved into the dining room the Olivier Cheng catered the event which included passed hors d oeuvres such as dumplings stuffed with jicama. photos Nadia Chaudhury BizBash eye was drawn upward to rows of hanging canvas stretchers. On the tables sketch pads at each seat served as place cards and menus. Centerpieces of silver paint cans in various sizes were rimmed in complementing colors with drips coming down the sides. Some held votives or breadsticks while others contained art materials such as Sharpies that guests were encouraged to use on the canvas tablecloths or in their sketch pads. The table numbers also were placed on paint cans. The gala wove sponsor Louis Vuitton into the event in a number of ways all of which Rogak described as organic. It takes a lot of brainstorming on how we will celebrate the artist and give the sponsor visibility Rogak said. Louis Vuitton was not looking to stamp us in a major way. They didn t want it to be a corporate event. They were looking for subtle ways to be incorporated into the event. In addition to the luggage centerpiece in the reception space the luxury French fashion house was represented by two bellmen (sporting caps emblazoned with the brand s logo) who welcomed guests at the Whitney Museum of entrance. There was American Art Gala & also a photo booth Studio Party that had prop signs with Louis Vuitton s Catering olivier Cheng Catering and Events signature monogram Design Production and a station that david stark design and offered glitter tattoos production of the logo. DJ dJ Brendan Fallis About 570 guests Lighting Sound Video Bentley Meeker Lighting & attended the gala staging inc. which Rogak said is PR Nadine Johnson inc. a high count for the Temporary Tattoos Glitter tattoo New york event. The evening Venue skylight at raised 2.75 million. Moynihan station --Beth Kormanik This year s gala honored artist Ed Ruscha who allowed a reproduction of his drawing of the Hollywood sign to be used as the step-and-repeat. Event Manager Account Manager Chief Marketing Officer Special Events Manager Production Designer Catering Director Sales Manager Director Event Marketing Venue Manager Director of Operations Graphic Designer Marketing Manager Design Assistant Marketing Coordinator Events Director Special Events Director Events Coordinator Director of Conferences & Events Director Meetings & Events Director of Client Services Project Manager Sr. Marketing Manager Catering Sales Manager Special Events Associate Job Board When finding the right job matters. BizBash.com Jobs Find Jobs. Post Jobs. Get Back to Work. Inside a frame guests could pose for photos holding signs that displayed the logos of Louis Vuitton and the museum. Share this story bizbash.com benefits Productive Meetings For event space that rates highly for Location Presentation and Value we are your perfect choice in the heart of the city. With three flexible ballrooms nine meeting rooms and new menus let our team help you plan everything you need. No ReNtal Fee (SaviNgS up to 11 000) 401 Seventh Ave at 33rd St. New York NY 10001 Opposite Madison Square Garden & Penn Station meetings hotelpenn.com Sales 212.502.8717 saleskit.hotelpenn.com Main 212.736.5000 Up to 11 000 savings for larger ballrooms and up to 1 200 savings for meeting rooms. Contact our Conference Sales Team Department for full details. event reports new York In the news National Geographic used newsstands and costumed staffers to promote the premiere of Killing Kennedy. o commemorate the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy s assassination and promote its new movie Killing Kennedy the National Geographic Channel sent Manhattan back in time to 1963. From November 5 to 7 a 1960s-style newsstand brought the news of the 35th president s death to Penn Station Herald Square and Columbus Circle. To complete the scene actors dressed in 60s-style outfits handed out copies of the front page of The Washington Post and The New York Times from November 23--which included black-andIconic JFK and white Killing Kennedy promotional ads--and Lee Harvey JFK half-dollar coins in cases inscribed with Oswald information about the premiere. magazine To help execute the concept National covers filled the Geographic tapped Pop2Life to manage the newsstand s marketing and promotion--including the inshelves while character brand ambassadors--and Entertainthe exterior was ment Design Group to design and produce the marked with newsstand which also hit Washington D.C. Auposters for the thentic props including magazine covers from new film and 1957 to 1963 refreshments and candy added the promotion s to the thematic display. --Kelly Lo hashtag. t Brand ambassadors dressed in 60s-era garb passed out a total of 8 500 coins and 16 000 newspapers in Washington and New York City. Share this story bizbash.com pop-ups Yogurt wars Yoplait opened a pop-up shop just 300 feet from the Chobani flagship. A blind taste test invited consumers to compare the yogurt brands. F rom January 30 to February 1 Yoplait Greek hosted an experiment at a pop-up space in New York s SoHo neighborhood. Just 300 feet away from competitor Chobani s flagship store the activation invited consumers to come inside and compare each brand s blueberry yogurt in a blind tasting. In the past few years we ve seen an increased affinity and interest in Greek yogurts as many consumers are interested in the health benefits Greek yogurt offers said Susan Klobuchar Yoplait Greek s integrated marketing communications manager. Inspired by a national taste test that gave Yolplait Greek Blueberry the edge over Chobani Blueberry Fruit on the Bottom Klobuchar said We decided to take it to the streets of New York to give everyday consumers the chance to take a side-by-side taste test for free. Inside the space bright colors mimicked the fruits used in Yoplait Yoplait Greek Pop-Up Greek yogurts and pillow-strewn couches Design ultra events & staffing invited guests to relax. PR Cone A large banner showProduction eventrex cased the hashtag productions TasteOff and guests Staffing CpC intersect were encouraged to share their thoughts on the tasting experience via social media. A screen showcased relevant posts as they appeared on Facebook Twitter and Instagram. As for what Chobani thought of the stunt Chobani brand officer Peter McGuiness gave the New York Daily News some choice words on the subject We are the leader he said. We re not ... popping up for a few days. --Jenny Berg Inside the pop-up the space was decked with bright colors and sleek white lounge furniture. 144 bizbash.com spring 2014 photos paul zimmerman Getty imaGes for yoplait Greek photos Brooke Cassidy BizBash event reports orlando At nearly 80 000 square feet the expo s outdoor exhibit area was the largest in show history. Attendees included more than 17 000 buyers from amusement parks entertainment centers casinos zoos and resorts. Enclosed meeting rooms such as a glass-walled space in the Falcon s Treehouse booth facilitated deals. Attendees walking in from the convention center parking lot could pick up their registration materials at a tent outside alleviating congestion inside. rules of attraction By creating rooms for prayer and nursing mothers as well as additional registration areas the Attractions Expo showed how a trade show can listen and respond to its audience. t A lounge in the middle of the show floor had Internet access meeting space and the exhibitor service desk. To provide a convenient semiprivate space for nursing mothers organizers created four draped cubicles in one of the meeting rooms. he International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions put attendee feedback into action at its Attractions Expo which filled nearly 530 000 square feet inside and outside the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando in November. Organizers created several new components in 2013 and expanded others in part due to survey results from 2012. To keep people coming back you have to listen to them. You have to make the whole experience satisfying for them said Stacey Mills the association s director of conference and trade show operations. The days of saying build it and they will come are over it s a competitive market. The show is billed as the largest in the world for the 24 billion attractions industry attracting 27 000 attendees from more than 100 countries. Based on requests from international guests the association designated a room in the convention center for prayer and meditation this year. The room was inclusive and nondenominational with a few rows of chairs and a table at the front. Organizers publicized the room on the show website and in printed materials and asked guests to sign in to track usage. Another new space was a room for nursing mothers. We get a lot of people that bring their entire families from babies all the way up Mills said. As a woman myself I thought that was something that was missing. We needed to offer that service so if they were in a situation where they were nursing or needed to go pump we would have that area designated for them so they wouldn t need to use the restroom or go back to their hotel. Black drapes created four semiprivate cubicles in the room each equipped with a chair table and electrical outlet. In the common area a small refrigerator was available for storage. The 2013 event was the largest expo in 10 years with 80 educational sessions and nearly 1 100 exhibitors. Ten percent of those were firsttime exhibitors and based on survey results organizers created a reception for them on the first day of the expo in a lounge on the show floor. We wanted them to meet some of the key staff as well as members of our manufacturers and suppliers committee which is made up of other exhibitors who are leaders in our community Mills said so these first-time exhibitors can ask questions get advice and feel welcomed. To streamline check-in organizers offered satellite registration areas in the Hilton Orlando and Hyatt Regency Orlando the two main convention hotels as well as in a third area near the outdoor exhibit space. Positive response from attendees the previous year prompted them to keep the locations open an extra day. Another change based on the survey results mailing exhibitors their move-in wristbands to save time. To encourage more attendees to complete post-event surveys the association offered incentives such as a drawing for a gift certificate or registration for the 2014 expo. --Mitra Sorrells photos Claire paCelli for BizBash More trade show strategies bizbash.com meeting-ideas bizbash.com spring 2014 145 event reports park City Utah photos Courtesy of youtube (mountain loft tablet) mat hayward Getty imaGes for youtube (pop-up) neilson barnard Getty imaGes for youtube (all others) push play YouTube s first pop-up at the Sundance Film Festival offered a program of activities that included yoga and Google Glass demos. ouTube has created sponsorships for the Sundance Film Festival since 2009 but this year marked the first time that the Googleowned company had a major activation on festival grounds. From January 16 to 25 YouTube s twostory pop-up space on Main Street had full days of programming that included everything from yoga classes and panel discussions to film screenings and parties for filmmakers. Inspired by the Park City Utah atmosphere and YouTube s anyone-can-be-afilmmaker culture the activation was managed by Google staffers Amanda Matuk Zachary Papale and Alandha Scott in conjunction with agency Say OK. It was meant to feel like a rustic artist s loft in the mountains. --Jenny Berg y Planners envisioned a space that had the feel of an artist s mountain loft and gave the activation a rustic residential look. A fireplace in the space was spruced up with piles of logs and the YouTube logo. During open houses festival attendees could come into the pop-up and experiment with new Google technology including the Nexus tablet. The two-story pop-up on Main Street occupied a space that typically houses interior design store Root d. A vignette just inside the entrance was filled with logos and rustic props. Share this story bizbash.com sundance bizbash.com spring 2014 147 event reports toronto open Book Books and a black-and-white color scheme added a literary feel to this year s Walrus Gala. o n January 23 the Walrus Foundation-- At each place setting guests found a takethe nonprofit behind the magazine The away notebook from sponsor Moleskin. We Walrus--hosted its annual gala at the wanted a gift for our guests that was usable and Fermenting Cellar in Toronto. With a Literary Life more than a branded throwaway Leonard said. theme the evening drew a sold-out crowd of 420 With the theme focusing on living the literary guests and explored the art of storytelling. life what better gift than a blank notebook for The Walrus is known as one of Canada s pre- our guests to write in The books were personalmier destinations for thoughtful intelligent writ- ized by the magazine s staff Its art director creating [in] fiction poetry memoir and journalism ed a black-and-white band for the book that tied said David Leonard the foundation s manager into the event s color scheme and other staffers of events and special projects. Because of that finished the books by embossing them with one and because our supporters include many of the word of a quotation from author and new Nobel country s finest writers the Literary Life was a laureate Alice Munro. natural [theme]. It let us embrace text in a fun To recognize the other sponsors Blue Ant Meway and allowed us to [celebrate] dia created a unique video for the Walrus Foundation the 10-year history of The Walrus event. As the foundation s executive Gala magazine as well as [our] writer director typed out thank you on a supporters. vintage typewriter at the podium Audiovisual Production Decor included what Leonard sponsor names appeared on screen f.p.i. fortis productions inc. described as the literary life sculp- Catering Decor daniel et and typewriter sound effects filled daniel event Creation & tures which were commissioned the room. Catering from Toronto artist Kalpna Patel. The event also included a silent DJ Bellosound Each table held a stack of books auction that focused on Canadian Flowers terrain flowers Furniture Rentals Linens with handmade paper covers. The travel art and books. Lots included Rentals Chair-man Mills tomes were topped with what artworks from Jeff Molloy and Staffing staff your event Patel referred to as exploding Edward Burtynsky plus literaryTenting advanced tent books --pieces with pop-up letters inspired trips from partners like Air rental ltd. carved from the pages that spelled Venue the fermenting Canada. The gala raised 443 000 Cellar out titles of iconic Canadian novels the highest amount in six years. Video Blue ant Media or sponsor names. --Amanda Scriver The magazine s tusked logo appeared in lights in the dining area. Sponsor Moleskin provided gifts which guests found at each place setting. photos Courtesy of the Walrus foundation (logo Moleskin) toM sandler photography (all others) In keeping with the literary theme tabletop decor included books created by Toronto artist Kalpna Patel. The books had pages that were artfully folded and glued together. Blue Ant Media created a video that acknowledged sponsors in typewriter font. More decor ideas bizbash.com design bizbash.com spring 2014 149 event reports toronto The evening included a pep rally. The Ryerson Rams cheerleaders and the marching band Lady Godiva Memorial Bnad [sic] performed as an introduction to the speaking program. Back to school At the entrance hundreds of Solo cups formed a sign that read Booby U. V.I.P. lounge areas resembled dorm rooms. With a pep rally foam fingers and dorm-room-style V.I.P. rooms Rethink Breast Cancer s Boobyball offered a playful collegiate-inspired look. he 12th annual Boobyball a benefit for Rethink Breast Cancer played on Toronto s nostalgic side. The theme-driven event on October 18 celebrated all things university and was dubbed Booby U. At the Sound Academy some 1 500 partygoers sported everything from schoolgirl kilts to togas and nerd glasses. As they arrived attendees received a report card and university-style campus map that directed them to various sponsor activations said Lindsay Grange senior manager of events at Rethink Breast Cancer. Also at the main entrance a bold Booby U sign made out of Solo cups set the collegiate tone. The eye-catching piece came from Whitney Pizale owner of W Events and the event s decor and logistics co-chair. More fund-raising ideas bizbash.com benefits photos Wandering eye (BooBy U) Jenna Marie Wakani (all others) t 150 bizbash.com spring 2014 A slew of bras decorated a sponsor wall. The event included customized foam fingers. A lot of the decor were D.I.Y. projects taken on by our decor team Grange said. They spent hours building and creating all of the different varsity-theme items that turned the venue into a university campus. Report cards in hand attendees made their way through the thematic stations. A station from Civello Salon and Spa offered hair touch-ups while Mott s Clamato set up a cocktail bar with its resident mixologist. Also on site were several photo booths where guests could pose in settings such as a football field a sorority house and a fraternity house. V.I.P. guests lounged in booths that looked like dorm rooms complete with a small desk and a single bed with a side table. The staff of Rethink Breast Cancer worked with its event committee made up of 45 women to achieve the goal Rethink Breast of raising 215 000 Cancer s B0obyball through ticket sales sponsorship on-site Audiovisual Production Venue sound academy fund-raising and an Catering taste Culinary inc. online auction. The Decor W events event broke records DJ dJ Brendan Fallis and when combined dJ Mista Jiggz Entertainment lady godiva with the Boobyball Memorial Bnad in Calgary raised Furniture Rentals divine 310 000 for the Furniture rental organization s eduLinens Chair-man Mills Signage 4print cation support and Staffing ViB event staffing research programs. Transportation Uber inc. --Amanda Scriver event reports washington The downstairs space was decorated in tones of gold and black used to effect on the draped walls. Seating vignettes included chesterfield sofas and black wing chairs. Flapper Fete A deconstructed Caesar salad was served by the glass. The stiff romaine leaves mimicked the look of a flapper s feather headdress. A financial firm used roving poker games and Deco-inspired decor at a networking party. ith The Great Gatsby and speakeasy themes continuing their popularity into 2014 planners are looking for new ideas to keeping the concept fresh. For a corporate party in Washington Evoke put its own spin on the glamorous theme with a luxe design scheme multiple custom bar fronts and roving entertainers including flappers who wore card tables around their necks for impromptu poker and blackjack hands. If you re doing a networking event the last thing you want is to have people have a drink and leave said Jodi Moraru of Evoke which designed and managed the event. If you want to keep people engaged you have to be interactive. First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation hosted the 300-person event in October to coincide with a an industry conference in town. The only directive was to create something interesting and Moraru suggested the speakeasy theme. From there the ideas flowed starting with the exterior of the venue Long View Gallery. Evoke boarded up the fa ade and put up faux brick to mimic a speakeasy complete with a sign that read Closed for violation of the National Prohibition Act by the order of the United States District Court. It made some guests do a double take Moraru said. Inside there were three distinctly designed spaces that had their own color palette and vibe. The catering also stayed on theme Susan Cage Caterers made a bees knees cheese station meatball sliders for a mafioso-inspired spread single-serving Caesar salad bites and cannoli served from a food truck. As a philanthropic component guests were encouraged to make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project. --Beth Kormanik More Gatsby-theme ideas bizbash.com gatsby w A birdcage containing a crystal chandelier hung over a bar. Roving card dealers in flapper costumes presided over games of blackjack and poker using custom chips--actually chocolate coins--with the company logo. Event planners boarded up the exterior of Long View Gallery with pallets and faux brick to create a speakeasy feel. Event security wore mafia-style fedoras to complete the scene. Catering oysters Xo susan Gage caterers Decor Furniture Rentals chicka chicka Boom Boom Design Event Management evoke DJ Washington talent agency Lighting john Farr lighting design Tenting sugarplum tent company Venue long view Gallery 152 bizbash.com spring 2014 photos Rodney Bailey eventphotojouRnalism.com First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation Event NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HOST A WORLD CLASS EVENT AT F.P.O. Whether it s an intimate cocktail reception in one of the Museum s exhibition halls a special screening symposium or an elegant seated dinner for 400 your guests will have a one-of-a-kind experience at National Geographic centrally located at 17th and M Streets NW. To learn more about one of our unique spaces for your next event call 202-857-7770 email ngsspecialevents ngs.org or visit us online at ngmuseum.org specialevents. event rePorts washington Fight Night sponsor Bombay Sapphire made frosted cocktail shots by mixing its product with lime juice mint and a dash of liquid nitrogen. At Fight Night Tampa Floridabased speed painter Tim Decker created two paintings one of boxing legend Mohammad Ali and another of the Statue of Liberty in less than 10 minutes for the live auction. Power Punch A revamped Fight Night raised a record 4 million. Its companion event Knock Out Abuse had a Great Gatsby theme. hen Under Armour signed on to sponsor the boxing benefit Fight Night executives made it clear they wanted to increase the fundraising take for Fight for Children s work promoting children s education for low-income families. On November 14 the nonprofit brought out the big guns at the Washington Hilton both in terms of entertainment as well as in setting an event fundraising record of nearly 4 million. In past years the boxing event with a mostly male guest list garnered around 2 million. By increasing the entertainment and overall experience for guests the 2013 event surpassed its 3 million goal even before the live and silent auctions. One of the charges that Under Armour gave us was to make the evening nonstop exciting from when guests walked in to when they leave said Jeff Travers Fight for Children director of external relations. From additional entertainment elements like painted models welcoming the 1 600 guests--including 200 V.I.P. donors--and a silk aerialist at the beginning of the night to performances from a video DJ and headliner John Legend the energy of the event remained high throughout the evening. Planners also rethought the evening s timeline. Most noticeably the boxing matches--previously the culmination of the evening--started during the dinner service traditionally a downtime at any event that can create the kind of lull organizers wanted to avoid. Fight Night is modeled on the old-time smoker events where you would have something big like boxing going on during dinner anyway so the response has been really positive Travers said. w A 50-foot LED banner strip suspended above the ring scrolled through the sponsor names throughout the event as well as announced the entertainment or boxing round taking place inside the ring. 154 bizbash.com spring 2014 photos DaviDe De pas (KnocK out abuse) tony brown imijphoto.com for bizbash (all others) To accommodate Fight Night s nearly 1 600 guests as well as the V.I.P. lounge the ballroom held a mix of round tables-- seating 12 this year instead of 10--and rectangular highboys maximizing the available square footage. Singer Eric Ben t performed at the joint after-party at the RitzCarlton. Fight Night organizers gave each boxing match a dueling duos theme via custom-made Under Armour boxing trunks with the symbols of Batman vs. Superman Democrats vs. Republicans and Wonder Woman vs. Catwoman. Rather than a traditional plated salad the Washington Hilton s catering team set each table with an array of antipasti served family-style. While Fight Night caters to the male set its sister event Knock Out Abuse Against Women hosts 650 ladies during the same time frame at the Ritz-Carlton Washington D.C. The 20th annual gala which focused on promoting awareness and raised more than 560 000 for victims of domestic violence and their children once again turned to Events by Andr Wells to bring its Roaring 1920s theme to life. Inspired by The Great Gatsby s 24th Annual Fight Daisy Buchanan Wells Night designed the space Audiovisual Production with a pearl blush psav presentation services Catering Venue eggshell and gold washington hilton color palette accented Decor hargrove with sequined linens Design 202 Design crystals white flowers Lighting atmosphere lighting and candle accents PR Qorvis communications courtesy of Design Production mitch curtis Foundry and Amaproductions ryllis. Models wore Sound maryland sound international vintage-style suits and Video blue sky films flapper attire. The event also 20th Annual Knock saw CNN s Wolf Out Abuse Gala Blitzer presiding over Additional Staffing central the auction remarks casting from Senator Kirsten Audiovisual Production Gillibrand of New vsG solutions York and a DJ set from Catering Linens Venue ritz-carlton washington Questlove. D.c. As is tradition Decor Design foundry the men of Fight Design Production events Night headed over by andr wells DJs Dj sixth sense to the Ritz to join the Questlove women for the joint Event Management the after-party this year walker marchant Group featuring singer Flowers amaryllis inc. PR linda roth associates Eric Ben t. inc. --D. Channing Muller Share this story bizbash.com fightnight Flower arrangements of roses orchids carnations stock and ranunculus added touches of color at Knock Out Abuse. The Knock Out Abuse gala had a 1920s theme. Knock Out Abuse s gala had a soft feminine color palette of gold cream and pink as well as sparkling elements like candles crystals and sequins. bizbash.com spring 2014 155 event reports washington Jennifer Lopez accepted the Ally for Equality Award for her support of the L.G.B.T. community. At the dinner the host s red logo was fashioned into red archways that marked the reception entrance and silent auction displays. Macy s set up its signature red balloons and stars at the entrance to the reception a nod to the marriage equality decor and lighting in the space. The tables displayed the company s silent auction items. EMT Productions created a multitiered stage backdrop of three 28- by 50-foot video screens that showed inspirational videos of the H.R.C s work in Washington memes of its logo and live feeds of the night s speakers and performers. second act The Human Rights Campaign National Dinner had to readjust its program when Vice President Biden bowed out due to the government shutdown. he Human Rights Campaign s 17th annual national dinner on October 5 experienced some last-minute program changes when Vice President Joe Biden dropped out as the night s keynote speaker just two days before the event because of the federal government shutdown. Rather than search for a replacement speaker organizers reworked the program to compensate for the loss. The vice president would have spoken in the first half of the program so we simply readjusted and shortened that portion of it said Mollie Levin director of events for the nonprofit. The event still had star wattage Jenniphotos NeshaN h. NaltchayaN for BizBash t fer Lopez received the Ally for Equality Award and equal rights for the L.G.B.T. community. With for her support of the L.G.B.T. community and the increased press resulting from the marriage singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles equality campaign that went viral Human Rights performed at a piano. Other preon Facebook--supporters used red Campaign 17th Annual sentations included a speech from versions of the organization s logo National Dinner H.R.C. president Chad Griffin and a as profile pictures--the event grew video about the progress made for by 400 people this year prompting Catering centerplate NBse Decor Design hargrove equal rights. organizers to move to a different Lighting atmosphere The dinner which sold out hall in the convention center. While lighting three weeks earlier than in past Hall D is a bit wider than the previSound event tech years drew 3 500 people the ous year s space the column-free Venue Walter e. Washington convention Walter E. Washington Convention layout provided more space and center Center to celebrate the organizaunobstructed views of the stage. Video eMt productions tion s work for marriage equality --D. Channing Muller Share this story bizbash.com hrc 156 bizbash.com spring 2014 F.P.O. advertisement Zhantra s World-Class Entertainment Expands to Three Cities SAVOR Brings Fresh and Modern Food to the Next Level SAVOR is proud to be the exclusive caterer for two premier event locations in Long Beach California. Conveniently located between Los Angeles and Orange County Long Beach is easy to reach and offers all the amenities of a large city with the charm of a small town. The Aquarium of the Pacific and the newly renovated state-of-the-art Pacific Ballroom both offer unique and customizable event space. With stunning harbor views high-tech audiovisual equipment and animal exhibits our venues make Long Beach a destination of distinction. SAVOR raises the bar in culinary excellence for meetings and special events by providing superior quality and attentive customer care. Let SAVOR indulge your senses with our culinary presentation and please your palate with our savory delights. Our food is fresh we utilize local growers and follow sustainable practices. Our philosophy is simple good food good company great results. Our food is modern cutting-edge culinary paired with hometown favorites. Founded in 2004 in Miami Zhantra Entertainment is a one-of-a-kind entertainment company known for providing the best in talent and costume design. Based on the company s success in South Florida Zhantra Entertainment opened Zhantra Chicago in 2010 and then expanded to the New York metropolitan area. Zhantra s full range of services includes a variety of elite dancers and performers as well as costume design set and prop design and event planning. With a consistent focus on excellence and creativity Zhantra has amassed an impressive client list ranging from Bank of America to Dr. Pepper. No matter the size or location of your event Zhantra can provide exactly the kind of entertainment you are looking for. Look for Zhantra at corporate events nightlife venues live shows and on national television. (zhantra.com) Crunchy Logistics Celebrates Padzilla the World s Biggest iPad Accessory In January Crunchy Logistics received the Best New Generation Large Screen Device of 2014 DIGI Award from Digital Signage magazine for Padzilla its giant interactive iPad iPhone case. Padzilla incorporates the latest multitouch technology and software available to transform a phone or tablet into a larger-thanlife display. This massive interactive accessory allows businesses to exhibit Android and iOS apps on a scale like never before. Crunchy Logistics based in Orlando offers a unique line of products and services featuring pioneering technology that allows companies all over the world to interact with clients on a whole new level. From trade shows and conferences to retail displays and hotel lobby entertainment Padzilla is the perfect device to leverage connectivity. Padzilla is compatible with any mobile tablet or desktop device including Android iOS OSX and Windows. (407.476.2044 crunchylogistics.com) Top Trends Shaping Social A Events Now The latest from weddings bar bat mitzvahs and other personal celebrations to inspire corporate and nonprofit gatherings this year. PHOTO Tec PeTaja A wedding in Savannah Georgia designed by Calder Clark had oversize focal points. new year brings about a brand-new season of social events from poignant wedding celebrations to over-the-top bar and bat mitzvahs. These days with the ubiquity of blogs and Pinterest clients are more informed and design-conscious than ever armed with plenty of inspiration photos and lofty expectations. In the same way guests are becoming savvier and harder to impress which means it takes a talented event designer to bridge the two sides and bring the event to life. No question it s a daunting task to artfully combine elements like tables chairs linens lighting dinnerware and flowers to create a unique immersive and visually creative environment that not only achieves the client s vision but also is a feast for the senses that continues to surprise and delight guest throughout the evening. Here are the top trends influencing weddings and other personal gatherings in 2014. By HeatHer Lee bizbash.com spring 2014 161 2014 social event trends Ritzy Bee Events created a reception lounge setup with a clean neutral color palette. Social Media Bans With a smartphone in nearly every guest s purse or pocket wedding-day photos are almost guaranteed to appear in real time on social media sites. But more and more A printed couples are po- chalkboard sign by litely restricting DesignSmithPaperArts smartphone us- asked guests to keep age during the their smartphones and ceremony using cameras in check. cleverly worded signage (displayed at the venue s entrance or printed in the ceremony program) as well as verbal reminders from the officiant. We re going to see more and more unplugged ceremonies in 2014 says Renny Pedersen owner of the Chicago-based wedding planning company Bliss Weddings & Events. Nothing is worse than seeing a beautiful photograph of the bride walking down the aisle marred by a bunch of cameras and iPhones. This way the wedding photographer is able to get the most important shots without any unobstructed views. Bonus Guests will also be more present during the ceremony. A wedding catered by Heirloom LA incorporated crisp all-white decor. Shooters of vegan carrot panna cotta were served during cocktail hour at a wedding catered by Heirloom LA. Modern Minimalism... After an abundance of rustic-barnyard and vintage-Anthropologie-esque weddings event planners are anticipating a wedding-style movement in the complete opposite direction. We re predicting less D.I.Y. and more clean modern lines and color palettes says Tara Maxey co-owner of the Los Angeles-based catering company Heirloom LA. With all the D.I.Y. wedding details out there expertly styled minimalism feels like the sophisticated alternative. Wedding planners Maria Cooke and Kelly Seizert of Ritzy Bee Events in Washington D.C. agree We re seeing more couples focusing less on dramatic color and more on classic combinations such as black and white gray and white and navy and cream. The modern-minimalist theme will be reflected in the wedding menu too Instead of lavish buffet stations or decadent entr es couples are moving towards healthier choices and smaller portions. Maxey says Gluttony has been overdone. ...or Dramatic Opulence In contrast to the modern-minimalist style wedding professionals are also predicting a return to formality and dramatic opulence. Say goodbye to Mason jars and burlap and say hello to caviar and elegance says South Florida-based party planner Sara Renee Lowell of Sara Renee Events. Wedding vendors are sick of couples bringing in the same rustic vintage inspiration photos. Opulence is in. Which means the return of dramatic floral arrangements on pedestals gleaming candelabras and loads of professional lighting (translation no more simple strands of caf lights). For a recent wedding New York event designer David Stark of David Stark Design and Production created a luxurious reception with a formal French garden theme Sculpted hedges around the perimeter of the venue and structured dinner table centerpieces were juxtaposed against a lush romantic canopy of flowers and glowing lanterns suspended overhead. David Stark created a formal French garden theme for a recent wedding reception. 162 bizbash.com spring 2014 PHOTOS abby jiu PHOTOgraPHy (NeuTral lOuNge) VirgiNia SmiTH & mOderN ViNTage PHOTOgraPHy (SOcial media baN) ira liPPke STudiOS (freNcH gardeN) jeNNifer emerliNg (all OTHerS) Whimsical Hand-Lettered Invitations More couples are opting for unique and casual styles of hand lettering. Classic calligraphy will continue to be a mainstay but I think we ll see hand lettering continue to grow in popularity in 2014 says Nole Garey founder and editor of the stationery blog Oh So Beautiful Paper. It s whimsical and pretty but also slightly more approachable. Like formal calligraphy each hand-lettered invitation is a custom design which lets couples create something that conveys their personalities and gives guests a sneak peek at the celebration to come. Hand lettering is also a wonderful option for a couple Ladyfingers that wants something more personal Letterpress creates than a font but prefers something more hand-lettered edgy than calligraphy Garey says. invitations. For a wedding designed by Calder Clark chef Johannes Klapdohr created an elegant tasting plate of Southern fried tomatoes drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar and accented with edible nasturtiums. Tapas-Style Tasting Plates Family-style dinners were a huge trend last year but they re actually quite expensive to pull off and the platters of food require significant table real estate says Calder Clark of South Carolinabased Calder Clark Designs. So what s next Bar-height tasting stations where guests receive artfully plated fork-friendly miniature meals prepared on the spot by stationside chefs. Experts say guests love the variety. Today s couples are serious foodies and they come bearing recipes and resolute memories from their favorite restaurants Clark says. They want to include them in the reception and there s no easier way to do that than with the tasting plate--it s petite going back for seconds is totally kosher and guests are able to be more experimental with unfamiliar foods. Large Focal Points Rather than decorating the reception with a slew of blink-and-you ll-miss- em D.I.Y. details couples are more interested in decor that makes a statement. The 2014 bride is ditching contrivances for oversize wow factors like custom dance floors vast patterned wall installations and Versailles-worthy furnishings and lighting says Clark. Our client is tired of littering seated tables with tchotchkes and is favoring the mantra go big or go home --in good taste of course. As a result couples are asking What will catch my guests attention when they walk in our tent Clark says. Savvy couples realize that very few will remember custom-colFor recent wedding Calder Clark designed an ored confetti packets at each place setting installation that served as a focal point The but everyone will remember a nighttime 3-D wall was inlaid with boxwood topiaries ceremony lit only by 500 luminaries. arranged in a geometric pattern. PHOTOS Harwell PHOTOgraPHy (SOuTHerN fried TOmaTOeS) Tec PeTaja (3-d wall) cOurTeSy Of VeNdOrS (all OTHerS) Slo-Mo Video Booths Photo booths are practically de rigueur at receptions. But for couples who want something new Enter the slow-motion video booth. It s the same idea--guests take turns posing with props like confetti and neon sunglasses. But the station is set up with a video camera after the wedding the footage is edited into a slo-mo mini movie trailer and set to a catchy pop tune. The result is a keepsake video that captures the fun of the wedding day in a totally different way than stills says Rebecca Grinnals of wedding indusProduction company try consulting Super Frog Saves Tokyo firm Engaging creates slo-mo booths. Concepts. Guest Connections It s every wedding guest s worst nightmare sitting next to complete strangers at an assigned reception table. Guesterly a new publishing company helmed by a former editor at Oprah s O magazine aims to alleviate that anxiety by helping guests connect in a fun unforced way. Through the service couples can create a custom magazine-style yearbook filled with photos and fun facts about guests along with how they know the bride or groom. Then the mini magazines are mailed to guests before the wedding or distributed at the ceremony. It helps breaks the ice and allows for meaningful interaction among guests Grinnals says. bizbash.com spring 2014 163 2014 social event trends Big Ideas From Bar Bat Mitzvahs These days bar and bat mitzvahs are more elaborate sophisticated and original than ever as teens forgo expected color schemes and themes. Here are some striking ideas from recent celebrations that are worth incorporating into your next event. A Pop Art-inspired bat mitzvah designed by Danielle Couick of Magnolia Bluebird Design & Events was held at the Decatur House in Washington D.C. It featured neon pops of color graphic wall panels and comic-book details. A futuristic bat mitzvah designed by Washington D.C.-based Terri Bergman of Terri Bergman Events featured a custom soda bar fabricated by Chicka Event Production with built-in iPod listening stations. More and more families are choosing unexpected party venues A bat mitzvah also designed by Danielle Couick of Magnolia Bluebird Design & Events was held at the AFI Silver a movie theater in Silver Spring Maryland. Film-theme details included a custom movie marquee personalized film posters and a step-and-repeat photo op. 164 bizbash.com spring 2014 PHOTOS dOcumeNTary aSSOciaTeS (magNOlia bluebird S film-THeme) micHael kreSS PHOTOgraPHy (SOda bar) rOdNey bailey (all OTHerS) PHOTOS micHael blaNcHard aNd geNeVieVe de maNiO PHOTOgraPHy (willy wONka) SeaN T. SmiTH SwaNk PrOducTiONS (cuSTOm yarmulkeS) luV rOx PHOTOgraPHy (TailgaTe) SuSaN mONTagNa (all OTHerS) A bar mitzvah designed by New York-based David Stark Design and Production had custom super-size signs an Eat sign comprised favorite books while an illuminated Drink sign was constructed using thousands of crayons. After the party the books and coloring supplies were donated to local charities. For a tailgate-party-theme bar mitzvah Sara Renee Lowell of Sara Renee Events in South Florida and lighting company Designs by Sean created sleek cube-shaped photo centerpieces that were illuminated from within. Another bar mitzvah designed by David Stark Design and Production featured LED light installations on the dinner tables as well as suspended overhead. Instead of using LED to illuminate your decor the lights themselves become the decor Stark says. A bat mitzvah designed by Boston-based Rafanelli Events incorporated a Willy Wonka theme and a cocktail bar cleverly constructed to resemble candy buttons. Chicka Event Production provided the custom bar. Kids are telling us about their favorite brands--Sephora Gap even Louis Vuitton--and want us to use that brand s style elements as their design theme says Maya Kalman of Swank Productions in New York who sourced custom yarmulkes for a Louis Vuitton-loving client. bizbash.com spring 2014 165 The color scheme of your event is more than just decor--it affects how your guests feel about your brand. By ELLEN STURM NIZ A wall of oranges served as the backdrop to the juice bar at the J.C. Penney launch of the Joe Fresh Kids Collection injecting the brand s FUN signature color into Times Square last summer. Event designer Andr Wells mixed blues and teals for a CLASSIC look at the BET Honors dinner in 2010. JesGordon ProperFun used the color of LOVE--which is also the host brand s logo color--at Purina Chef Michael s Be My Valentine Doggie Dinner Party in 2010. At Elle s Women in Hollywood awards in 2009 a nearly all-white look inspired by sponsor Calvin Klein produced an aptly EMPOWERED ambience. The Museum of Modern Art s annual Party in the Garden benefit in 2013 offered a modern take on NATURE with a mix of green hues against a white backdrop. H ave you ever walked into an event and felt instantly transported It s the music it s the lighting it s the color. More than just decor the color of the lights flowers furniture linens and even food at an event have a psychological effect. Colors and color combinations create moods and feelings consciously and unconsciously says Kate Smith president and chief color expert at Sensational Color a color consulting firm in Ashburn Virginia. Whether we realize it or not color affects us and our decision-making. Tying the psychological effect of a color to an event s purpose or mood can increase the likelihood that attendees will get the right message and different colors have definitive effects. In general blue the color of water and the sky is calming Smith says It taps into our bodies and hormones and lowers our heart rate and slows respiration. Red on the other hand is exciting. It raises blood pressure and can even make palms sweat Smith says. It s revving us up--think Event planner Jes Gordon of Jes fast cars sexy women. It s bolder Gordon ProperFun also uses color aggressive and showy the color of at events for more than just decor. both love and anger. The psychology of color plays a lot Last year AOL used color psyinto our design stories particularly chology when retooling its corpoin the corporate world where it s rate event message. AOL is a really usually about the company logo colorful brand says Stacy Lambacolor but obviously they had a lot of tos director of corporate events psychological backstory into makat the company but last year we ing that original decision about the decided we wanted to simplify the logo itself Gordon says. For events brand to our B-to-B market. We where corporate logos are not a thought We are the biggest digital factor Gordon uses color to set the media company headquartered in mood. For many of our social events New York City so we wanted to be like weddings we tend to work with big and bold and simple and put ethereal lighting like a frosted white the raw grittiness of New York into light during the ceremony portion of our look. Black and white resonated the wedding then work into deeper with us and what we wanted to more saturated party tones for the communicate. reception. Those colors carry through all of Smith advises being clear about AOL s B-to-B marketing initiatives your event s message and using color and from an event standpoint the to support it just like every other palette helps them focus on other element. When you re creating an elements Lambatos says. event the purpose is Black and white allows more than just looking For eight tips us to experiment with good Smith says. It s on using color digital technology and creating something that psychology at screens and engage [our events from expert you want to be memoattendees] with our techrable and the color will Kate Smith visit nology our platforms help cement the mesbizbash.com and our content. sage in guests minds. colorpsychology At AOL s digital NewFront in 2013 the company used its BOLD black-and-white scheme in illuminated bars with graffiti-style AOL branding. 166 bizbash.com spring 2014 Photos vero image (yelloW) toNy BroWN imijPhoto.Com For BizBash (PurPle Blue) Nadia Chaudhury BizBash (oraNge greeN) aNdre maier (red) liNe 8 PhotograPhy (White) destiNy martiNez BizBash (BlaCk) RAINBOW CONNECTION To keep up the ENERGY at its annual powwow for industry pros John Paul Mitchell Systems--with help from Stoelt Productions--set up an attention-getting yellow space to introduce its new men s brand Mitch in 2011. The 2012 Breeders Cup kicked off at a purple-hued Halloween-night reception with a MYSTERIOUS masquerade theme. bizbash.com spring 2014 167 Cheryl Cecchetto of Sequoia Productions executed the romantic rhapsody in red theme at the 2012 Emmys Governors Ball in Los Angeles with a giant rose concept and copious amounts of the color. RED ORANGE Fun Warmth Confidence Flamboyance Friendliness 168 bizbash.com spring 2014 Even cocktails at the event were infused with the color. The 2012 Pencer Brain Trust Gala in Toronto used flamboyant orange hues to support its edgy rock theme. Photos NadiNe Froger PhotograPhy (emmys) ChristoPhe Wu (Clios) emma mCiNtyre For BizBash (all others) Stoelt Productions upped the excitement for the 2012 Clio awards after-party at New York s American Museum of Natural History by flooding the event with red lighting. Passion Love Power Excitement Strength Anger Intensity Torches floated on lily-pad-like structures in the hotel s pool which reflected yellow decor elements from the event. YELLOW Billy Butchkavitz s design inspiration at HBO s 2009 Golden Globes party in Los Angeles came from the colorful emotional architecture style of Luis Barrag n and vintage 60s textiles. Butchkavitz washed restaurant Circa 55 and the adjoining pool area at the Beverly Hilton in a banana yellow animal print. Hopefulness Cheer Optimism Energy Positivity Photos EvElyn AlAs (EmErAld City loungE) nAdiA ChAudhury BizBAsh (PArty in thE gArdEn) gABor EkECs (All othErs) GREEN Nature Health Renewal Growth Healing Harmony At the Greater Washington D.C. chapter of the National Association for Catering and Events annual fund-raising gala in 2012 the Emerald City Lounge was aptly colored and had an eerie feel. Lush canopies of natural greenery popped against neon green Lucite tabletops at the Museum of Modern Art s 2013 Party in the Garden benefit in New York. bizbash.com spring 2014 169 Peace Trust Dependability Calm Intelligence Blue lighting and sequined tablecloths made for a striking look at Ronald McDonald House Toronto s holiday season gala in December 2012. PURPLE Spoons of Eastern Shore crab were passed on lavender serving trays. Royalty Luxury Creativity Spirituality Wealth Event planner Andr Wells designed the 2010 Washington Ballet ball around the gala chair s favorite color. Nearly every shade of purple was used in event dubbed the Purple Rain Ball. 170 bizbash.com spring 2014 Photos george PimeNtel For roNald mCdoNald house toroNto (Blue) toNy BroWN imijPhoto.Com For BizBash (all others) BLUE WHITE Photos mark addisoN (diNer eN BlaNC) CarolyN Curtis BizBash (urBaN daddy) gaBor ekeCs (NeWsroom) Courtesy oF louis vuittoN More than 1 200 guests donned white garb for the fresh concept of D ner en Blanc s flash-mobstyle dinner in New York in 2011. Purity Innocence Empowerment Goodness Cleanliness At UrbanDaddy and Stoli s launch event in New York in 2012 a pure white room was later transformed into a playful and colorful space as guests painted on the walls and lighting projections filled the room. Inspired by the power of the press shown in season 2 of The Newsroom designer Billy Butchkavitz used a black-andwhite newsprint palette for the show s 2013 premiere party in Los Angeles. At Marc Jacobs s final show for Louis Vuitton at Paris Fashion Week in October 2013 a set filled with escalators a fairground carousel a fountain and more was rendered in all black. BLACK Authority Power Mystery Drama Sophistication bizbash.com spring 2014 171 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION LUXE EVENT RENTALS AND DECOR Luxury Event Rentals luxeeventrentals.com 718.629.6909 323.758.5344 Locations in Dallas Los Angeles Miami and New York. Specializing in Furniture Rental NECR New England Country Rentals newenglandcountryrentals.com 781.990.6000 Showrooms in Scituate and Mashpee MA. Specializing in Furniture Rental Linens Props and Decor Tableware N AGE DESIGNS Couture Linens Furniture and Accessory Rentals nuagedesigns.com 305.573.7840 212.995.8855 Showrooms in Miami and New York. Specializing in Accessory Rental Furniture Rental Linens 28 YEARS OVER THE TOP RENTAL LINENS overthetopinc.com 800.582.1031 Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale FL. Specializing in Linen Rental PBD Party by Design pbd-events.com 781.848.1665 Headquartered in Braintree MA. Specializing in Custom Design and Fabrication Furniture Rental Prop Rental Specialty Lighting PBG Event Productions and Rentals pbgevents.com 888.354.4523 Showrooms in Floral Park and Great Neck NY Specializing in Decor and Props Draping and Backdrops Furniture Rental Lighting Special Effects PROP N SPOON Furniture Rental for Events TV Film Trade Shows and Photography propsfortoday.com 212.244.9600 732.499.9370 Showrooms in Long Island City NY and Rahway NJ. Specializing in Custom Fabrication Furniture Rental Props and Decor Rental SO COOL EVENTS socoolevents.com 305.635-808 407.900.2715 Showrooms in Miami and Orlando FL. Specializing in Event Decor Furniture Rental Ice Sculpture Lighting STAMFORD TENT & EVENT SERVICES stamfordtent.com 203.324.6222 631.643.2848 Showrooms in Stamford CT and West Babylon NY Specializing in Climate Control Flooring Lighting Temporary Structures Tent Rental bizbash.com spring 2014 173 ARE YOU A MASTER PLANNER Be the First to Know... Who s Planning What and When. The only continuously updated source for fund-raisers openings and major events for the next 12 months. SEARCH past and future events by date SUBMIT your own upcoming events FIND sponsors organizations venues and more SCHEDULE your next event with confidence Now only 19.95 per month Visit us online at masterplanneronline.com MASTERPLANNERONLINE.COM NEW YORK LOS ANGELES Advertiser Index Request more info from these vendors at www.bizbash.com bingo spring 2014 Chicago 11 11 Lincoln Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 26 Bridge Event Space . . . . . . . . 60 3 West Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 320 Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 630 Second . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Abigail Kirsch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AFR Event Furnishings . . . . . . . . . 57 The American Pharmacists Association Building . . . . . . . 115 Arena Americas . . .Inside Front Cover Art Gallery of Ontario . . . . . . . . . 113 Artscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Atomic Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146 Bamboo Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Blueprint Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 BML--Blackbird Theatrical Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Bridge House Events . . . . . . . . . . 73 The Carlu Corporation . . . . . . . . . 83 The Chase Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Chicago Union Station . . . . . . . . . 20 Circuit of the Americas . . . . . . . . 93 Corinthian Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 CORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Creative Edge Parties . . . . . . . . . . 35 Crunchy Logistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Culinart Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Delegates Dining Room at the United Nations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Design Cuisine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Design Foundry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 The Distillery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Drape Kings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Eatertainment Special Events & Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 Eden Roc Miami Beach . . . . . . . .103 Edison Ballroom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Espace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Event Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 139 Events at Strathmore . . . . . . . . . . 79 Falk Langer Catering & Events . . . 60 The Field Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Focus Miami . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 The Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Glorious Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Greater Ft . Lauderdale CVB . . . . 65 Hakata Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139 Hard Rock Caf New York . . . . . . . 6 Hargrove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 The Historic Alfred I . Dupont Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Hotel Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . .143 Ind lce Confections . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 ISES Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116 117 Ivan Carlson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 K1 Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130 L .A . Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center . . . . . 4 5 Luxe Event Rentals & Decor . . . . . .2 Madison Square Garden Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Mango s Tropical Cafe . . . . . . . . . 57 The Mead Center for American Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 Metropolitan Pavilion . . . . . . . . . .105 Moonlight Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . .148 Museum of Science and Industry Chicago . . . . Inside Back Cover National Geographic . . . . . . . . . .153 New England Country Rentals . . 157 Newseum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Nomad Event Systems . . . . . . . . . 46 Nuage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 NYIT Auditorium on Broadway . . 11 NYY Steak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Oliver & Bonacini Events . . . . . . . 40 Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Ontario Staging Limited . . . . . . . 151 Over The Top Rental Linens . . . . 135 Palms Las Vegas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Paulette Wolf Events & Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . .130 PBD Events (Party by Design) . . 23 PBG Event Productions and Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Pegasus Hospitality Group . . . . . . 41 The Petersen Automotive Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Prop N Spoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Redskins Special Events . . . . . . . . 71 RSVP Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153 Sheraton St . Louis City Center Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Shiraz Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 73 Smithsonian Innovation Space . . 43 So Cool Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Social Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Soho Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 19 SPACE Abbot Kinney . . . . . . . . . . 48 Stamford Tent & Event Services . . 32 Storys Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126 The TimesCenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Tropicana Las Vegas . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Trump Hotel Chicago . . . .Outside Back Cover Universal Studios Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126 Upstairs at The Kimberly Hotel . . . 22 VDA Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Victorian Gardens Amusement Park . . . . . . . . . .146 Warner Bros . Special Events . . . . . 1 Windows Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 Winegreeting .com . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Wynn Las Vegas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Zen Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Zhantra Entertainment . . . . . . . . . 81 To advertise in BizBash contact d_wilkes bizbash.com . Checklist 8 Steps to Avoid Weathe r Disasters at Events Protect guests an d crew by planning for any contingency in incle weather at outdoor ga ment therings. By AlesAndrA du Bin Wayne Mahar of Precision Weather says planning for severe-weather safety should begin weeks or months in advance. Go over the possible scenarios with all key team members. [Planning] includes everything from different types of weather events to short and long lead times for sending [guests] home to predetermined locations he says. While you may plan for the most obvious natural phenomena like heavy winds or rain don t forget to research other potential pitfalls specific to the venue or region or to the time of the year. I ve worked in the event industry for more than 25 years and thought I had seen everything Town & Country Event Rentals event director Adam Martin says. While installing a spectacular wedding in [California s] Santa Ynez Valley I was to discover that the ceremony location was set within a tarantula migration zone. As I was to learn on the event day in early autumn male tarantulas migrate during mating season and let me tell you it wasn t just the bride that was walking this aisle. Don t rely on just your local news channel s forecast for guidance an event s planning requires more specific and nuanced detail. Jacob Worek of the Event Safety Operations suggests resources including the local National Weather Service forecast office the Storm Prediction Center (part of the National Weather Service) and the National Hurricane Center. You might also consider hiring a private company to provide up-to-date weather information. A private weather service works only for you and your event says Mahar whose company has worked with events like the Academy Awards and the Cannes Film Festival. Private forecasts pinpoint your exact location and take into consideration your event s proximity to bodies of water hills and any other local effects. In addition to hour-by-hour updates the service provides a meteorologist available to answer weather-related questions 24 hours a day. Early in the planning process designate key people who are critical in the event of a weather emergency. In addition to law enforcement and security medical staff and the public relations team the event announcer and front-office personnel should be informed to communicate updates to guests. Also appoint a sole decision maker. In fast-breaking weather with large crowds you don t have time to find your managers call a meeting and vote on what to do Mahar says. You must have someone in the know with the latest information who can make critical decisions right now. Worek recommends having a written plan that defines potential weather-related trigger points like high winds or heavy rain and what actions are required in response. Clearly communicate evacuation procedures and shelter points and most importantly you should ensure that all event employees have read and understand the plan and their individual responsibilities within it he says. Your methods and procedures for doing so should be considered in advance and account for a variety of possible conditions Do you have power Light Mobile service Radios Your site should be chosen with an eye toward operations during a worst-case scenario Worek says. If severe weather arises and you needed to evacuate your guests how easy would it be to get everyone off site quickly and safely If you needed assistance from emergency services how long would it take for them to arrive Consider site characteristics such as potentially hazardous large trees or utility lines as well as if permanent structures are available for shelter. Examine the layout and identify egress points and place seating and structures away from exit routes and areas likely to be affected by high winds. It may seem intuitive but planners sometimes neglect to provide guests with adequate shade from direct sunlight says Kevin Dana director of marketing and product development at Cort Trade Show and Event Furnishings. Tents with no walls work best to allow guests to mingle and network while also letting some sunlight in. Offering handheld fans and plenty of water PHOTO Nadia CHaudHury BizBasH Start planning for contingencies early Do your research Monitor weather forecasts Designate decision makers Make a communication plan Pick a venue with weather in mind Provide cover and cooling stations keep guests cool and avoid potential liability issues related to dehydrated attendees. Martin notes that you should consider staff too. Make sure your crew is well equipped with hats sunscreen and plenty of water. In extreme weather conditions tents and other temporary structures pose a significant threat. Dana notes that most structures are engineered to withstand wind gusts from 70 to 90 miles per hour--but only if they re installed properly. Securing hard-paneled walls at the bottom top and sides of tents will help minimize flexing and shaking caused by winds. Secure tents and structures 176 More checklists bizbash.com checklists WE VE GOT MEETINGS & EVENTS DOWN TO A SCIENCE FROM FUN TO PHENOMENAL 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive (773) 753-2583 msichicago.org specialevents Convenient Indoor Parking Indoor and Outdoor Event Spaces Daytime and Evening Spaces Available Award-Winning Cuisine and Event Planners photo kardasphotography.com LIVE THE LIFE. LIVE THE LIFE. WITH VIEWS AS AS LUXURIOUS AS WITH VIEWS LUXURIOUS AS YOUR EXPERIENCE. YOUR EXPERIENCE. MONUMENTAL MEETINGS. Take your event to a higher level with magnificent MONUMENTAL MEETINGS. 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