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Top 50 Event Designers 2019: Matthew David Hopkins

The New York-based Hopkins on designing nonprofit events.

June 18, 2019

“I’m particularly proud when guests at benefit dinners are so inspired by the program that they give it a standing ovation. I’m seeing this more and more at our nonprofit dinners.” Pictured: Public Art Fund 2018 Spring Benefit honoring Ai Weiwei

“I’m particularly proud when guests at benefit dinners are so inspired by the program that they give it a standing ovation. I’m seeing this more and more at our nonprofit dinners.”

Pictured: Public Art Fund 2018 Spring Benefit honoring Ai Weiwei

Photo: Courtesy of Matthew David Hopkins

Photo: Courtesy of Matthew David HopkinsAs creative director of his New York-based full-service event design and production company, Hopkins (@360designevents) combines his education in architecture and his love of storytelling and the visual arts to showcase his client’s message. His roster includes socialites, corporate brands, and nonprofits, with recent clients such as the Advertising Council, ION Television, and TNT.

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Check out the rest of BizBash's 2019 Design Issue

The team aimed to merge the natural beauty of the orchard with the luxurious RHONY aesthetic, incorporating red velvet lounges, gold and mirrored tables, and glamorous bars. 'Lots of people commented how they felt like they were walking into a real orchard and how beautiful the space looked,' Skonieczny said. 'I heard quite a few comments on how it was one of the most incredible transformations they have seen at the Chelsea Factory.'

This Elegant 'Real Housewives' Event Used Over 2,200 Apples as Decor

At Netflix’s Emmys after-party earlier this month, candles were more than just decor—they were a bold statement that set the tone for an unforgettable night. The event was produced and designed by Gold Sky Productions with an 'Underground Opulence' concept, featuring a design that embraced the industrial brick and concrete building while layering in luxurious materials like velvet, marble, silks, and satins. A showstopping element? An arrival moment featuring 1,800 flickering candles, a classical pianist playing pop hits at a grand piano, and a 7-foot gold N inlaid with over 300 candles. See more: Emmy Awards 2024: Jaw-Dropping Event Designs From Netflix, HBO | Max, Disney, and More

Bright Ideas: 15 Fresh Ways to Use Candles in Event Design

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Trend Spotted: Camping-Themed Events Are on a Wild Rise

Event Design & Decor

This Elegant 'Real Housewives' Event Used Over 2,200 Apples as Decor

Bravo’s lavish pop-up event brought a glamorous apple orchard to life, offering fans immersive content capture moments, chic decor, and cocktails fit for the Housewives.

The team aimed to merge the natural beauty of the orchard with the luxurious RHONY aesthetic, incorporating red velvet lounges, gold and mirrored tables, and glamorous bars. 'Lots of people commented how they felt like they were walking into a real orchard and how beautiful the space looked,' Skonieczny said. 'I heard quite a few comments on how it was one of the most incredible transformations they have seen at the Chelsea Factory.'

Event Design & Decor

Bright Ideas: 15 Fresh Ways to Use Candles in Event Design

Candles have long been a staple in event decor, but creative uses can elevate the mood and atmosphere in unexpected ways. Here’s how to make a big impact with this timeless element.

At Netflix’s Emmys after-party earlier this month, candles were more than just decor—they were a bold statement that set the tone for an unforgettable night. The event was produced and designed by Gold Sky Productions with an 'Underground Opulence' concept, featuring a design that embraced the industrial brick and concrete building while layering in luxurious materials like velvet, marble, silks, and satins. A showstopping element? An arrival moment featuring 1,800 flickering candles, a classical pianist playing pop hits at a grand piano, and a 7-foot gold N inlaid with over 300 candles. See more: Emmy Awards 2024: Jaw-Dropping Event Designs From Netflix, HBO | Max, Disney, and More

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8 Steal-Worthy Event Ideas BizBash Spotted on Instagram

Take a peek at Instagram photos full of wow-worthy event ideas to serve as inspiration for your next gathering.

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Trend Spotted: Camping-Themed Events Are on a Wild Rise

Brands like Revolve, BÉIS, and Hilton are embracing the great outdoors for peak event experiences.

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Drapes aren't just practical—they can transform ordinary spaces into opulent environments.

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Flowers get a lot of attention in the event world—but few things transform a space like some well-placed foliage. Here are some of our favorite examples of greenery at events.

Fairmont Chicago was draped in shades of green via live plants and colored furnishings for the 2017 Pantone Color of the Year event, where Kehoe Designs helmed the event's design. Running with a greenery theme—Pantone's then-color of the year—the event design team incorporated appropriately colored products from the client's product line, such as green mop heads, which were used to form the oversized, makeshift weeping willow trees. Working with sister company Floral Exhibits, the team aimed to make it appear as if living plants were growing right out of the tables themselves.

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From edible tennis balls to branded rock-climbing walls, these concepts are ideal for gatherings tied to the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

The event also had a French-themed dessert display arranged on tables representing the five Olympic rings. Surrounding an Eiffel Tower centerpiece, desserts included macarons, raspberry financiers, eclairs, pate de fruit, and mini mont blancs with chestnut, orange Chantilly cream, and chocolate.

Event Design & Decor

Two of Chicago’s Biggest Summer Galas Were Just Days Apart—But Worlds Apart in Design

From Cabaret to A Midsummer Night's Dream, one design team was behind this year's looks for the Museum of Contemporary Art's ArtEdge and the Joffrey Ballet's annual gala.

Joffrey Ballet’s Midsummer Celebration

Event Design & Decor

How This Steampunk-Themed Gala Celebrated the 'Passage of Time'

The annual Steppenwolf Theatre gala took over the Bridgeport Art Center this year, raising $1.6 million for the theater’s education and artistic programming.

This year's Steppenwolf Gala celebrated the ensemble's 'bold, irreverent, and rock ’n’ roll style of work and play,' said artistic directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis.

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From airport ceilings to childhood snacks, here's how everyday objects and moments have inspired some jaw-dropping event designs.

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Do Look Up: 15 Ceiling Designs That Caught Our Eye at Recent Events

What is "skychology" and how does it immerse guests further into an experience? Plus, get inspired by steal-worthy designs that drew guests' eyes up.

The Kentucky Derby’s Trifecta Gala

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See the Fun, Playful Elements From Public Art Fund’s 2024 Party

The organization's annual event celebrated its upcoming exhibition season with artist-designed activations and whimsical drinks and desserts.

Adrienne Elise Tarver's painting “Dark Star” inspired the decor for the party, immersing attendees in vibrant sunset hues. The painting was also featured as part of the tropical dinner tablescape.

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