Event Experience Awards nominations close Oct. 16 ⌛️
DEADLINE EXTENDED: Enter the Event Experience Awards by Oct. 16 ⌛️

Top 50 Event Designers 2019: Ed Libby

The New York-based Libby on creating an immersive environment.

Michele Laufik
June 18, 2019
“I recently designed an event for a client’s 50th birthday celebration, [after being] given only the word ‘grateful’ as inspiration. We were in competition with ourselves to outdo the design that we had created for the client’s 45th birthday party. The result was a complete transformation of an iconic space, creating an unrecognizable, immersive environment with state-of-the-art video screens, opulent florals, couture styling of entertainment, and decadent food presentations.”
“I recently designed an event for a client’s 50th birthday celebration, [after being] given only the word ‘grateful’ as inspiration. We were in competition with ourselves to outdo the design that we had created for the client’s 45th birthday party. The result was a complete transformation of an iconic space, creating an unrecognizable, immersive environment with state-of-the-art video screens, opulent florals, couture styling of entertainment, and decadent food presentations.”
Photo: Courtesy of Ed Libby & Co. Events

Ed Libby HeadshotPhoto: Courtesy of Ed Libby & Co. EventsLibby (@edlibbyevents) sets out to create “a feast for the senses” by surrounding guests with opulent florals, sumptuous fabrics, subtle fragrances, romantic candlelight, and entertainment. In addition to designing for major clients such as Tiffany & Co., the New York-based designer also serves as the artistic director for the conservatories at multiple MGM Resorts International properties, where he builds elaborate seasonal floral showcases.


Back to the Top 50 Event Designers list

Check out the rest of BizBash's 2019 Design Issue

Latest in Event Design & Decor
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
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
Event Design & Decor
Bright Ideas: 15 Fresh Ways to Use Candles in Event Design
The Experiential Group
Event Design & Decor
8 Steal-Worthy Event Ideas BizBash Spotted on Instagram
CampRevolve
Event Design & Decor
Trend Spotted: Camping-Themed Events Are on a Wild Rise
Related Stories
A selection of tabletop designs from the #DreamersAlwaysDream challenge on Instagram. Clockwise from top left: Mindy Rice Floral and Event Design, Ed Libby & Co. Events, Robbins Otoya Destinations, Bryan Rafanelli, Jose Villa and Joel Serrato, and Rishi Patel.
Event Design & Decor
Top Event Designers Are Creating Jaw-Dropping 'Quarantine Tables' From Items Around Their Homes
Top 50 Designers Main3
Event Design & Decor
Design Stories: The Top 50 Event Designers
“I had the honor of doing my niece’s wedding this past fall…. She entrusted me with her entire reception experience. Upon arrival at the Geraghty, guests were greeted with a Hamptons-esque cocktail party [followed by] a formal dinner in a lush, Parisian garden setting.”
Event Design & Decor
Top 50 Event Designers 2019: Tom Kehoe
For the Institute of Contemporary Art’s fund-raiser, “we transformed the raw tunnel-like space into a sparkling, cosmic environment that connected with the Institute’s forward-thinking position in the art world. To juxtapose the austere architecture and create a warmer, more refined feeling, we conceptualized a colorful, nebula-inspired lighting treatment that completely transformed the mood of the space. We incorporated hundreds of feet of mirrored circle pattern panels overhead for a shimmering effect, and we added high-end, luxurious elements including 6-foot-tall crystal candelabras to balance the height of the room, illuminated cut-crystal spheres to add glow to the tables, and lush, vibrant floral arrangements.”
Event Design & Decor
Top 50 Event Designers 2019: Ty Kuppig
More in Event Design & Decor
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
Event Design & Decor
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.
The Experiential Group
Event Design & Decor
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.
CampRevolve
Event Design & Decor
12 Stunning Draping Designs That'll Inspire the Look of Your Next Event
Drapes aren't just practical—they can transform ordinary spaces into opulent environments.
For a three-day pop-up in New York City, luxury beauty brand Hourglass collaborated with visual artist and designer Andrés Reisinger for an art installation promoting Hourglass' new Unreal Liquid Blush. Reisinger—known for digitally taking over iconic architectural locations around the world with his dreamlike pink drapes—created this rare physical installation for one weekend only in July.
Event Design & Decor
15 Reasons Greenery Might Be the Unsung Hero of Event Design
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.
Most Popular
Event Design & Decor
This Elegant 'Real Housewives' Event Used Over 2,200 Apples as Decor
Event Production & Fabrication
This 'Sleepy Hollow' Multisensory Experience Brings Pumpkin Patches and Fall Folklore to the Heart of NYC
Trade Shows
8 Things to Expect at IMEX America 2024
Meetings
Dreamforce 2024: How John Mulaney, Robot Dogs, and Relevant Programming Stole the Show
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
FX Created a 'Symphony' of Real-Life Screams to Promote Its Creepy New Show
Strategy
How REI (Literally) Takes Out the Trash at Events—and What Event Profs Can Learn From It
Event Design & Decor
16 Design and Catering Ideas to Inspire Your Summer Olympics-Themed Events
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.
Event Design & Decor
The Unexpected Places Top Designers Have Found Event Inspiration
From airport ceilings to childhood snacks, here's how everyday objects and moments have inspired some jaw-dropping event designs.
CANDICE&ALISON
Event Design & Decor
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
Event Design & Decor
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.
Page 1 of 269
Next Page