Outback Bowl Gridiron Gala
![Outback Bowl Gridiron Gala](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/01/tbt_0649png.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Two 14-foot-tall puppets greeted guests at the entrance to the A La Carte Event Pavilion.
Photo: Tacy Briggs-Troncoso/MamaRazzi Foto
Outback Bowl Gridiron Gala
![Outback Bowl Gridiron Gala](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/01/tbt_0683png.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Guests could pick up various glow-in-the-dark items such as necklaces, bracelets, and rings as they arrived at the party.
Photo: Tacy Briggs-Troncoso/MamaRazzi Foto
Outback Bowl Gridiron Gala
![Outback Bowl Gridiron Gala](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/01/tbt_0919png.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
An acrobat performed in a hoop suspended from the ceiling.
Photo: Tacy Briggs-Troncoso/MamaRazzi Foto
Outback Bowl Gridiron Gala
![Outback Bowl Gridiron Gala](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/01/tbt_0881png.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Entertainers from Event Show Productions performed on an 8- by 8-foot riser erected in the center of the main bar.
Photo: Tacy Briggs-Troncoso/MamaRazzi Foto
Outback Bowl Gridiron Gala
![Outback Bowl Gridiron Gala](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/01/tbt_0822png.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Two drummers suspended from the ceiling played along with music provided by the DJ.
Photo: Tacy Briggs-Troncoso/MamaRazzi Foto
Outback Bowl Gridiron Gala
![Outback Bowl Gridiron Gala](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/01/tbt_0800png.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Dancers adorned with neon paint performed on risers throughout the room.
Photo: Tacy Briggs-Troncoso/MamaRazzi Foto
Outback Bowl Gridiron Gala
![Outback Bowl Gridiron Gala](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/01/tbt_0724png.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
On the terrace, staff from Thompson Cigar created hand-rolled cigars for guests.
Photo: Tacy Briggs-Troncoso/MamaRazzi Foto
Outback Bowl Gridiron Gala
![Outback Bowl Gridiron Gala](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/01/tbt_0664png.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
In the foyer, entertainers inside four large, brightly colored tubes directed guests toward the ballroom.
Photo: Tacy Briggs-Troncoso/MamaRazzi Foto
Outback Bowl Gridiron Gala
![Outback Bowl Gridiron Gala](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/01/tbt_0723png.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
A La Carte Event Pavilion provided desserts for the gala, including cakes decorated with the Michigan State and University of Georgia logos.
Photo: Tacy Briggs-Troncoso/MamaRazzi Foto
![In the all-black cocktail reception space, Piers Baker from Third from the Sun spun on the DJ Kreemy Booth, designed by Karim Rashid.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/dx1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
In the all-black cocktail reception space, Piers Baker from Third from the Sun spun on the DJ Kreemy Booth, designed by Karim Rashid.
Photo: George Pimentel
![In the cocktail reception space, ovoid ice sculpture centrepieces sat on every cocktail table. The fluid, organic shapes were inspired by the work of all three designers.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/dxa.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
In the cocktail reception space, ovoid ice sculpture centrepieces sat on every cocktail table. The fluid, organic shapes were inspired by the work of all three designers.
Photo: BizBash
![Hundreds of balloons from Balloon Trix hung from the ceiling during the V.I.P. dinner. The space changed colour with each course, starting with blue, morphing to pink for the main course, changing to orange for dessert, and ending in red.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/dx4.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Hundreds of balloons from Balloon Trix hung from the ceiling during the V.I.P. dinner. The space changed colour with each course, starting with blue, morphing to pink for the main course, changing to orange for dessert, and ending in red.
Photo: George Pimentel
![Clear ghost chairs and white tablecloths created clean lines in the V.I.P. dining room. Seventy-five cymbidium orchids made up the centrepiece at each table, mimicking the circular balloons overhead.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/dx3.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Clear ghost chairs and white tablecloths created clean lines in the V.I.P. dining room. Seventy-five cymbidium orchids made up the centrepiece at each table, mimicking the circular balloons overhead.
Photo: George Pimentel
![Glass votives with electric candles hung from the ceiling in the V.I.P. dining room.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/dxc.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Glass votives with electric candles hung from the ceiling in the V.I.P. dining room.
Photo: BizBash
![Eatertainment designed the V.I.P. menu and played with the colours and shapes from the event invitation. Each plate had the name of the dish and the spirograph design from the invitation across the top. For the first course, they served cider braised beet with poached pear, Benedictine blue and spicy candied pecan, and an herb salad with raspberry vinaigrette.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/dx7.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Eatertainment designed the V.I.P. menu and played with the colours and shapes from the event invitation. Each plate had the name of the dish and the spirograph design from the invitation across the top. For the first course, they served cider braised beet with poached pear, Benedictine blue and spicy candied pecan, and an herb salad with raspberry vinaigrette.
Photo: George Pimentel
![For the after-party, Iceculture created an eight-foot ice wall at the entrance of the trading floor. Iconic shapes from Karim Rashid were cut into the ice blocks and packed with snow. The negative space spelled out 'DX.'](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/dx11.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
For the after-party, Iceculture created an eight-foot ice wall at the entrance of the trading floor. Iconic shapes from Karim Rashid were cut into the ice blocks and packed with snow. The negative space spelled out "DX."
Photo: George Pimentel
![Silver and copper spheres hung from a square truss structure over the trading floor. An eight-foot lampshade from Eurolites illuminated the bar.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/dx13.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Silver and copper spheres hung from a square truss structure over the trading floor. An eight-foot lampshade from Eurolites illuminated the bar.
Photo: George Pimentel
![Large cubes of ice with a hollow sphere sat on the corners of the square bar on the trading floor.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/dxe.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Large cubes of ice with a hollow sphere sat on the corners of the square bar on the trading floor.
Photo: BizBash
![Large ice replicas of Karim Rashid's Garbino garbage can were placed on the bar on the trading floor. Large spherical ice cubes filled the bins. A single spherical ice cube was served in each drink.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/dxd.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Large ice replicas of Karim Rashid's Garbino garbage can were placed on the bar on the trading floor. Large spherical ice cubes filled the bins. A single spherical ice cube was served in each drink.
Photo: BizBash
![Iceculture created a candleholder and flower piece, which is a larger version of designer Hani Rashid's Alessi pencil holder.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/dxg.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Iceculture created a candleholder and flower piece, which is a larger version of designer Hani Rashid's Alessi pencil holder.
Photo: BizBash
![Box Top Productions designed the three-dimensional mappings projected on the walls of the trading floor.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/10dx.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Box Top Productions designed the three-dimensional mappings projected on the walls of the trading floor.
Photo: George Pimentel
![Crystal Head Vodka sponsored the event and served specialty cocktails from a bar on the trading floor. Ice skulls decorated the bar.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/dx8.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Crystal Head Vodka sponsored the event and served specialty cocktails from a bar on the trading floor. Ice skulls decorated the bar.
Photo: George Pimentel
![Dancers from DLM Studio wearing bodysuits circulated the trading floor, interacting with guests, posing for photos, and dancing.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/dx16.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Dancers from DLM Studio wearing bodysuits circulated the trading floor, interacting with guests, posing for photos, and dancing.
Photo: George Pimentel
![Contortionists and acrobats from Zero Gravity Circus performed on stage on the trading floor. Aerialists also performed over the Crystal Head martini bar.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/dxf.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Contortionists and acrobats from Zero Gravity Circus performed on stage on the trading floor. Aerialists also performed over the Crystal Head martini bar.
Photo: BizBash
![Sponsor Cambria had models showing off the brand's tile designs with a fashion show during the after-party.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/dx17.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Sponsor Cambria had models showing off the brand's tile designs with a fashion show during the after-party.
Photo: George Pimentel
![Karim Rashid's Garbino garbage can, supplied by Umbra, acted as gift bags for guests.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/dx5.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Karim Rashid's Garbino garbage can, supplied by Umbra, acted as gift bags for guests.
Photo: George Pimentel
![The silent auction was located on the first floor of the Design Exchange.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/dx6.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
The silent auction was located on the first floor of the Design Exchange.
Photo: George Pimentel
![As guests entered the Aragon Ballroom, models dressed as 'hired spies' passed flutes of champagne. The so-called spies also gave guests 'missions,' or fun, thematic tasks to complete throughout the evening.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2016/01/arrivals_courtesy_of_event_creative.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
As guests entered the Aragon Ballroom, models dressed as "hired spies" passed flutes of champagne. The so-called spies also gave guests "missions," or fun, thematic tasks to complete throughout the evening.
Photo: Marcin Cymmer
![Event Creative decked the venue with 007-inspired decor. One of the evening's interactive activities, or 'missions,' was to snap a photo in front of a step-and-repeat featuring a spy plane.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2016/01/room_shot_courtesy_of_event_creative.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Event Creative decked the venue with 007-inspired decor. One of the evening's interactive activities, or "missions," was to snap a photo in front of a step-and-repeat featuring a spy plane.
Photo: Marcin Cymmer
![Another one of the missions: posing for a photo in front of a golden '007' logo that appeared at the top of a stairwell.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2016/01/staircase_courtesy_of_event_creative.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Another one of the missions: posing for a photo in front of a golden "007" logo that appeared at the top of a stairwell.
Photo: Marcin Cymmer
![Guests could also pose for photos in front of a gun-barrel backdrop, with models dressed as Bond girls.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2016/01/bond_girls_sheriwhitko_copy.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Guests could also pose for photos in front of a gun-barrel backdrop, with models dressed as Bond girls.
Photo: Sheri Whitko Photography
![Hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa performed at around 10 p.m.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2016/01/salt_peppa_sheriwhitko.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa performed at around 10 p.m.
Photo: Sheri Whitko Photography
![A long custom bar from Event Creative was stationed on the first floor.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2016/01/bar_long_shot_courtesy_of_event_creative.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
A long custom bar from Event Creative was stationed on the first floor.
Photo: Marcin Cymmer
![The illuminated bar had the image of a safe embossed with Groupon's 'G' logo.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2016/01/bar_closeup_courtesy_of_event_creative.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
The illuminated bar had the image of a safe embossed with Groupon's "G" logo.
Photo: Marcin Cymmer
![After completing all the missions, guests were rewarded with the evening's specialty cocktail: 'Shaken Not Stirred' martinis in branded keepsake glasses.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2016/01/martini_glass_sheriwhitko_copy.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
After completing all the missions, guests were rewarded with the evening's specialty cocktail: "Shaken Not Stirred" martinis in branded keepsake glasses.
Photo: Sheri Whitko Photography