Although most Meeting Professionals International meetings focus on education, the Tampa Bay chapter's installation and awards banquet was all about groovy gimmicks and far out fun.
Tara Liaschinko of the Link Event Professionals and Danielle Nunez-Seaberg of Grand Events of Florida headed a committee that transported them back nearly 40 years, creating a playful tongue-and-cheek version of 1960's (a la Austin Powers) at A La Carte Event Pavillion.
Performers from Evention Show Productions, who were decked out in 60's-inspired clothing, greeted the guests. Male actors wore multicolored shirts and coordinating flair-legged pants; the women donned short dresses with colorful patterns (think Pucci on acid). Some danced on small raised platforms, while others (including a raincoat wearing, tricycle riding character from Wise Guys) interacted with guests and members. Before heading into the main room, guests nibbled on passed hors d'oeuvres and played dress up 60's-style for souvenir photos courtesy of Christie's Photographic Studios.
In the ballroom, the 60's theme was played up, as flower and smiley face gobo lights were projected around the room. Tables dressed in blue, yellow, orange, and fuchsia psychedelic swirl patterned linens made of liquid lamé were each topped with a small vase holding mums and silk Gerbera daisies. Chairs with lime green covers and adorned with fuchsia or yellow sashes (which guests would later wear as headbands) from Connie Duglin Specialty Linen Tampa were placed only half-way around the table, enabling each guest a view of the stage.
Continuous footage of the television show Laugh-In played on two big screens flanking the stage donated by Audio Visual Innovations, showing actors such as Dan Rowan, Dean Martin, Lily Tomlin, Goldie Hawn, and Ruth Buzzy in their younger days. Live entertainment included numerous 60's-inspired comical and dance numbers by Eventions Show Productions' dancers, while Marvelless Mark took mic in hand to lead the show.
The skits continued as dinner was served. A La Carte's catering department's creativity was present throughout the meal starting with the first course, a timbale of grilled summer vegetables stuffed with shrimp and served with smoked eggplant, curry oil and cilantro chutney. The main course offered a combination of filet mignon and salmon, quinoa, leek bastilla with crimson lentils, spicy Harissa and cooling cucumber raita. A dessert of grilled summer fruit on a sugar cane skewer over baboosa with almond tuile and rose water finished the meal.
In an atypical installation ceremony, they called the new board onstage and instead of a serious "swearing in of the officers," they all participated in an entertaining introduction to a great new year. There was plenty of audience participation; outgoing president Kirk Whelan got a chance to dance in a skit, as well as give a moving speech, and incoming president, Liz Hall, also spoke briefly. Awards to outstanding members were also handed out. As the evening came to a close, Marvellous Mark, dressed as Austin Powers called the whole chapter onstage for his closing bit, where he unleashed rolls of toilet paper combined with confetti, which covered the crowd.
—Shari Lynn Rothstein
Performers dressed as groovy guys and gals from the 60's era greeted guests as they entered the event.
Tables dressed in multicolored psychedelic swirl-pattered linens were paired with lime green chair covers.
Seats were only placed on one side of the table enabling guests to clearly see the stage.
Gobo lights of smiley faces and flowers added to the ambiance of the room.
Performers clad in colorful 60's-inspired costumes led guests to the main room.
Numerous performances took place throughout the evening with the ensemble cast.
Never without a trick up his sleeve, Marvelless Mark amused the guests with pyrotechnics.
