CoreNet Global prides itself as a company with an eye on both the present and future of the modern workplace. But for the opening-night reception of the association's 2008 summit at the Walt Disney World Resort Swan and Dolphin Resort on November 9, it found inspiration in a retro fusion of Old Havana and South Beach.
Kellen Meetings, the company's Atlanta-based planners, turned to Peaches Decker and her team at Prestige Productions to bring the Viva Florida Social Club to life for 800 guests at the Fantasia Gardens and Pavilion adjacent to the hotels.
The event was arranged into three separate areas: a town-square-like marketplace for networking, a Cuban-style dining area, and a hip dance club. Decker immediately grabbed the attention of partygoers with the presence of two 1950s-era classic automobiles on display, courtesy of DL Rodhouse.
Upon entering the main dining pavilion, guests were welcomed by a flight of ceviche shooters of shrimp, crab, and grouper. The space-inspired by vintage travel posters of Old Havana-was decked out in rich dark wood hues and tables draped in burlap linens, reminiscent of coffee bean bags, from Panache: A Classic Party Rental Company.
Attendees looking to mingle gathered in the South Beach-style pavilion featuring the upbeat music of the eight-piece band Caliente. The space was given hints of the glamour of South Florida with fusions of fuchsia and turquoise theatrical lighting, glowing art, and neon signage from Prestige, as well as sleek furniture from Room Service Furniture and Event Rentals.
At the end of the evening a large dessert bar, featuring bite-size key lime pie, crème brûlée, and chocolate soufflés, was wheeled out to the center of the marketplace for guests to enjoy.