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  1. Catering & Design
  2. Event Design & Decor

14 Greeters That Made a Big First Impression

Jenny Berg
August 14, 2013

Greeters can make a big first impression on guests, and they open the door (sometimes quite literally) for creative expression at events. From elephants to adorable children—and stilt walkers dressed like cherry trees—here's a look at 14 greeters that made for an enticing event entrance.

Museum of Science and Industry 'Arabia' Movie Premiere
Museum of Science and Industry 'Arabia' Movie Premiere

At the Orlando museum bash in 2010, costumed riders on Arabian horses greeted guests at the entrance. The unusual greeters immediately set the tone for the night's Middle Eastern-inspired vibe.

Photo: Will Staples Photography
Chef's Playground
Chef's Playground

The first-time event at the Art Institute of Chicago May 16 raised money for local public charter school the Academy of Global Citizenship, and students from the school were on hand to greet guests, give them directions, and remind them of the evening's cause—all while (apparently) tugging on donors' heartstrings. Though the event was relatively small, guests bid high all evening, raising more than $1 million.

Photo: Galdones Photography
Redmoon Theater's Spectacle Lunatique
Redmoon Theater's Spectacle Lunatique

As guests arrived at Redmoon's Chicago benefit in 2010, performers wearing giant fists cheered them on and shouted "ooh" and "aah." The moment was a snapshot of the type of surrealist performance art for which Redmoon is known.

Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash
3M at South by Southwest
3M at South by Southwest

Throughout the festival in March, visitors were welcomed to the Austin Convention Center by "Jenny," an interactive digital avatar presented by 3M. The almost disturbingly lifelike avatar spoke to approaching guests and helped them locate panels and events.

Photo: Courtesy of 3M
West Park Healthcare Centre Foundation's Scarlett Ball
West Park Healthcare Centre Foundation's Scarlett Ball

Greeters don't have to stand at an event's entrance. A greeter from a Toronto event in 2010 sat on a swing to playfully meet guests as they entered the dining room.

Photo: Envision
100th Annual National Cherry Blossom Festival's Opening Ceremony
100th Annual National Cherry Blossom Festival's Opening Ceremony

Stilt walkers dressed like cherry-blossom trees greeted guests at the entrance to the event in Washington last year.

Photo: FotoBriceno LLC
'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn—Part 2' Premiere
'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn—Part 2' Premiere

At the Los Angeles premiere for the tween-beloved flick in November 2012, staffers dressed like characters from the film greeted guests.

Photo: Line 8 Photography. All rights reserved.
Absolut X Miami
Absolut X Miami

In May, the Absolut X promotion in Miami had a masquerade theme. At the entrance to the event,  futuristic models offered guests masks to help them get in the spirit.

Photo: World Red Eye
Peninsula Chicago's 10th Anniversary Party
Peninsula Chicago's 10th Anniversary Party

At the Peninsula Chicago's blowout bash in 2011, stilt-walking geishas greeted guests on the red carpet.

Photo: Dan Rest
Subway's "Celebrate Subway" Convention
Subway's 'Celebrate Subway' Convention

At Subway's post-convention gala in 2010, planners transformed a section of Chicago's McCormick Place convention center into the "Subway Stadium." Enthusiastic cheerleaders, dressed in the brand's signature hues, greeted guests at the entrance.

Photo: Kardas Photography
Three to Be's Stems of Hope Gala
Three to Be's Stems of Hope Gala

At a futuristic benefit in Toronto in 2011, a robot greeted guests on a holographic carpet at the entrance.

Photo: StudioTwentyFive
Washington Ballet's Annual Gala
Washington Ballet's Annual Gala

The 2012 gala had a playful Alice in Wonderland theme. Young members of the ballet school dressed like the card guards from the classic story and greeted guests on the red carpet. 

Photo: Jeremy Norwood
Grand Cru Wine and Dine
Grand Cru Wine and Dine

The Toronto event took place at a private residence in 2012. An elephant from Bowmanville Zoo greeted guests at the entrance of the house, handing (er, trunking?) out flowers as they arrived.

Photo: Tom Sandler
Jelly Belly at the Sweets & Snacks Expo
Jelly Belly at the Sweets & Snacks Expo

Greeters can help draw traffic at trade shows, too. At Chicago's Sweets & Snacks Expo in May, a smiling, clog-sporting jelly bean was on hand to greet confectionery buyers.

Photo: Dustin Berta for BizBash
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