All eyes have been on political events in the last couple of weeks as the Republican National Convention first took over Cleveland July 18 through 21, followed by the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia July 25 through 28. Naturally, companies such as tech and media brands tagged along to those cities—some traveling to activate in both places in sequence—for events and experiences. Those provided an array of lively ideas for catering, decor, staging, activities, and more.
Facebook was also at the Republican National Convention, where it staged a mini replica of the Oval Office for its Instagram brand.
The CNN Grill popped up in both Cleveland and Philadelphia, offering invited convention-goers access to the tricked-out hospitality venues and live broadcast studios in each city. Starr Catering Group, part of Starr Events, created custom menus in both places, also working with local businesses to incorporate their products into the menus.
The Philadelphia event took over Victory Beer Hall at Xfinity Live. CNN worked with Civic to transform the massive space for food, daily programming, and branded games.
Stars in red and blue flanked the brand's logo and event name, done in the style of marquee lettering.
Guests scooped up buttons in shades of red, white, and blue that bore graphics, logos, and slogans like "I CNN Politics."
For an event as massive as the Democratic National Convention, general contractor Hargrove installed 500,000 square feet of graphics.
The red, white, and blue balloon drop appeared to go a bit more smoothly for the Democrats than for the G.O.P., where there was a noticeable delay in the orbs' release.
Hargrove served as general contractor for the convention, which included what it billed as the widest tent in the world: the media tent, at approximately 200 feet wide. In all, there were more than 300,000 square feet of tenting, more than 42 miles of cabling, and 12 megawatts of power—enough to power 2,000 homes.
AT&T-sponsored charging stations kept people connected.
As part of Glamour and Facebook's yearlong partnership, the magazine's editor in chief Cindi Leive moderated a conversation with Chelsea Clinton, Lena Dunham, and America Ferrera at the Facebook Lounge at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. The discussion garnered major press, and was trending on social media.
The Syncopated Ladies tap band—dressed in rainbow pantsuits inspired by Hillary Clinton—performed.
Apropos for the beauty magazine, the activation also included a glam bar.
Elephant-shaped pillows popped against a white sofa. The social media brand hosted a brunch and panel during the convention. The events were produced by A2E.
Open shelving displayed branded products like logo fans—all done in a red, white, and blue palette.
The setup included playing cards printed with the inspirational message "Win With Us." The cards contained facts about advertising on Facebook.Â
YourBash! produced the Lights Out Post Gavel event at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland for Revolt and AT&T. Â
An American flag backed the stage, topped by an oval-shaped truss structure from which red, white, and blue lighting illuminated the room. Â
The event included a concert from Bret Michaels.
A candy buffet included a spread of treats in red, white, and blue hues, arrayed on blue striped linen.
Floral arrangements were appropriately done in red, white, and blue—including open red and white roses, as well as blue thistle.
YourBash! also produced an event to close out the D.N.C. at the Hyatt at the Bellevue hotel in Philadelphia for Revolt and AT&T. Performances came from MC Lyte and DJ D Nice, and DJ Damage hosted.
At the stroke of midnight, organizers served a cupcake and dessert display by local favorite Sweetbox.
The Americans for the Arts panel at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame featured Governor Mike Huckabee and musician Ben Folds. Like many of the brands that hosted events, Folds also traveled to attend the Democratic National Convention to discuss the bipartisan issue.
Stephen Colbert was among those who visited the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame during the convention's Welcoming Party. In all, the museum hosted more than 4,000 visitors per day. Rock Hall hosted 40 different events throughout the convention, and the quickest event turnaround was just 30 minutes to prepare for a party of 2,200.
Montell Williams signed the V.I.P. signature wall at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame following the American Unity Fund event.
