The ski-themed event, dubbed Après Connect, brought together more than 200 event profs.Photo: SpotMyPhotos
NEW YORK—As BizBash, founded in 2000 in New York City, approaches its 25th anniversary, it only felt right to return to our roots. On Feb. 21, BizBash co-hosted a wintry networking bash at Somewhere Nowhere as part of Connect NYC (Connect is BizBash's parent company). The ski-themed event, dubbed Après Connect, brought together more than 200 event profs for surprise-and-delight F&B moments, bringing to life some of the food and beverage trends discussed earlier that day during Connect NYC's education sessions.
"We wanted to jump off the page with this and showcase some of the latest and greatest things that you can look for in F&B, and what better place to do this than where BizBash got its start?" said Michela Giovannotto, BizBash's director of brand experiences.
BizBash partnered with House of Attention to bring the creative studio's drone bartender and food laser to the event. Guests could order cocktails for drone delivery and have their cocktails or s'mores laser-engraved with a personalized touch. Mary Giuliani Catering & Events (MGCE) provided a mouthwatering raclette station.
“When [BizBash founder] David Adler asked the crowd of event professionals, 'Do you love what you do?' and almost the entire room threw up their hands with a resounding yes, I grew even more grateful to be in an industry whose main goal is to bring joy to others," Mary Giuliani said. "Oh, and the après-ski theme was perfect. I mean, melted cheese and cocktails served by drones? Only in New York!”
On Somewhere Nowhere's open-air rooftop, full of incredible city views, guests were treated to cozy "igloos" where they could comfortably enjoy their s'mores and libations.
"Somewhere Nowhere was thrilled to host the opening reception of Connect NYC in collaboration with BizBash, where innovation meets extravagance," said Kristy Fourie, the venue's senior event sales manager. "Our event promised an unforgettable experience with laser eats, a drone bartender, the irresistible charm of New York's most famous cookies from Levain Bakery, a touch of elegance with the Champagne dress by Athena Entertainment, and enchanting decor crafted by Let It Be Made 8."
While the foundation of Connect NYC was the one-on-one appointments and education (as it is for all Connect events), BizBash wanted to give planners a true site visit to the city with Après Connect, while also showcasing exciting vendor partners and new twists on F&B must-haves.
"It's always invigorating to go to a BizBash | Connect event, because there are so many points of inspiration and education," said Michael Cirino, House of Attention's chief experience officer. "I was blown away by Mary Giuliani and her work, and Somewhere Nowhere was the perfect venue—sitting high above the city—to be inspired and gather people in NYC."
Keep scrolling for more from inside Après Connect...
Interested in attending our live events? Contact Rachel Jackson at [email protected] or [email protected].
