The D.C. Chapter of the International Special Events Society (ISES) hosted its annual Tabletop Design Challenge June 28 at the Mandarin Oriental hotel. More than 150 guests and members turned out to see nine professional tabletops that highlighted many of the trends that are showing up at events throughout the city. This year, ISES challenged the designers to create an original design inspired by a fairy tale. The contenders were judged on their use of innovative products, original design ideas, and level of difficulty.
The Moroccan themed “40 Bandits” table designed by DC Rental, JLB Floral, and Social Scene took home the People’s Choice award as well as Most Creative, while Nora Burgan and Deema Zein of Ultimate Events Inc. won Most Innovative for their “Thumbelina: Princess in a Tulip" tabletop. The Most Difficult tabletop went to Da Vinci Floral’s “Believe” table that featured live butterflies, a live model, and thousands of flowers placed in a multitude of arrangements and floral trees.
This year’s event also took on a charitable role by partnering with Operation Starfish, a local charity that helps send children in Haiti to school. Donations received throughout the evening were enough to send 22 children to school in the fall.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijination Photography for BizBash