Event Ideas

Baked by Melissa's giant gumball machine, which Elizabeth Arden dubbed its Recharge Machine, dispensed little plastic pods that held red velvet cupcakes as well as red tickets that could be exchanged for items like Red Door spa gift certificates, Elizabeth Arden products, or a pair of Christian Louboutin heels.

Among the big stories of 2012 were (clockwise from top left) Ford's trade show booth, homeless people serving as South by Southwest hotspots, the Diamond Jubilee, Charlie Trotter's farewell meal, Hurricane Sandy, and Samsung's product launches.

Fox hosted the premiere for its new show, Alcatraz, on Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay.

Guests arrived via boat from Pier 33 in San Francisco.

Guests took the audio tour of the old facility and heard stories from folks who were there.

The show's premiere screened in cellblock D, where the worst-offending prisoners were housed and solitary confinement took place.

Guards, dressed in authentic pea coats, walked up and back on the upper levels of the jail cells during the screening, looking down on the guests.

Guests dined in the former mess hall.

Food from Melons Catering included chicken and rice, and other dishes that were popular in the '60s.

The goal was to keep the experience as authentic as possible for guests.

YourBash! brought in minimal decor to keep the space spare and the experience genuine.

One anachronism: The new Mustang from sponsor Ford was on view.

The menu was posted on foam menu boards, identical to the ones used in 1963 at the facility.

LumiGram uses luminous fiber-optic fabric technology to create glowing linens, wall panels, chair covers, promotional items, and more.

Giant plastic igloos purchased from Inflate sheltered unconventional seating areas.