Pepsi/'Billboard' Summer Beats Concert Series
On July 30 Pepsi and Billboard hit the Cannery Ballroom in Nashville for the second installment of their summer concert series, which included performances by Jana Kramer, Randy Houser, and country music trio Gloriana (pictured). The brands streamed the bash live on pepsi.com, allowing the online viewers to influence elements of the staging in real time.
Photo: Sara Kauss/Getty Images for Pepsi
Garnier Fructis at Bonnaroo
More than 80,000 people traveled to a remote 700-acre farm in Tennessee June 7-10 for the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. Knowing the attendees would be outside day and night listening music on multiple stages, brands such as Garnier Fructis provided practical services such as free hair-washing and styling in a 40- by 40-foot air-conditioned tent.
Photo: Erika Goldring
Ford at Bonnaroo
Ford handed out more than 3,000 free T-shirts, screen-printed on-site with designs inspired by mural artists working outside the tent.
Photo: Courtesy of Ford Motor Company
VH1's 'Pop-Up Video' at Lollapalooza
The show Pop-Up Video recently returned to VH1 and to publicize it, the music channel hosted an activation on the grounds of Lollapalooza. Using augmented reality developed for VH1 by Awestruck Marketing, the promotion let guests see themselves on a big screen in the park virtually interacting with Lollapalooza artists such as the Black Keys and Fun. Guests could instantly post photos from the activation to social media sites.
Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash
Toyota Prius at Lollapalooza
The Toyota Prius Family Playground was filled with games, including a human-powered prize wheel that had guests run to win gifts from the automaker. The most talked-about aspect of the marketing effort was the "Whac-a-Hipster" game, which let guests use a soft mallet to smack little pop-up heads with stylized mustaches and glasses.
Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash
Soul Sounds Chicago
In partnership with the BMF Media Group, Soul Electronics hosted "Soul Sounds Chicago" evening at the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago in August. The kickoff event for Lollapalooza offered UV Vodka cocktails, Ashai beer, and performances from Cee Lo Green (pictured) and Miguel. Vibe magazine was the official media partner.
Photo: Seth Browarnik/WorldRedEye.com
'Fader' and Vitaminwater's "Uncapped" Concert Series
This summer, Vitaminwater and Fader teamed up to produce a nationwide concert series called "Uncapped." Playing off the partnership between the two brands, the concerts included sets from artists of different genres. In Chicago Santigold and rapper Wale performed, along with a set from R&B singer Melanie Fiona. Open bars doled out complimentary Vitaminwater.
Photo: Courtesy of Full Picture
Pop-Tarts' "Crazy Good Summer" Pop-Up Concert
The Kellogg’s brand hosted a pop-up concert on Northerly Island in Chicago July 19. With performances by Carly Rae Jepsen, Boys Like Girls, and teen sensation Austin Mahone, the event also allowed guests to pose on the red carpet with giant plush Pop-Tarts and sample treats from a Pop-Tarts bar.
Photo: Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Kellogg’s Pop Tarts
Camp Groupon
The Web site for group discounts hosted a ticketed, weekend-long activation in Chicago from July 6-8. Guests checked in at the downtown Swissötel, which served as camp headquarters, and spent the weekend participating in various activities. On Saturday night, guests headed to Navy Pier for a private concert from the Counting Crows as well as Grace Potter and the Nocturnals (pictured).
Photo: Sheri Whitko Photography
Sunglass Hut Block Party
Founded in Miami, Sunglass Hut returned to its roots for the recent opening of its largest outpost to date, located on Lincoln Road. The "Sunglass Hut Summer Block Party Miami" launch continued into the evening on the seventh floor of the 11 11 Lincoln Road parking garage structure. Guest artist Amy Heidemann, who is one-half of the pop duo Karmin, performed on an elevated stage outfitted with vertical pink LED panels, a Sunglass Hut banner, and a mirrored DJ booth.
Photo: Seth Browarnik/startraksphoto.com
Garnier Fructis at Bonnaroo
The L'Oréal-owned brand also brought music props for guests to pose with after their hair service. Participants received the photos via email, allowing them to share the images on social networks.
Photo: Courtesy of Garnier Fructis
Philips at Bonnaroo
Philips sponsored a silent disco at Bonnaroo. The company provided 400 of its new CitiScape Collection headphones for guests to wear to listen to tunes being spun by two DJs.
Photo: Courtesy of Philips
Ford at Bonnaroo
Ford dubbed its tent "Destination Escape," playing on the name of its Escape vehicle that was displayed outside. Inside, festivalgoers could cool off in the air-conditioned space, listen to live performances, and charge their phones.
Photo: Courtesy of Ford Motor Company
State Farm at Bonnaroo
Bonnaroo attendees could relax in hammocks and enter to win V.I.P. passes in the "Great State Lounge" hosted by State Farm. The insurance company also provided what it called "Bonnaroo Roadside Assistance"—free services such as help with lockouts, flat tires, and dead batteries.
Photo: Erika Goldring
Emusic at Pitchfork Music Festival
As part of the July run of Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago’s Union Park, Web-based music store Emusic staged an activation that allegedly read spiritual vibes and frequencies. Inside a small photo booth, consumers could listen to songs from various Pitchfork acts while placing their hand on an electrical plate. The installation then printed out colorful strips that showed their different “auras” for each listening experience. New York-based agency Mother worked with Chicago's Ravenswood Events to produce the unusual experience.
Photo: Jenny Berg/BizBash
Whole Foods at Pitchfork Music Festival
Whole Foods erected an on-site farmer's market where guests could purchase everything from strawberries to sunflowers. The cute, country-style space was dressed up with gingham curtains and woven baskets.
Photo: Jenny Berg/BizBash
Heineken at Pitchfork Music Festival
Heineken had a dome-shaped tent meant to represent a reinvented beer cooler. After having their IDs checked, guests entered the air-conditioned space to find open bars doling out the Dutch beer on tap.
Photo: Jenny Berg/BizBash
Heineken at Pitchfork Music Festival
Darkened and shot through with green light—Heineken's signature hue—the tent had projection videos of real-time Pitchfork concerts playing on its ceiling. California-based Corso Communications produced the activation.
Photo: Courtesy of Pitchfork Music Festival
Purina at Pitchfork Music Festival
Purina gave out free "pets rock" posters, which featured colorful, arty illustrations of dogs and cats clutching musical instruments. The brand also had a video booth that let guests hop in and share their personal “ingredient for daily good,” matching the marketing focus on the pure ingredients that make up its pet food. To produce the activation, Pitchfork organizers worked with Zeus Jones, a creative agency based in Minneapolis.
Photo: Courtesy of Pitchfork Music Festival
Lollapalooza
C3 Presents' music festival, now in its 21st year, drew about 90,000 guests a day to Chicago's Grant Park August 3 through 5. The festival offered performances from 130 bands on stages with sponsor names, including the Red Bull Soundstage, the Sony stage, the Google Play stage, the BMI stage, and the PlayStation stage. Florence & the Machine played on the Bud Light stage on the last day of the festival.
Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash
Adidas at Lollapalooza
On festival grounds, the Adidas Originals Black Top let guests watch professional skateboarders in action (and, of course, Adidas gear). The activation also let guests snap photos and enter to win giveaways.
Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash
Uber at Lollapalooza
Music fans at Lollapalooza often send beach balls bouncing through the crowds during concerts. Uber took advantage of the festival hobby by doling out balls splashed with the company logo and a special event hashtag, #Uberpalooza.
Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash
Sony PlayStation at Lollapalooza
Behind the Red Bull Soundstage, PlayStation hosted a V.I.P. area that had plush seating, games, and a Magnolia photo booth. There were also open bars.
Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash
'Rolling Stone' Rock Room
Rolling Stone hosted the Rock Room at the Paris Club on Friday and Saturday of Lollapalooza weekend. The daytime event served brunch to a guest list that included media, band managers, label reps, and guests of the performing bands. The "Women Who Rock" showcase, linked to a competition hosted by the magazine, had performances by finalists, including Rita Ora. The winner, selected by readers' online votes, will appear on the cover of the September issue of Rolling Stone.
Photo: Anjali Pinto/Rolling Stone
Gilt City's Better Than Backstage Rooftop Pool Party
Gilt City hosted a party at EnV, a condo building in Chicago's River North, on Saturday afternoon of Lollapalooza weekend. The Icelandic band Of Monsters and Men, which also performed at the festival, played an intimate set at the rooftop party.
Photo: Francis Son Photography
Invitations that are messy, cluttered, or contain typos turn guests off.
Illustration: Joey Bouchard/BizBash
Photo: Jeff Golden
Entertain a crowd post-sunset with an alfresco movie experience. Utah-based Open Air Cinema is an outdoor cinema equipment supplier and event producer, with rental affiliates throughout the U.S. The company can provide screens up to 40 feet wide, as well as snacks such as popcorn and hot dogs. (The theater systems can also be set up for video games or karaoke.) Event production costs start from $2,000, and Open Air Cinema can help obtain a public performance license for movies, which can cost between $300 and $500.
Photo: Courtesy of Open Air Cinema
Companies including Turner Classic Movies and American Express have booked water ballet company the Aqualillies. The female synchronized swimmers wear vintage swimsuits, flowered swim caps, and red lipstick, while performing a tightly choreographed routine to music. Based in Miami, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and New York, prices are available on request.
Photo: Resolution Photographics
New York-based GrooveHoops performs a mix of dance and acrobatics while manipulating Hula-Hoops. The six performers stage choreographed sets that typically last four to seven minutes, while using standard variety, glowing LED, or fire-lit Hula-Hoops. GrooveHoops travels worldwide; fees start from $500 for one performer.
Photo: Courtesy of GrooveHoops
Entertainment company Zen Arts offers an array of entertainment options for dramatic outdoor entertaining, including fire dancers, costumed mermaids, and transparent “bubble spheres” that float on water while holding dancers. Most recently, six female Olympians joined the company’s synchronized swimming troupe. Based in Los Angeles, Zen Arts performers can travel worldwide; performances cost between $10,000 and $100,000.
Photo: Courtesy of Zen Arts
Bicycle action performer Trevor Bodogh performs gravity-defying tricks on two wheels while traversing a portable set of obstacles like ramps and platforms. The 25-minute set features Bodogh executing moves like climbing up a six-and-a-half-foot-tall “Devil’s Staircase” on his seatless bike. Bodogh can perform outdoors on a variety of surfaces, and he brings his own equipment, music, and sound system. Based in Toronto, Bodogh travels across the U.S. and Canada; fees start from $1,500.
Photo: Calvin Frank Photography
In addition to nighttime fireworks displays, PyroTecnico can also present daytime “fireworks” shows using colored smoke. With offices throughout the U.S., the company can stage performances anywhere. Prices available on request.
Photo: Courtesy of PyroTecnico
Moods of Norway’s Fashion’s Night Out Party
To celebrate the opening of its Stateside store, Moods of Norway hosted a "Really, Really Blond Party" for Fashion's Night Out 2012 in New York, at which all attendees were given blond wigs in order to achieve the classic Norwegian look.
Photo: Melissa Schorsch/BizBash
Electric Run
In November, the first Electric Run was held in Costa Mesa, California. The trippy nighttime 5K saw more than 10,000 participants dressed in glow-in-dark costumes. The entrance fee included a custom-designed T-shirt, an LED bracelet, a glow necklace, and glowing sunglasses. Racers were also encouraged to adorn themselves with glow sticks, LED-lit clothes, and neon colors.
Photo: Courtesy of Electric Run
The Museum of Contemporary Art's ArtEdge Gala
This year's ArtEdge gala in Chicago was held in the Museum of Contemporary Art's warehouse, with an appropriately gritty factory vibe. To match the event's industrial feel, the co-chairs draped guests with caution tape as they arrived on the scene.
Photo: Bob Carl
Performa's White on White Party
At its 2006 benefit in New York, performance art organization Performa integrated partygoers directly into the design scheme by asking them to dress in white and then video projections to turned the guests into human movie screens. For guests who didn’t arrive in white, the organization put together a group called the Emergency Sewing Project to craft white clothes; the team of sewers was intended as both a service and a performance piece.
Photo: BizBash
Performa’s Relache—The Party Fund-Raising Gala
Performa’s most recent gala in December also incorporated attendees into the event's surrealist theme: Invitations instructed guests to wear black and white haute couture. On site, there was a station where the event’s 500 attendees could further accessorize with headpieces formed with mannequin heads and other costumes from designer Lika Volkova.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Absolut X Masquerade Ball
Liquor brand Absolut hosted its edgy, art-driven Absolut X Masquerade Ball in Chicago in November, where guests were invited to wear black-and-silver hand-painted masks, as well as transform themselves at makeover stations.
Photo: Courtesy of Ketchum
The Color Run
The Color Run 5K toured to 53 cities in 2012, with more than 600,000 participants willing to douse themselves in bright hues. The runners were asked to wear white shirts, and when they reached the designated color zones dotting the course, volunteers and staffers doused them with colorful powder. "I wanted to add something ... that could serve as a sort of visual reward for all the hard work these runners put into training for the event," said founder Travis Snyder.
Photo: Courtesy of the Color Run
Dîner en Blanc
Started more than 25 years ago in Paris, Dîner en Blanc is an impromptu picnic now held in dozens of public spaces throughout the world each year. Event organizers ask guests to dress in all-white clothing and bring a list of items, including white plastic folding chairs and tables, white tablecloths and napkins, and white dinnerware.
Photo: Daniel the Photographer Serrette
UrbanDaddy and Stoli's "White Room" Event
UrbanDaddy's "white room" event in November—an affair created in partnership with Stoli to promote the vodka brand's new campaign and flavors—instructed its 350 attendees to dress in all-white attire to match the all-white decor in the venue. As the night progressed, guests splattered the walls and their clothes (protected by white lab coats supplied by organizers) with colorful paint.
Photo: Carolyn Curtis/BizBash
Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles Gala
The vision of artist Marina Abramović dictated the look and feel at MoCA’s 2011 gala. The event's 750 guests were asked to change into matching white lab coats as they entered the space, an experiment that was designed to allow everyone to participate in the evening on an equal playing field. "You had all these people in expensive outfits, but they put on the lab coats and that was that,” said event producer Carleen Cappelletti. "It took away the hierarchy you feel at an event."
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
'Playboy' Super Bowl Party Presented by Crown Royal
Produced by Caravents, Playboy’s recent Super Bowl party had a Mardi Gras theme and decor elements meant to invoke an authentic New Orleans feel. To go along with the themed decor, guests could select a colorful masquerade mask to wear as they entered the party.
Photo: Line 8 Photography. All rights reserved.
Whitney Museum of American Art 75th Anniversary Benefit
Back in 2005, the Whitney’s fall gala incorporated blue neon centerpieces created by artist Richard Tuttle. Accordingly, invitations specified that guests dress in the Pantone Matching System color blue 630 to correspond with the significant color displayed in Tuttle’s art. Guests including Chloë Sevigny, Evelyn Lauder, and Peggy Siegal complied.
Photo: Arlene Sandler/Lensgirl
1. Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows' New Suites
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows recently opened the first of several suites from interior designer Lynda Murray, offering a residential atmosphere inspired by Santa Monica culture and lifestyle. The 785-square-foot suite offers views of the Pacific Ocean and artwork that's symbolic of Santa Monica and Los Angeles, including an iconic black-and-white Henry Diltz photograph of the Doors strolling along Venice Beach. Additional artwork includes black-and-white photos of the Santa Monica Pier, surfers in Malibu and the Santa Monica Beach, as well as a sculpture created out of locally collected driftwood and moss. Other design elements include hickory hardwood floors, a contemporary candelabra chandelier, a custom-designed velvet wing-back bed, zinc distressed metal night stands, a steel and reclaimed wood coffee table, and a glass and metal desk that transitions from workspace to dining table. The suite also includes a wet bar equipped with classic 1920s-inspired cocktail recipes and a retro espresso maker.
Photo: Erika Bierman
4. Sirena
Sirena opened on Beverly Boulevard in January, serving fare billed as "coastal Italian," plus a well-curated wine selection. Opened in the former Pane e Vino space, Sirena is under the direction of restaurant veterans Peter Garland (of Porta Via), Sandy Gendel (of Pace) and Michael Sutton (of the Lodge Steakhouse). The menu offers fresh seafood, Mediterranean dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and a focus on local growers. The space is decorated with recycled wood and aqua accents to evoke the Mediterranean Sea; the name of the venue means "mermaid" in Italian.
Photo: Jeff Miller
5. The Lash Social
Born into an established Irish family known for that country's inns and pubs, L.A. musician Ross O’Carroll has introduced new nightlife spot the Lash Social in the historic core of downtown. The new venue is a bar, club, and art space meant to encourage expression; creative director and designer Erik Hart used reflection, shattered building materials, blocks of granite, modular angles, and metallics throughout the venue's interior. It also has a custom-designed, distorted disco ball.
Photo: Courtesy of the Lash Social
8. Grand Vault Studios
There's a new event space inside the historical Federal Reserve building, known as Grand Vault Studios. On the lower floor of the building, the 2,000-square-foot space—blocks away from Staples Center and L.A. Live—has Wi-Fi, a top-end sound system, large dance floor with freestanding furniture, and adjacent public parking lots. Full-service catering is available for events.
Photo: Courtesy of Grand Vault Studios
9. Vertigo Salon
The Vertigo Salon downtown offers a spacious, sun-filled event space. The 5,000-square-foot venue, located atop the historical Standard Oil Building, has luxe chairs, beveled glass mirrors, and black crystal chandeliers throughout. L.A. interior designer Ryan Saghian designed the space, which can be used for groups with pampering services, or can reconfigure furniture for use as a versatile space for any type of event.
Photo: Courtesy of Vertigo Salon
10. Le Ka
Le Ka is now open in downtown's financial district. It focuses on artisanal and locally sourced ingredients with fare from French chef Rémi Lauvand. Entering into the space from Flower Street, a sprawling patio, complete with fire features, offers outdoor seating. In the indoor space, sleek black furniture complements warm woods and soft lighting, a bustling open kitchen, and a stylish bar area. A large wine tower rests along one wall, framing two all-glass private dining rooms for events and meetings.
Photo: Peter Christiansen Valli
Preston Bailey
Preston Bailey Designs
Bailey’s dramatic floral designs and theatrical flair have made fans out of celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Liza Minnelli, and Donna Karan, as well as brands such as Sandals Resorts, Godiva, and Hewlett-Packard. The high-profile New York-based designer’s lush, over-the-top designs have been featured in six books, plus countless TV shows and magazines.
On Twitter: @PrestonRBailey
Bailey’s dramatic floral designs and theatrical flair have made fans out of celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Liza Minnelli, and Donna Karan, as well as brands such as Sandals Resorts, Godiva, and Hewlett-Packard. The high-profile New York-based designer’s lush, over-the-top designs have been featured in six books, plus countless TV shows and magazines.
On Twitter: @PrestonRBailey
Photo: Courtesy of Preston Bailey
Private Event by Preston Bailey
"I love creating a unique place for guests to congregate and enjoy one another, so I thought, why not create a massive floral carpet that would serve both as a beautiful focal point and a gathering area? I designed a 'carpet' and filled it with hundreds of beautiful blooms and then covered it with Plexiglas. The result was a statement piece that allowed guests to dance on air." —Preston Bailey
Photo: Courtesy of PrestonBailey.com/John Labbe
André Wells
Events by André Wells
Wells launched his Washington-based, full-service production firm in 2004 and has since become one of the top planners in town, producing around 80 corporate, social, and nonprofit events a year in his signature glamorous, colorful style for members of Congress, BET, Dell, Disney, and more.
On Twitter: @AndreWells
Wells launched his Washington-based, full-service production firm in 2004 and has since become one of the top planners in town, producing around 80 corporate, social, and nonprofit events a year in his signature glamorous, colorful style for members of Congress, BET, Dell, Disney, and more.
On Twitter: @AndreWells
Photo: Dan Hallman for BizBash
BET Honors Dinner by André Wells
"I like the chic simplicity of it. We used crystal and glass elements to make the historic building more modern and fun." —André Wells
Photo: David De Pas
Colin Cowie
Colin Cowie Enterprises
With a 26-year career that includes designing lush, extravagant events for big-name corporate clients and A-list celebrities, plus nine books, a wedding Web site, a line of home products for HSN, and too many television appearances to count, Cowie is a solid candidate for “Most Famous Person in the Event Industry.” He brings his five-senses design approach to around 25 projects a year, four to six of which he is heavily involved in.
On Twitter: @ColinCowie
With a 26-year career that includes designing lush, extravagant events for big-name corporate clients and A-list celebrities, plus nine books, a wedding Web site, a line of home products for HSN, and too many television appearances to count, Cowie is a solid candidate for “Most Famous Person in the Event Industry.” He brings his five-senses design approach to around 25 projects a year, four to six of which he is heavily involved in.
On Twitter: @ColinCowie
Photo: Courtesy of Colin Cowie
Discover Kazakhstan Anniversary Dinner by Colin Cowie
"My favorite part about the design was the research trip to Kazakhstan. Since the national color is blue, I created a palette of blue and grey and used elements like cobalt blue mirrors to showcase a modern Kazakhstan, and yellow miniature calla lilies for the bright future they have ahead of them." —Colin Cowie
Photo: Colin Miller
David Beahm
David Beahm Design
Beahm’s inventive, breathtaking designs have been in high demand since his big break, planning the nuptials of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas in 2000. Beahm and his New York-based team design more than 200 events annually, including lavish social, nonprofit, and corporate parties for Memorial Sloan-Kettering, Victoria’s Secret, and Louis Vuitton. Beahm is especially known for his sculptural, dramatic floral arrangements.
On Twitter: @davidbeahmdesig
Beahm is speaking at BizBash’s Event Innovation Forum—South Florida on April 10.
Beahm’s inventive, breathtaking designs have been in high demand since his big break, planning the nuptials of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas in 2000. Beahm and his New York-based team design more than 200 events annually, including lavish social, nonprofit, and corporate parties for Memorial Sloan-Kettering, Victoria’s Secret, and Louis Vuitton. Beahm is especially known for his sculptural, dramatic floral arrangements.
On Twitter: @davidbeahmdesig
Beahm is speaking at BizBash’s Event Innovation Forum—South Florida on April 10.
Photo: Joanna Wilson Photography
Private Event by David Beahm
"We were influenced by our surroundings. We let the decor of Blue Hill at Stone Barns rule our aesthetic, letting nature dictate the design. The hand-hammered copper urn visually grounded the design." —David Beahm
Photo: Brian Dorsey Studios
Larry Abel & Raymond McCallister
Abel McCallister Designs
Business partners since 2004, Los Angeles-based Abel and McCallister specialize in stylized editorial events, consumer promotions, sponsor lounges, and other brand-focused experiential events for clients such as Chase, Sprint, Entertainment Weekly, and Elle. Their designs often include surprising product installations, such as a chandelier of Godiva chocolates or a mosaic of Garnier bottles.
On Twitter: @larryabel
Business partners since 2004, Los Angeles-based Abel and McCallister specialize in stylized editorial events, consumer promotions, sponsor lounges, and other brand-focused experiential events for clients such as Chase, Sprint, Entertainment Weekly, and Elle. Their designs often include surprising product installations, such as a chandelier of Godiva chocolates or a mosaic of Garnier bottles.
On Twitter: @larryabel
Photo: Dan Hallman for BizBash
Fox's Treehouse of Horrors Party by Larry Abel & Raymond McCallister
"We imagined what an amusement park would look like in the world of the Simpsons. Attendees loved the way the characters were integrated into the games, and my favorite part was turning Whac-A-Mole into Maggie’s Peek-A-Boo Pumpkins." —Larry Abel
Photos: Courtesy of Abel McCallister Designs
Billy Butchkavitz
Billy Butchkavitz Design
Butchkavitz’s claim to fame is the eye-popping, Technicolor decor he has been creating for HBO’s annual Emmy and Golden Globes parties since 1999. Using custom tents, carpets, and furniture, and drawing inspiration from such diverse sources as the stone mosaic walkways of the Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, vintage Pucci fabrics, and modernist architect Oscar Neimeyer, his designs are always a kaleidoscope of color, patterns, and light projections.
Butchkavitz’s claim to fame is the eye-popping, Technicolor decor he has been creating for HBO’s annual Emmy and Golden Globes parties since 1999. Using custom tents, carpets, and furniture, and drawing inspiration from such diverse sources as the stone mosaic walkways of the Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, vintage Pucci fabrics, and modernist architect Oscar Neimeyer, his designs are always a kaleidoscope of color, patterns, and light projections.
Photo: Gabor Ekecs
HBO Emmy Party by Billy Butchkavitz
"I find out what will be trending and available to the public around the time of my event—and then I avoid it." —Billy Butchkavitz
Photo: Gabor Ekecs
Jaime Geffen and Brian Worley
YourBash
For four years, the Los Angeles-based creative duo has worked on designing movie premieres, product launches, and green-minded events including Fox’s American Idol finale party, the Foundation Polo Challenge, and the Teen Choice Awards.
On Twitter: @YourBASHjgeffen
On Twitter: @YourBASHbworley
For four years, the Los Angeles-based creative duo has worked on designing movie premieres, product launches, and green-minded events including Fox’s American Idol finale party, the Foundation Polo Challenge, and the Teen Choice Awards.
On Twitter: @YourBASHjgeffen
On Twitter: @YourBASHbworley
Photos: Shawn Smith (Worley), Courtesy of Jamie Geffen (Geffen)
Teen Choice Awards by Jaime Geffen and Brian Worley
"The V.I.P. tent was inspired by the surfboard that is given as the award. Each year it is fun to see what the award will look like and then get to design a space that represents it. This tends to be one of my favorite spaces to design because it allows for lots of color and whimsy." —Brian Worley
Photo: Sean Twomey/2me Studios
David Stark
David Stark Design and Production
Clients such as Target, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the IFC request Stark’s signature style, which combines an artistic sensibility with a sense of whimsy. Stark is known for using recycled materials and items that can be repurposed in his often flower-free installations and for his striking on-brand marketing ideas.
On Twitter: @DavidStarkInc
Clients such as Target, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the IFC request Stark’s signature style, which combines an artistic sensibility with a sense of whimsy. Stark is known for using recycled materials and items that can be repurposed in his often flower-free installations and for his striking on-brand marketing ideas.
On Twitter: @DavidStarkInc
Photo: Dan Hallman for BizBash
U.S. State Department's Art in Embassies 50th Anniversary Gala by David Stark
"From atop a 20-foot-tall viewing platform, guests viewed a giant optical illusion ‘street’ drawing created by chalk artist Michael Macaulay as well as many other radical art installations, sculptures, performances, and video art pieces." —David Stark
Photo: Heidi Ehalt
Jeffry Roick
The Carlu Corporation/McNabb Roick Events
With more than 28 years of experience, Roick is a one-stop shop for Toronto events, designing show-stopping party decor for big-name clients like Target and Chanel.
On Twitter: @mcnabbroick
With more than 28 years of experience, Roick is a one-stop shop for Toronto events, designing show-stopping party decor for big-name clients like Target and Chanel.
On Twitter: @mcnabbroick
Photo: Stacey Brandford Photography
Art Gallery of Ontario's Picasso Gala by Jeffry Roick
"The beauty of this design was the bold use of color, which complemented the essence of Picasso’s art without focusing on a specific piece of his work. It allowed guests to step into his world of color." —Jeffry Roick
Photo: Christina Gaspic
Garin Baura
Baura New York
Since he launched his firm in 2006, Baura’s aesthetic has been influenced by his graduate degree in Japanese and Chinese art history. He creates fresh, edgy branded environments for clients like AOL and Tumi by incorporating unusual conceptual designs and 3-D structures. Recent projects have included LED trays, iPad walls, and vegetable totem centerpieces.
Since he launched his firm in 2006, Baura’s aesthetic has been influenced by his graduate degree in Japanese and Chinese art history. He creates fresh, edgy branded environments for clients like AOL and Tumi by incorporating unusual conceptual designs and 3-D structures. Recent projects have included LED trays, iPad walls, and vegetable totem centerpieces.
Photo: Courtesy of Garin Baura
New Museum Client Dinner by Garin Baura
"We designed a sunset dinner to showcase the New Museum’s Sky Room venue. Top-tier clients mingled in a space designed to convey the experience of watching the summer sunset from a field of foxtail millet." —Garin Baura
Photo: Christian Grattan
Todd Fiscus
Todd Events
Fiscus founded his Dallas-based event design firm in 2003 and now personally designs and produces more than 250 events annually, including celebrity weddings and splashy events for clients like the Dallas Museum of Art, Audi, and Amfar. His company handles flowers, design, lighting, and installation and fabricates its own furnishings under the rental line Suite 206.
On Twitter: @toddevents
Fiscus founded his Dallas-based event design firm in 2003 and now personally designs and produces more than 250 events annually, including celebrity weddings and splashy events for clients like the Dallas Museum of Art, Audi, and Amfar. His company handles flowers, design, lighting, and installation and fabricates its own furnishings under the rental line Suite 206.
On Twitter: @toddevents
Photo: Stephen Karlisch
Two by Two for AIDS and Art Gala and Auction by Todd Fiscus
"I created a sweep at the rear of the room with a banquette wall covered in slipcovers in boxwood print. At the top of the curve was a waterfall of heather and hydrangeas. The seating in this area had a cocoon-like feeling. The chandeliers are actually painted Formica board in navy with phosphorus tape and
painted interiors." —Todd Fiscus
painted interiors." —Todd Fiscus
Photos: Roderick Peña
Steve Bales
Bold American Events & Catering
Bales founded the design and production division of Atlanta event company Bold American in 2003, where he specializes in creating layered atmospheres that highlight color and texture. His early career as a performer and musical revue producer informs the theatricality of his work, and his career highlights include producing premiere parties for NBC and the 10th anniversary celebration for the Indianapolis Colts.
On Twitter: @BoldEventsATL
Bales founded the design and production division of Atlanta event company Bold American in 2003, where he specializes in creating layered atmospheres that highlight color and texture. His early career as a performer and musical revue producer informs the theatricality of his work, and his career highlights include producing premiere parties for NBC and the 10th anniversary celebration for the Indianapolis Colts.
On Twitter: @BoldEventsATL
Photo: Artstar Photography by Laura Stone
Corporate Event by Steve Bales
"One of my favorite things is to take an ordinary space and turn it in to something completely unexpected. The Atlanta Hyatt, which was hosting an elite group of local and national corporate event planners, wanted to serve them dinner in one of the hotel kitchens. To make the space pop, we built floor-to-ceiling chalkboard walls on which we personalized each guest’s apron, laid wall-to-wall carpeting, and, my personal favorite, created one-of-a-kind hanging chandeliers out of plastic flatware. It was a complete transformation from boring to bold." —Steve Bales
Photo: Troy Kelly Studio
Jeffrey Foster
Event Creative
After a 10-year career in the fashion industry, Foster joined the Chicago-based Event Creative team in 2008. As senior event designer, he handles most of the company’s nonprofit business, designing as many as 100 events and galas a year for clients such as the Steppenwolf Theater, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
On Twitter: @eventcreative
After a 10-year career in the fashion industry, Foster joined the Chicago-based Event Creative team in 2008. As senior event designer, he handles most of the company’s nonprofit business, designing as many as 100 events and galas a year for clients such as the Steppenwolf Theater, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
On Twitter: @eventcreative
Photo: Rick Aguilar
Columbia College of Chicago Open Doors Gala by Jeffrey Foster
"The event showcases student work, which is contemporary with an edge, requiring an environment that celebrates that level of creativity." —Jeffrey Foster
Photo: Kyle Flubacker
Michelle Gubitosa and Nilda Martin
Phi Design Group
Gubitosa got her start in window displays and founded Boston-based event design and rental company PBD Events in 1985; Martin was a fashion stylist and boutique owner. The pair launched Phi Design Group five years ago. The duo often uses repetitive fixtures and found pieces in installations, and this spring they are launching an event rental branch called Reserve, specializing in custom tables, wall systems, and bars.
On Twitter: @phidesigngroup
Gubitosa got her start in window displays and founded Boston-based event design and rental company PBD Events in 1985; Martin was a fashion stylist and boutique owner. The pair launched Phi Design Group five years ago. The duo often uses repetitive fixtures and found pieces in installations, and this spring they are launching an event rental branch called Reserve, specializing in custom tables, wall systems, and bars.
On Twitter: @phidesigngroup
Photo: Dan Hallman for BizBash
Quebec Biopharmaceutical Meeting by Michelle Gubitosa and Nilda Martin
"We designed and built the Kino Bar as an homage to Montreal native Kino Guerin, a master furniture builder and sculptor who bends rigid woods to get beautiful, graceful flow and movement." —Michelle Gubitosa
Photo: Michelle Gubitosa
Bryan Rafanelli
Rafanelli Events
Perhaps best known as the man behind Chelsea Clinton’s wedding, Rafanelli started his company in Boston in 1996, producing just three events a year. He now has four offices across the U.S. and handles more than 100 parties a year, creating eye-popping decor for fund-raising galas, state dinners, and corporate events.
On Twitter: @RafanelliEvents
Perhaps best known as the man behind Chelsea Clinton’s wedding, Rafanelli started his company in Boston in 1996, producing just three events a year. He now has four offices across the U.S. and handles more than 100 parties a year, creating eye-popping decor for fund-raising galas, state dinners, and corporate events.
On Twitter: @RafanelliEvents
Photo: Person + Killian Photography
Camp Harbor View Beach Ball by Bryan Rafanelli
"We were inspired by the beauty of Boston’s Harbor Islands at sunset, bringing the outside inside in a glass-enclosed tent surrounded by water." —Bryan Rafanelli
Photos: Michael Blanchard Photography
DeJuan Stroud
DeJuan Stroud Inc.
Leaving behind a career on Wall Street, Stroud decided to turn his longtime love of flowers and design into a business in 1996. He brings his sophisticated, clean look to events for clients such as the New York City Ballet, Universal Pictures, and HBO.
On Twitter: @DeJuanStroud
Leaving behind a career on Wall Street, Stroud decided to turn his longtime love of flowers and design into a business in 1996. He brings his sophisticated, clean look to events for clients such as the New York City Ballet, Universal Pictures, and HBO.
On Twitter: @DeJuanStroud
Photo: Mary Hilliard
New York City Ballet Spring Gala by DeJuan Stroud
"The inspiration was a formal French garden, which originated from the French dances performed that evening. To make the vast space seem cozier we floated panels of lattice with wisteria and smilax over the dinner tables. " —DeJuan Stroud
Photo: Mary Hilliard
Matthew David Hopkins
360 Design Events and Matthew David Celebrations
Hopkins splits his time creating contemporary, imaginative decor for social events and corporate events, benefits, and product launches for clients like Hearst, Uniqlo, and Evian. He always aims to be eco-aware, reusing and repurposing materials in stylish ways.
On Twitter: @360DesignEvents
Hopkins splits his time creating contemporary, imaginative decor for social events and corporate events, benefits, and product launches for clients like Hearst, Uniqlo, and Evian. He always aims to be eco-aware, reusing and repurposing materials in stylish ways.
On Twitter: @360DesignEvents
Photo: Courtesy of 360 Design Events/Jamie Watts Photography
Hudson River Park Trust Spring Gala by Matthew David Hopkins
"We brought Hudson River Park activities to life. We created centerpieces using park activities and surprising facts, and peppered them throughout the room. Together with the playful ceiling and unexpected programming, guests were tantalized from all angles." —Matthew David Hopkins
Photos: Courtesy of 360 Design Events/Jamie Watts Photography (room), Zev Greenfield (bicycle wheel)
Bill Heffernan
HMR Designs
Heffernan started his Chicago firm in 1979 and has since merged it with two other local firms to form a design collective with different price points, specialties, and points of view. Heffernan’s elegant aesthetic has set the tone at some of Chicago’s most high-profile events, including galas for the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Botanic Gardens.
Heffernan started his Chicago firm in 1979 and has since merged it with two other local firms to form a design collective with different price points, specialties, and points of view. Heffernan’s elegant aesthetic has set the tone at some of Chicago’s most high-profile events, including galas for the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Botanic Gardens.
Photo: Dan Hallman for BizBash
Harris Theater Gala by Bill Heffernan
"We designed sheer white fabric cubes floating low over each table. This produced both an impressive vision and gave an intimacy to the enormous tent. We accented them with summery yet minimal branch projections in a blue-green shade, providing detail and a coolness to the warm evening." —Bill Heffernan
Photo: Fandl Photography
Jes Gordon
Jes Gordon/Proper Fun
Gordon started her career working at a flower shop at age 13, followed by post-college stints as a movie set designer and design director of Tavern on the Green in New York. Twenty years after launching her own business, Gordon funnels her energetic personality into creating eclectic, funky designs for social and corporate clients.
On Twitter: @JesGordon
Gordon started her career working at a flower shop at age 13, followed by post-college stints as a movie set designer and design director of Tavern on the Green in New York. Twenty years after launching her own business, Gordon funnels her energetic personality into creating eclectic, funky designs for social and corporate clients.
On Twitter: @JesGordon
Photo: Andre Maier
M&M's Super Bowl Event by Jes Gordon
"M&M's is an official sponsor of the Super Bowl, so we wanted to celebrate by creating an event that encompassed the glamorous side of chocolate. We wanted to create a luxurious yet fashion-forward speakeasy environment, which we felt was certainly befitting to the New Orleans-focused evening." —Jes Gordon
Photo: George Long
Nicky Balestrieri
ExtraExtra
Balestrieri has been giving a downtown edge to brand-focused marketing experiences since 2002, when indie-minded Paper magazine launched its events arm. Designing thought-out, interactive environments for brands such as Absolut, Target, and Mattel, he often works with builders and fabricators to create large-scale, attention-grabbing event decor.
On Twitter: @ExtraCreative
Balestrieri has been giving a downtown edge to brand-focused marketing experiences since 2002, when indie-minded Paper magazine launched its events arm. Designing thought-out, interactive environments for brands such as Absolut, Target, and Mattel, he often works with builders and fabricators to create large-scale, attention-grabbing event decor.
On Twitter: @ExtraCreative
Photo: Ysa Perez for BizBash
Barbie's Dream Closet at New York Fashion Week
"We wanted to create a space where guests could dream about being whoever they wanted to be. By playing with scale, technology, and theater we created a space that inspired young and old souls alike." —Nicky Balestrieri
Photo: BFA
Photo: Courtesy of Preston Bailey
Photo: Tim Kometer/Retemok Design
Keeping with the brand’s enigmatic appeal, H&M created invitations embedded with a scrolling LED panel inside a slim white box to celebrate its collection with Maison Martin Margiela.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Models walked a yellow checkerboard runway at Louis Vuitton’s spring show, so yellow was the natural choice for the fuzzy-pipe-cleaner lettering set on the brand’s perfectly square card.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
A nod to the jungle-inspired collection revealed at the spring 2013 show, Kenzo sent out a tin box containing a branded mini survival kit for the fashionable great outdoors. The invitation itself could be tied to the carabineer as a flotation device.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Playing up a preppy, collegiate vibe, the invitation to the J. Press York Street collection’s spring presentation, fittingly held at the Yale Club, came in the form of a scaled-down wool felt pennant flag.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Invitations to Miu Miu’s three-night-only private members’ club at the Café Royal in London came in the form of an accordion file box with a magnetic closure that contained a full protocol rundown of the venue’s offerings, complete with a membership card.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
To celebrate its festive “Electric Holiday” windows and Disney partnership, Barneys fashioned a weighty invite with LED lights in four different colors that illuminated the double-mirrored glass to create an infinity effect.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
For his spring 2013 Burberry Prorsum show, designer Christopher Bailey celebrated the skyline of London—both the brand’s home base and where it stages its shows—by recreating it in laser-cut pop-up form.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
