Ideas

About 1,000 guests got a preview of LAX's new Tom Bradley International Terminal at a preopening gala that took place as one of the world's busiest airports functioned around it.

The Hollywood Symphony performed a commissioned "symphonic poem."

Guests sat for the program at round transparent tables set with clear chairs and centerpieces that mimicked the airport's illuminated pillars.

Cultural vignettes encouraged guests to explore the new building. Each station offered a stamp for guests' mock passports, and stamped passports could be entered for a chance to win a trip.

LED video walls—a signature feature of the new terminal—added to the visuals at the event.

The terminal's many shops and restaurants have yet to open, and as such, the organizers brought in power and other infrastructure specially for the event.

The terminal's yet-to-open 17 new restaurants set up shop in a 140-foot-long tent on the tarmac in order to present their food offerings to event guests.

Seating was clean and modern in white and clear groupings.

An ice station offered Petrossian caviar.

Custom sweets rounded out the dessert offerings.

Fiber-optic panels hung from the roof of the City of Hope gala tent to create the look of a starlit sky.

A half moon-shaped stage backdrop featured what appeared to be a lunar-like surface.

Whiskey was served from a moonshine-like presentation from sponsor Stillhouse.

The tribute journal was blown up and presented in the style of sheet music.

A guitar-shaped fountain was a nod to the invitation and the decor; it will move to the City of Hope Duarte campus.

Linens were in keeping with the celestial feel.

Clean black-and-white seating didn't distract from the overall look and feel.

Edison lightbulbs nodded to the theatrical stage setting for Rolex's Awards for Enterprise dinner.

Levy Lighting used string lights to illuminate an outdoor tent at a private Labor Day party in East Hampton, New York.