The Chicago iteration of Macy's fall fashion event took place at the Harris Theater on August 9. At the after-party—held on the theater's rooftop—sponsor Luna played off the event's "Fashion in a New Light" theme. Product samples were displayed on wave-like shelves and highlighted by hanging lamps. A sign read: "Snacking in a new light."
Piano prodigy Lang Lang headlined the Ravinia Festival's Benefit Gala in Chicago on July 27, and Jewell Events Catering prepared a thematic feast. For dessert, a chocolate piano was filled with passion-fruit mousse and sliced fresh lychees, then set on a starburst-shaped display of mango and raspberry sauces.
BMF Media Group returned to the Hard Rock Hotel to host the "It's so Miami Lounge" throughout Lollapalooza weekend. Starbucks hosted its first festival activation this year at the lounge. The suite offered oversize chess and Connect Four games, plus small café tables stocked with buckets of bottled iced coffee.
At the event in Chantilly, Virginia, Danielle Couick of Magnolia Bluebird Design & Events strung gift bags from the ceiling on ribbons. A stilt walker handed guests the bags as they exited the venue.
Guests at the Summer Spin Pool Party in Washington August 3 were asked to tweet about the event in exchange for gift bags with swag from brands such as Converse, Lacoste, Stila, and Kate Somerville cosmetics. Sponsors South Moon Under and Rock the Vote used the strategy to expand the reach of the intentionally intimate pool soiree.
Chalkboards are popping up in all kinds of event decor. Available through Pressed Cotton are chalkboard tags, $3.50 each, which can be used as signage or place cards or can be hung from the neck of wine bottles to designate tables.
Target and Disney collaborated on a large-scale preparty formula for the world premiere of Disney's Planes. The August 5 event at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles began with a family-focused party at the "Target Landing Zone," where the "Bullseye Balloon Pop" invited guests to toss balloon darts at red and white balloons in the shape of Target's signature bull's-eye logo. Caravents was the lead agency.
Looking for teambuilding ideas for fall? The Park Hyatt Washington has a new activity centered on the quintessential autumn treat: apple pie. During interactive culinary classes held in the newly renovated event and meeting space, chefs lead guests through the process of making a fruity, spicy pie and share details about the dish’s history.
So easy to set up, your mother could do it. That’s how the Taylor Group's business development director, Rory Amelio, describes his company’s newest modular exhibit rental product: Modulbox. "With Modulbox, you get it from point A to point B and open the doors, and everything is set up and ready to go. It’s an event space in a box."
Orlando-based artist Rock Demarco’s claim to fame is that he can paint anything in less than 10 minutes. Performing to a rock 'n' roll soundtrack, Demarco can speed-paint portraits of celebrities, C.E.O.s, and other notable figures on canvas for a fee that ranges from $6,000 to $10,000. His latest live-performance element: wearing a glove equipped with five finger-like paintbrushes that shoot lasers as he works.
