The first-time event at the Art Institute of Chicago May 16 raised money for local public charter school the Academy of Global Citizenship, and students from the school were on hand to greet guests, give them directions, and remind them of the evening's cause—all while (apparently) tugging on donors' heartstrings. Though the event was relatively small, guests bid high all evening, raising more than $1 million.
As guests arrived at Redmoon's Chicago benefit in 2010, performers wearing giant fists cheered them on and shouted "ooh" and "aah." The moment was a snapshot of the type of surrealist performance art for which Redmoon is known.
Throughout the festival in March, visitors were welcomed to the Austin Convention Center by "Jenny," an interactive digital avatar presented by 3M. The almost disturbingly lifelike avatar spoke to approaching guests and helped them locate panels and events.
Greeters don't have to stand at an event's entrance. A greeter from a Toronto event in 2010 sat on a swing to playfully meet guests as they entered the dining room.
Stilt walkers dressed like cherry-blossom trees greeted guests at the entrance to the event in Washington last year.
At the Los Angeles premiere for the tween-beloved flick in November 2012, staffers dressed like characters from the film greeted guests.
At the Orlando museum bash in 2010, costumed riders on Arabian horses greeted guests at the entrance. The unusual greeters immediately set the tone for the night's Middle Eastern-inspired vibe.
In May, the Absolut X promotion in Miami had a masquerade theme. At the entrance to the event, futuristic models offered guests masks to help them get in the spirit.
At the Peninsula Chicago's blowout bash in 2011, stilt-walking geishas greeted guests on the red carpet.
At Subway's post-convention gala in 2010, planners transformed a section of Chicago's McCormick Place convention center into the "Subway Stadium." Enthusiastic cheerleaders, dressed in the brand's signature hues, greeted guests at the entrance.
At a futuristic benefit in Toronto in 2011, a robot greeted guests on a holographic carpet at the entrance.
The 2012 gala had a playful Alice in Wonderland theme. Young members of the ballet school dressed like the card guards from the classic story and greeted guests on the red carpet.
The Toronto event took place at a private residence in 2012. An elephant from Bowmanville Zoo greeted guests at the entrance of the house, handing (er, trunking?) out flowers as they arrived.
Greeters can help draw traffic at trade shows, too. At Chicago's Sweets & Snacks Expo in May, a smiling, clog-sporting jelly bean was on hand to greet confectionery buyers.
