Chicago design firm INDO uses sustainably sourced materials for installations, window displays, and interiors. Recently, founders Linsey Burritt and Crystal Hodges decked a tent ceiling with 200 sheets of red screen-printed polypropylene from a local recycling company. The duo is currently working on designing an event-friendly collection of rentable backdrops and self-supported structures.
Move over, sliders: miniature pizzas are trending. In Beverly Hills, California, Cory Martin Events is now serving an array of bite-size pies made with seasonal ingredients. Think fresh burrata caprese, organic enoki mushroom and truffle, and roasted fingerling potatoes with caviar.
Interactive marketing display company ZoomKube has launched the ZK100, a stand-alone touch-screen kiosk that allows consumers to interact with a brand while it captures real-time feedback, such as information accessed and time spent. The portable display is designed for use at events, product launches, and conventions, and includes customizable software, a built-in camera, social media sharing, badge-scan capability, and a heat or air-conditioning unit for outdoor use. The product is available to rent for around $10,000 per event.
The Boca Raton Resort & Club in Florida has launched the Surf School by Billabong at the Beach Club. Offerings include private group lessons, clinics, and “Surf Off” competitions.
New Boston floral design company Wild Folk Studio, run by New England native and self-taught floral designer Caroline O’Donnell, can provide soft, rustic arrangements with an eclectic garden aesthetic for events.
Now available in the New York area through Classic Party Rentals is the ZAK Collection, a line of four design suites: Library (traditional oak), Chester (tufted leather), Mirror (beveled mirror panels), and Parsons (sleek dark wood).
Something to smile about: New York’s newly renovated Affinia Manhattan hotel has partnered with Operation Smile to deliver a meeting break that lets attendees build their own classic banana splits; 15 percent of proceeds are donated to the nonprofit.
Wise Guys Events in Los Angeles has launched a Minute to Win It-style teambuilding event. Teams of eight face off against one another at stations each featuring a different timed task like stacking five apples. The company stages events in California and Las Vegas.
Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr continues his New York takeover: His catering and events division is now the in-house food and beverage provider at the New York Botanical Garden, handling all special events. This fall, Starr’s team will also become the exclusive caterer at Carnegie Hall.
Orlando’s Totally Mod Event Furnishings has a new faux leather dining collection that offers a sleek look without the need for linens. The tables can be wrapped in white, red, brown, or black fabric with matching chair pads. The base of the table can be designed to match the top or can glow in any color. Rental prices start from $100.
The Hotel Monaco Alexandria near Washington is now offering county-fair-theme catering options for events, including mini funnel cakes, cotton candy, and root beer floats. Staffers can also set up carnival-style activities.
Groups can catch a wave on dry land with the new Surf Break option at Southern California’s Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. During the 15- to 30-minute meeting break, instructors teach guests how to ride specially designed skateboards that simulate riding a wave.
If you’re looking to disguise a staid-looking hallway in a hotel ballroom, check out Las Vegas–based FWR Rental Haus’s modular tunnel, which can display fully customized graphics. Mirrored surface tunnels are also an option. The rentable items are available nationwide.
A new way to serve cocktails, sorbet, and more: Molten Ice glasses are available in Toronto through the Idea Hunter. The special ice fits into a rentable glass or disposable container and won’t dilute drinks.
