The Cubs Convention

The 30th annual Cubs Convention took over Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers January 16 to 18. During the "Kids Only Press Conference," kids could ask questions of Cubs players Anthony Rizzo, Justin Grimm, Kyle Hendricks, and Travis Wood.
Photo: Steve Green

The Flex Tent from the Flex Tent Company, a subsidiary of Event Labor Works, can be stretched around trees, structures, and rocks and has expandable tent poles that adjust to uneven surfaces. Sizes start at 20 by 10 feet and can increase to any size. As the tents are modular, they can be guttered together or with other structures to form larger spaces. Flex tents are available for rent or purchase in a variety of colors and designs. Prices are available upon request.
Photo: Courtesy of Event Labor Works

The whiskey tent was open on three sides, and, to hide the backs of the bars without closing off the area, Wagner employed a wood-slat design that framed the front corners of the space. She also designed a burlap backdrop with stenciled brand names and brought in distressed bars and barrels. The overall look, Wagner said, had a "woodsy distillery feel."
Photo: Josh Sears for Event Creative

Tent companies cite an increase in requests for the Arcum tent, which has an arched beam and provides an alternative look to the traditional clearspan structure. Hollywood Tentworks in Pacoima, California, constructed an Arcum tent at L.A. Live for the 2011 N.B.A. All-Star Game.
Photo: Courtesy of Hollywood Tentworks

Karl’s Event Services (917.449.3844, karls.com) in Belleville, New Jersey, recently developed a custom mezzanine-level option to be incorporated into clearspan structures, intended for extra seating niches or V.I.P. areas.
Photo: Courtesy of Karl's Event Services

Inspired by the Rose Bowl, the pillows in the lounge area depicted different aspects of the game with three different designs.
Photo: Dan Scott/American Image Gallery

Signage encouraged guests to share details from the event on social media sites.
Photo: Courtesy of Life Is Good

The lounge had clear Plexiglas walls on four sides, giving guests the illusion they were outside.
Photo: Courtesy of Hadley Media