Conference Planning

Photo booths, like the one used at the February Billboard relaunch party in New York, that encourage guests to share moments from an event to social networks can help boost R.O.I.

Updated s’mores in chocolate spoons with toasted handmade vanilla bean marshmallows, dark chocolate ganache, and graham cracker dust, by Truffleberry Market in Chicago

Mango upside-down cornbread served à la mode with fresh mangoes, by Homegirl Catering in Los Angeles

Grown-up “Bug Juice” cocktail with vodka, pear juice, house-made cranberry syrup, and lemon juice or gin, cucumber and lime juices, simple syrup, and cucumber bitters, by Relevant Events in Brooklyn, New York

Fire-roasted tomato and chipotle beef chili served inside jalepeño-flecked buttermilk cornbread bites, by Truffleberry Market in Chicago

“Dragon breath” popcorn balls made with liquid nitrogen, by BG Events & Catering in Boston

Tender, smoky braised short ribs served inside mini roasted potatoes and topped with potato puree and brown-buttered peas, by Truffleberry Market in Chicago

Salted dark chocolate pudding and cookie “dirt,” served with edible worms, carrots with fern leaf lavender, and blackberry “hyacinths” with candied tarragon and fennel pollen, by Relevant Events in Brooklyn, New York

Roasted corn panna cotta served with quince sauce, by Homegirl Catering in Los Angeles

Colorful mini ice cream sandwiches in flavors such as pistachio coconut pineapple and carrot butter pecan caramel served in matching foil, by Abigail Kirsch Catering in New York

Crispy pork belly with chocolate ancho chile sauce served on skewers in wheat grass, by BG Events & Catering in Boston

Blanketed mini franks with cheddar ale and sauerkraut mustard sauces, by Abigail Kirsch Catering in New York

A large grassy tableau, featuring actors reading, picnicking, and sunning themselves, separated the cocktail section from the dining area.

The mirror suspended above the installation allowed guests to see a clear shot of the action.

A combination of unpotted birches, redwoods, and other trees dotted the cocktail area, which also featured another picnic scene in the center of the bar. The greenery was donated to community gardens and local parks following the event.

The eye-catching image on the program's cover, which was shot by photographer Timothy Schenck, was also projected on video screens throughout the space and illustrated the theme of the night—"See and Be Seen."

Large white lanterns were strung across the ceiling of Pier 36, also known as Basketball City.

Neutral-colored tablecloths and linens added to the elegant garden setting.

Pale wooden risers on the dining tables held platters for the family-style food service.

Bowls of bright crudites including spring asparagus, baby carrots, and radishes provided vibrant pops of color against the neutral decor palette.

Guests sipped on "Spring Spritz" cocktails, which contained prosecco, Aperol, tart strawberry shrub, and soda. Cocktails took place both inside and outside of Pier 36, which overlooks the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges. "You don't need [decor] when you have the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge as your decor," Stark said of the sparse outdoor area.

Organizers streamed the entire gala online, including opening remarks from TV personalities and hosts Bill and Giuliana Rancic. Online viewers could click the "donate now" button to make an instant contribution to Runway to Hope.

Disney characters such as Belle and other local and national celebrities escorted the pediatric cancer patients and survivors down the runway.

Privé Salon did makeup and hair styling for the 150 pediatric cancer patients and survivors who were the stars of the runway show.

The live-stream coverage included backstage interviews with some of the child models conducted by Yoanna House, winner of season two of America’s Next Top Model.

Pastry chefs at the Rosen Shingle Creek created a fitting dessert for a fashion show—milk chocolate shoes filled with fresh fruit and macarons.

Both in-person and online viewers saw four videos about the work of Runway to Hope produced by Perfect Sky Productions.

The daughters of Runway to Hope founders Mark and Josie NeJame staffed a pink lemonade stand in the reception area with the help of some of their friends. All of the proceeds benefit Runway to Hope.

Organizers are packing 50 percent more creator projects and twice the programming into a smaller footprint this year to make it more densely packed for attendees.

Participants are matched with a venue, which can vary from an office building to a public park. Some bring traditional, trade-show-style booths while others showcase their creativity: last year a musical act crocheted walls and a roof around a stage.

Nearly two dozen food vendors will serve lunch, dinner, and late-night fare in a two-block area that will also offer entertainment and seating.

Attendees can vote for projects using the festival's app or at kiosks located throughout the grounds.

Brian Meece, C.E.O. of crowdfunding site RocketHub, will return this year as a speaker.

At the closing ceremony, organizers present checks to participants for their share of $310,000 in funding.