Event Ideas

For its 2011 gala in New York, the National Center for Learning Disabilities used the vertical pillars in the space to its advantage, rather than viewing them as obstacles. Designer Bronson van Wyck created custom column wraps printed with colorful logos and key messaging about the group's mission. In addition to brightening up the room, the columns also served as places to affix screens that improved guests’ view of the evening’s presentations. 

Heal the Bay hosts a fund-raising gala each year, but it had identified a past problem with losing guests’—and donors’—attention in a disconnected environment. So this year, for its 30th anniversary, the environmental nonprofit worked with Events by Fabulous to tweak the layout so it would feel more intimate and inclusive. That meant a new stage design and program meant to draw an emotional response from guests by showing high-res video stories of the honorees and the mission of the charity, rather than by way of a speaker with a microphone. Beyond that, the team also created a multistage arena, with a catwalk that led into the center of the crowd and two additional satellite stages for performances that could better distribute the action within the event space. 

Pandora hosted a free invitation-only concert event in Los Angeles known as Summer Crush—in the middle of a 100-degree heatwave in August. Anticipating the weather, the team worked with AEG and city planners to secure the L.A. Convention Center West Hall for offsite check-in and holding out of the heat. Organizers also arranged for 18 self-contained misters, a water truck on standby, and a Chevron activation in the form of a mini gas station with custom-designed pumps that distributed water into branded bottles. 

At a preview of Adam Lippes for Target collection in August, David Stark Designs used buffalo plaid blankets, pillows, travel bags, and other items in rooftop picnic at New York’s 620 Loft & Garden. The products were not just for show: Guests used them during the event.

Ronzoni filled clear-topped tables with dried farfalle, elbow macaroni, and other pasta shapes at the 2015 South Beach Wine & Food Festival’s Al Fresco Feast. Tables were topped with dried pasta in clear glass jars as well as seasonings. Pasta also filled square vases used as centerpieces, and boxes of the dried pasta were arranged on white shelves as decor at the event.