my past events

December 29, 2015

At the Museum of Science & Industry’s Black Creativity gala in Chicago in January 2013, Sodexo presented hanging terrariums of flavored salts—including red chili, pink Hawaiian, smoke, and rosemary—that were designated with labeled stones.

At the Museum of Science & Industry’s Black Creativity gala in Chicago in January 2013, Sodexo presented hanging terrariums of flavored salts—including red chili, pink Hawaiian, smoke, and rosemary—that were designated with labeled stones.

Photo: JB Spector/Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

The entry hall was inspired by the Magnificent Mile. Entertainment included a 'champagne skirt diva,' whose costume held flutes of the bubbly beverage.

The entry hall was inspired by the Magnificent Mile. Entertainment included a "champagne skirt diva," whose costume held flutes of the bubbly beverage.

Photo: Dan Melo/Fab Photo Chicago

Also in the Magnificent Mile area, stilt walkers draped in flowers and vines represented the area's sidewalk gardens. In the background, Kehoe Designs created a light-splashed replica of the Chicago skyline.

Also in the Magnificent Mile area, stilt walkers draped in flowers and vines represented the area's sidewalk gardens. In the background, Kehoe Designs created a light-splashed replica of the Chicago skyline.

Photo: Dan Melo/Fab Photo Chicago

Food offerings in the Magnificent Mile area included a 'sushi garden.' An assortment of vegetarian and fish-filled sushi was displayed in white shadowboxes filled with wheatgrass.

Food offerings in the Magnificent Mile area included a "sushi garden." An assortment of vegetarian and fish-filled sushi was displayed in white shadowboxes filled with wheatgrass.

Photo: Dan Melo/Fab Photo Chicago

The museum's lower level was built out to reflect the Bronzeville neighborhood. Entertainment included a blues performance from Wayne Baker Brooks, and snacks included peach and cherry 'pie fries' that combined strips of crust with jars of fruity toppings.

The museum's lower level was built out to reflect the Bronzeville neighborhood. Entertainment included a blues performance from Wayne Baker Brooks, and snacks included peach and cherry "pie fries" that combined strips of crust with jars of fruity toppings.

Photo: Dan Melo/Fab Photo Chicago

Kehoe topped the central bar with a large structure that bore the names of Chicago's various neighborhoods. The full bar was open throughout the party's 7 to 9 p.m. run.

Kehoe topped the central bar with a large structure that bore the names of Chicago's various neighborhoods. The full bar was open throughout the party's 7 to 9 p.m. run.

Photo: Dan Melo/Fab Photo Chicago

The north main level of the museum had food inspired by Chinatown, and guests stocked up on fresh spring rolls, coconut bubble tea, crab rangoon, and Peking duck bao.

The north main level of the museum had food inspired by Chinatown, and guests stocked up on fresh spring rolls, coconut bubble tea, crab rangoon, and Peking duck bao.

Photo: Dan Melo/Fab Photo Chicago

The south main level was inspired by Devon Avenue. Referencing the neighborhood's Indian community, Bollywood dancers performed. There was also a henna hand-painting station, free bangle bracelets, and appetizers such as eggplant sliders.

The south main level was inspired by Devon Avenue. Referencing the neighborhood's Indian community, Bollywood dancers performed. There was also a henna hand-painting station, free bangle bracelets, and appetizers such as eggplant sliders.

Photo: Dan Melo/Fab Photo Chicago

On the balcony, Wicker Park was represented by snacks such as Brussels sprout salads served in fruit cartons; there was also a 'Hipster Dawgs' station serving artisan lamb sausage with smoked tomato jam, caramelized onion, and pickle relish.

On the balcony, Wicker Park was represented by snacks such as Brussels sprout salads served in fruit cartons; there was also a "Hipster Dawgs" station serving artisan lamb sausage with smoked tomato jam, caramelized onion, and pickle relish.

Photo: Dan Melo/Fab Photo Chicago

Museum of Science and Industry's Black Creativity Ball

Museum of Science and Industry's Black Creativity Ball

Held on January 24, the museum's gala offered several food stations from Sodexo. At one station, a portable, mess-free version of a salad offered greens in a crispy shell; dressing was drizzled on with a pipette.

Photo: J.B. Spector/Museum of Science and Industry Chicago

Professional Convention Management Association Event

Professional Convention Management Association Event

For a P.C.M.A. event in Chicago in January 2015, Kehoe Designs created a mirrored bar with a backdrop in the shape of the Chicago skyline. Pink and blue lights bathed the structure. The event took place at the Museum of Science and Industry.

Photo: Ryan Sjostrom

IPW Closing-Night Party

IPW Closing-Night Party

The closing-night party took place at the Museum of Science and Industry and had a "Pure Energy Chicago" theme. In the rotunda, an area known as "Southside Soul" offered snacks such as mac-and-greens croquettes, pulled chicken sliders, and braised short ribs. Clean white shelves displayed the snacks.

Photo: Courtesy of Sodexo at the Museum of Science and Industry & Artisan Events

IPW Closing-Night Party

IPW Closing-Night Party

In the area inspired by Chicago's arty neighborhood Pilsen, Sodexo's salmon ceviche was served in clear paint cans. To invoke the area's strong Mexican influence, there were also empanadas, warm churros, and pineapple margaritas. Salsa dancers and a mariachi band performed.

Photo: Courtesy of Sodexo at the Museum of Science and Industry & Artisan Events

IPW Closing-Night Party

IPW Closing-Night Party

In the Pilsen area, Kehoe Designs set up a glowing bar backed with colorful lights.

Photo: Courtesy of Sodexo at the Museum of Science and Industry & Artisan Events

IPW Closing-Night Party

IPW Closing-Night Party

Kehoe used Indian-theme decor in a section inspired by Chicago's Devon Avenue. Food in the area included chicken-tandoori lollipops, rosewater macarons, and curried-pea-and-potato samosas. Entertainment included henna hand painting and Bollywood-style dancers performing to Indian pop music.

Photo: Courtesy of Sodexo at the Museum of Science and Industry & Artisan Events

IPW Closing-Night Party

IPW Closing-Night Party

Chicago native Jennifer Hudson sang on a central stage. Her set included a performance of the Dreamgirls song that won her an Oscar, "And I am Telling You I'm Not Going." Before Hudson came out, local band Lynne Jordan and the Shivers entertained the crowd.

Photo: Courtesy of Sodexo at the Museum of Science and Industry & Artisan Events

Museum of Science and Industry's Columbian Ball

Museum of Science and Industry's Columbian Ball

Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry hosted its Columbian Ball on October 11. Event Creative's decor included bars inspired by blown-up projections of microscopic slides.

Photo: J.B. Spector/Museum of Science & Industry

After strolling through the buffet stations, guests found unassigned seating in the museum's rotunda and surrounding areas. Ivan Carlson & Associates handled decor.

After strolling through the buffet stations, guests found unassigned seating in the museum's rotunda and surrounding areas. Ivan Carlson & Associates handled decor.

Photo: John Wheeler

Sound Investment handled lighting.

Sound Investment handled lighting.

Photo: JB Spector

Throughout the evening, guests checked out the permanent exhibits.

Throughout the evening, guests checked out the permanent exhibits.

Photo: JB Spector

While entertainment took place throughout the museum at last year's gala, this year it was all on the main stage. Howard Hewett, formerly of the band Shalamar, gave a special performance.

While entertainment took place throughout the museum at last year's gala, this year it was all on the main stage. Howard Hewett, formerly of the band Shalamar, gave a special performance.

Photo: JB Spector

Buffet stations had names such as 'Wrath' and 'Ignite.'

Buffet stations had names such as "Wrath" and "Ignite."

Photo: John Wheeler

At the 'Wrath' station, guests loaded up on spicy items like stuffed banana peppers.

At the "Wrath" station, guests loaded up on spicy items like stuffed banana peppers.

Photo: JB Spector

An ice sculpture from Nadeau's decorated a table piled with chilled seafood and oyster shooters.

An ice sculpture from Nadeau's decorated a table piled with chilled seafood and oyster shooters.

Photo: JB Spector

Loaded with veggies, breads, and cheeses, the 'Ray of Light' station got diamond-inspired treatment.

Loaded with veggies, breads, and cheeses, the "Ray of Light" station got diamond-inspired treatment.

Photo: JB Spector

Dubbed 'Forces of Nature,' the dessert station had a gardenlike look.

Dubbed "Forces of Nature," the dessert station had a gardenlike look.

Photo: JB Spector

The gala took place at the museum and centered on the exhibit 'Powerful: African Americans in Energy.' The exhibit explores different energy sources with an interactive, mini golf-like setup that lets guests putt through landscapes representing wind, solar hydropower, and more.

The gala took place at the museum and centered on the exhibit "Powerful: African Americans in Energy." The exhibit explores different energy sources with an interactive, mini golf-like setup that lets guests putt through landscapes representing wind, solar hydropower, and more.

Photo: John Wheeler

The event raises funds for the Black Creativity program at the museum, which highlights African-American culture, heritage, and scientific achievements. Inspired by a significant period in black history, this year's event took on a Harlem Renaissance theme. Props included an Apollo theater sign.

The event raises funds for the Black Creativity program at the museum, which highlights African-American culture, heritage, and scientific achievements. Inspired by a significant period in black history, this year's event took on a Harlem Renaissance theme. Props included an Apollo theater sign.

Photo: John Wheeler

Feather boas were draped over the backs of chairs. Tables were dressed up with floating candles and black and red linens, and guests dined in various parts of the museum.

Feather boas were draped over the backs of chairs. Tables were dressed up with floating candles and black and red linens, and guests dined in various parts of the museum.

Photo: John Wheeler

Kehoe Designs provided floral accents for the staggered buffet tables.

Kehoe Designs provided floral accents for the staggered buffet tables.

Photo: JB Spector/Museum of Science and Industry

A station called 'Oysters and Pearls' held jumbo prawns with spicy cocktail sauce, snow crab claws with lime aioli, baked clams Casino, and fried oysters served on the half shell with creole mustard aioli, shaved fennel slaw, and tabasco pearls.

A station called "Oysters and Pearls" held jumbo prawns with spicy cocktail sauce, snow crab claws with lime aioli, baked clams Casino, and fried oysters served on the half shell with creole mustard aioli, shaved fennel slaw, and tabasco pearls.

Photo: John Wheeler

Other offerings included smoked salmon martinis with whipped-dill cream cheese, caper pearls, sniped chives, and bagel chips.

Other offerings included smoked salmon martinis with whipped-dill cream cheese, caper pearls, sniped chives, and bagel chips.

Photo: JB Spector/Museum of Science and Industry

A clam-shaped ice sculpture crowned the seafood buffet.

A clam-shaped ice sculpture crowned the seafood buffet.

Photo: JB Spector/Museum of Science and Industry

At the 'High Society' station, chefs carved peppercorn-crusted Chateaubriand steak with taragon-bernaise and barolo wine sauce.

At the "High Society" station, chefs carved peppercorn-crusted Chateaubriand steak with taragon-bernaise and barolo wine sauce.

Photo: JB Spector/Museum of Science and Industry

At a station called the 'Bamboo Inn,' offerings included sesame noodle salad with shelled edamame, bok choy, red pepper, snow peas, daikon radish, and mandarin oranges.

At a station called the "Bamboo Inn," offerings included sesame noodle salad with shelled edamame, bok choy, red pepper, snow peas, daikon radish, and mandarin oranges.

Photo: JB Spector/Museum of Science and Industry

The headline entertainer was Freddie Jackson, whose hits include 'You Are my Lady' and 'Rock me Tonight.'

The headline entertainer was Freddie Jackson, whose hits include "You Are my Lady" and "Rock me Tonight."

Photo: JB Spector/Museum of Science and Industry

BizBash Live: The Expo Los Angeles

BizBash Live: The Expo Los Angeles

The 10th edition of BizBash Live: The Expo Los Angeles took place July 13 at the California Market Center. Glo Cone showcased its LED cone stick with illuminated cotton candy. The company's product is available nationally for a variety of events; candy is not included.

Photo: Michele Kyle Photography for BizBash

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