TellAvision, the live art show that rose to popularity thanks to an appearance on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, is a moving storybook that uses wireless technology and incorporates video screens with performers to tell a tale. Created by Tampa, Florida-based Event Show Productions Inc., the performance can be customized for each event. Pricing is available upon request.
Dos Equis’s “Most Interesting Masquerade” in New York’s historic Masonic Hall in 2012 featured what at first glance appeared to be a painting of a lion. But a closer look revealed that the image was brushed across the bodies of two seated women, their feet just barely breaching the frame of the shadow box. Mirrorball commissioned New Orleans-based artist Craig Tracy to create the living canvas, a process that took approximately 10 hours. Guests were encouraged to pose for a photo with the models to share on social media via nearby iPads.
It really is a jungle out there thanks to Living World Entertainment’s the Original Living Vines, which come to life through a set of choreographed moves to create a fascinating leafy tableau for events. The human foliage can also interact with guests and comes in seasonal shades—including lush spring greenery or wintry branches. To book, contact Orlando-based Key Artist Group. Pricing is available upon request.
People have largely become immune to the vending machine—an innocuous part of daily life that distributes everything from candy and subway passes to iPhones. Talking vending machines, however, offer a witty way to break through the familiarity and create surprise. Machines custom-built by SoHo Experiential that dispense a variety of goods—including food, beverages, coupons, and electronics—can be set up at events and controlled via remote camera feed so the operator has an authentic, direct interaction with guests. Pricing is available upon request.
Consumer engagement agency Mirrorball designed four Dos Equis events held in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami in 2013, where a group of six over-the-top characters—the Mastermind, Jester, Temptress, Provocateur, Explorer, and Voyeur—personified the party atmosphere. Guests who stepped into the Jester’s Tea Room were subjected to the troublemaker’s tricks, while those who wandered into the Voyeur’s Parlor caught a glimpse of the elaborately costumed performer peering through a mirror. Pricing is available upon request.
Tryon Entertainment reworks traditional notions of event lighting into an opportunity for living decor. The company’s “So Shady” concept transforms models into human lamps by covering the women head to toe in metallic, bejeweled bodysuits and concealing their heads with artfully lit shades. These “lamps”—which appeared at the F5 Networks Technology Conference Closing Party at Rockefeller Center in 2012—can be positioned standing near furniture or sitting on a table to complete the illusion of an inanimate decor element. Pricing is available upon request.
As an elevated alternative to body painting, Kate Kelley, director of business development and strategic partnerships at SoHo Experiential, suggests digitally mapping images or designs onto a human body. Projection allows the decor to evolve instantly before guests’ eyes, offering brands the opportunity to shift themes or refresh content without costume or makeup changes. Projection actors can be strategically placed throughout an environment as sculptures or as more functional elements, either to hold displays or serve drinks. Kelley suggests creating your own projection mapping with the Meta Agency. Pricing is available upon request.
“Electric Disco Starz” from Tryon Entertainment involves a four-member crew wearing sleek suits and disco-ball-shaped heads with LED scrolls that can be customized to display a brand message or event name. The squad of performers can act as greeters or interact with the crowd during an event, as it has done annually since 2011 at the Allstate Life Insurance New York 13.1 Marathon. Pricing is available upon request.
Chicago’s Redmoon Theater—renown for its dreamlike events—showcases “Table Ladies” as part of its Redmoon for Hire program, from which planners can source the theater’s collection of performers, atmospheric elements, and “food service performance devices” for private and corporate events. The Table Ladies are two corseted and wigged performers who circulate among guests wearing Victorian-inspired, oversize hoop skirts that act as tables to display appetizers or desserts. Similar food displays are also available through Redmoon, such as “Floating Trays” (hardwood surfaces attached to backpacks) and “Briefcase Servers” (open briefcases featuring miniature puppet shows within the lids). Pricing ranges from $1,200 to $3,600 for the Table Ladies, from $1,200 for the Floating Trays, and from $700 to $1,800 for the Briefcase Servers; services are available in the Chicago area.
While projected signage has long been an event staple, utilizing a dance troupe to create branding blurs the line between marketing and art in order to tease a product launch or showcase a company’s breadth of creativity. Silhouetted behind a translucent screen, dancers can use their bodies to shape words or objects related to the event—as Pilobolus, a modern dance company famous for its shadow theater, has done for brands such as IBM and Google. Pricing available upon request.
For an otherworldly performance, two illuminated creatures, with laser beams shooting from each finger, appear from a starry background. Combining laser technology and choreography, “Light Beings,” created by Living World Entertainment, is available as a full-stage production or as individual extraterrestrials that can interact with the audience. To book, contact Orlando-based Key Artist Group. Pricing is available upon request.
Not sure what kind of entertainment would be best for your event? Entertainment Plus conceptualizes, produces, and delivers compelling custom entertainment. From family-friendly shows to extraordinary creations that might make you blush, their experience proves you won’t forget their work. This boutique firm will work with any budget, and book acts all over the country.
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Looking for some of the most original and visually stunning costumes in the business? Zantra is renowned particularly for their costume work, as well as for their incredibly talented performers. These dancers, aerialists, and acrobats have appeared in everything from large festivals to small private events, and are available in Miami, Chicago, and New York.
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Having a celebrity appear at your event can help ensure you meet your financial goals. Celebrity Source is the most respected celebrity booking agency in the country, with direct access to thousands of celebrities from film, television, music, sports, and fashion. They specialize in celebrities for special events, corporate meetings, conventions, sports tournaments, private parties, and fund-raisers, as well as celebrity spokespersons for public relations, advertising, and marketing campaigns.
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Based in the Orlando area, Penguin Entertainment knows what it takes to amaze audiences from all over the world. They offer everything from bands and DJs to convention services. Let them thrill your guests with outstanding talent while their team of seasoned entertainment coordinators works to support you behind the scenes.
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Want to amaze your guests and have them leave with a memorable souvenir? Tim Decker is a renowned speed painter who is a great addition to any large social, charitable, or work function.
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Planning an event in the Chicago area? The Sunshine Reggae Band performs reggae, Calypso, Soca, and Latin music and was honored to receive the 2014 Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer award presented by the Chicago Music Awards. The band's lively music, happy vibes, and fun audience participation are a great addition to any event, from corporate to social.
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Characters for Hire specializes in Broadway musical revues, dance shows, holiday parties, game shows, preshow entertainment, sketch comedy, stand-up comedy, and improvisation, as well as promotional models and hostesses, superheroes, monsters, and other fantasy characters and character actors. Available in nine major markets across the United States, Characters For Hire adds a little fun to any event.
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Available for events just about anywhere, Gerard Senehi offers a unique mentalist performance that inspires people to break limits through a walk-around or formal show. His impact on audiences is so strong that years after his performances, people still rave about his shows.
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In many cities across the United States and Canada, Runway Waiters, a premier model-staffing agency combines beauty, style, and professionalism, providing high-fashion and runway models to enhance special events, parties, and marketing campaigns.
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From jugglers to magicians to impersonators to dancers, Always Entertaining offers a wide variety of entertainment choices appropriate for everything from corporate events to kids' parties. For more than 19 years, their uncompromising quality has delivered outstanding results. With resources nationwide, the finest performers in the business, great designers, and superb on-site management, they make clients' lives easy.
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Innovate Marketing Group produced a 1900s-inspired gala for a local nonprofit on June 4 at the Gamble House in Pasadena, California. The event had "cigar girls" who carried trays of "bling rings" for guests to purchase.
Gala sponsor Wells Fargo had its logo projected onto the roof of an adjoining bookstore.
Pandora hosted its fourth annual Summer Crush on August 13 at L.A. Live's Microsoft Square. Sponsor SweeTarts enticed guests to engage with its activation through a giant inflatable game in the brand's bold signature colors. Guests lined up to try their luck at knocking each other off the color-coordinated launch pads, which looked just like oversize SweeTarts candy. Brand ambassadors were on hand to distribute candy samples.
Once through the gates, guests found a giant version of Pandora's app icon, more than 12 feet high in 3-D, and covered in reflective disks to match the custom stage backdrop. Guests lined up throughout the day to climb into it and take photos.
Branding By Air and Remarkable Media partnered with MTV to set a new Guinness World Record for the world's largest flying digital video screen. The 250-foot-wide banner, which announced that Ariana Grande would perform at the V.M.A.s., was launched August 24 at Hotel Hugo in New York, and flown across the Hudson River.
To promote the second season of Logo's drag-queen competition reality series RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, the network partnered with Big Gay Ice Cream to bring a branded pink and white truck to the streets of Manhattan on August 24 and 25. Contestants from the new season served mini-ice cream cups and rainbow ice pops to passersby. Awestruck Marketing Group produced the activation.
The second edition of the Indie Beauty Expo took place August 24 to 25 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York. The expo entrance featured a moss-covered "wishing heart," which was inspired by a Japanese wishing tree. Guests could write down what indie beauty meant to them on the decorative tags and attach them to the wall.
Crowns by Christy created flower crowns for the crowd.
Stella Artois' multi-sensory dining experience took place August 17 to 22 at Skylight Clarkson Square in New York. Guests could dip bread into melting beef tallow candles that were infused with caraway spice. The event was catered by Bompas & Parr.
A garden with potted radishes and heirloom carrots roasted in a caraway glaze were planted in edible soil made from cereals found in Stella Artois.
Chicago catering firm Blue Plate is serving the inventive Into the Woods cocktail this season. The drink combines Reposado tequila and lemon with unusual ingredients including pecan-spiced maple syrup, port reduction, and 2010 Vintage Caramel Dream Pur-Eh tea. The garnish is fresh thyme.
Chicago-area restaurant House 406 serves a Box Lunch cocktail inspired by the school days. Made with dark chocolate, Licor 43, Galliano Ristretto, Thai coffee, and cream, the drink is served in a glass vessel that recalls a paper milk carton. Guests sip it through a striped straw.
The restaurant also serves a bright cocktail called the New York Delhi. The potent drink contains gin, pineapple juice, curried nectar, and—perhaps its most exotic ingredient of all—barbecue mist.
The St. Regis Aspen Resort serves ripe-for-the-season Marshmallow Cocktails. Flavors include candy apple with German apple liqueur; candy cane with peppermint schnapps; dipped strawberry with Godiva chocolate liqueur; and hot toddy with butterscotch schnapps and rum. The drinks are served in miniature martini glasses and presented in quartets.
Looking for a workday-friendly drink? Chicago restaurant Ruxbin serves house-made dry sodas in seasonal flavors such as Tamarind Apricot and Cranberry Ginger. Dry sodas are less sweet than more traditional sodas and are made with fresh ingredients and simple syrup.
The recently launched pilsner, which will be served at select Chicago-area restaurants including RPM Steak, has a unique brewing process during which Australian truffles are hand-shaved and incorporated into the mixture.
Dallas restaurant Oak has a whimsical drink called the State Fair. The cocktail, which combines pomegranate and lemon liqueurs with champagne, is topped with a stick of lime cotton candy that's made at the bar.
Toronto special events and catering firm Eatertainment adds an unusual—and visually appealing—garnish to its "Rolling Storm" martini. Made with Ramazzotti Black sambuca and Absolut Elyx vodka, the drink is topped with floating star anise.
There's also a unique garnish on the tropical-style "Toronto Sunset" cocktail. Containing grenadine, vodka, Malibu rum, and cranberry and pineapple juices, the festive drink is topped with a pineapple wheel and toasted coconut.
Highball & Harvest, the new restaurant at the Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, serves an inventive cocktail called the Last Wish. The drink—served with an ice sphere holding a frozen orange peel—contains whiskey, spiced cola syrup, Old Havana tobacco bitters, and orange essence.
In Chicago, Rockit Burger Bar serves an unusually meaty drink. Combining spiced whiskey with Strongbow cider, Moose Drool brown ale, and Vermont maple syrup, the drink is garnished with a slice of bacon.
Miami catering and event firm Barton G. serves ceviche cocktails. Inspired by the Latin dish, the cocktail blends raw seafood with citrus and a dash of spirits. Guests sip the drink, which is typically paired with seafood-based appetizers.
Barton G. also serves Pop Shots, which are one-bite jello shots in mojito and kamikaze flavors.
Chicago's Entertaining Company has served its champagne intermezzo as a second course on an all-beverage menu. The treat contains coconut sorbetto with a champagne splash and is served over berry compote and fresh coconut moon chips.
Though it looks like a standard flavored martini, the Lychee Luxury Drop from Chicago restaurant Sunda has a spicy twist: a touch of wasabi. The drink also contains Absolut vodka, St. Germain liqueur, lemon juice, and lychee syrup.
Create a virtual celebrity photo opportunity with Air Graffiti Dallas’s new augmented reality technology. The new system, which launches this summer, is intended for brands that are looking for ways to leverage their celebrity endorsement contracts. Air Graffiti Dallas shoots a brief video of the celebrity in advance, for example, walking into the shot, waving, or bouncing a ball. At the live event, fans stand in a designated photo area, and the video of the celebrity is virtually added to the image. Guests receive copies of the images, which can include sponsor branding, to share via email, text, or social media.
Photoboxx is a social media printing station for parties and events. When guests post their photos to Twitter or Instagram using a designated hashtag, the Photoboxx printer automatically prints a hard copy. Hosts can customize the background color of the prints and also add graphics or logos. They can also choose whether to display or hide information such as username, profile image, and comments. After the event, Photoboxx provides a report on hashtag usage, impressions, and reach.
The SloMo Lounge from Air Graffiti Dallas turns four seconds of video into a 30-second slow-motion playback. The system uses a high-speed, high-definition camera to record guests interacting with one another and with quirky props so the playback can reveal funny facial expressions. Guests receive a copy of the video, and they can select stills from it to print on site; all the content is shareable via email, text message, or social media. The activation can be set up in a 10- by 10-foot area and can be done with a plain white, black, or green screen backdrop.
Add a splash of bright colors to event photos with the Neon Video Booth from Foto Master. Guests stand in front of a dark backdrop and use an LED spray can or pen to create virtual doodles. A camera in front of the guests uses an algorithm to detect and track the LED light. The resulting image of guests and their artwork can be saved as a video or turned into photos, GIFs, or flip books, all with brand logos and messages. Hosts can choose the color and size of the neon pen.
