Cool Ideas

For the upcoming season two premiere of TBS’ dark comedy Search Party, the network partnered with theater company Punchdrunk International to host an immersive theater event inspired by the show. The party, which took place at Public hotel in New York, featured a performance by singer Tei Shi in a dark forest-theme cube. MadeFirst was responsible for the event’s scenic build.

Floral signage spelling out the title of the series was created by Anna Leigh Weber. 

For World Kindness Day on November 13, Kindness.org—a Brooklyn-based nonprofit that uses research, education, and storytelling to inspire people to choose kindness—celebrated with a mural activation in New York's Times Square. The mural, which was designed by Jennet Liaw, featured examples of kind messages that people were invited to design on the organization’s website and share on social media.

Whiskey Feast, a fall-theme whiskey cocktail and food festival from Cannonball Productions, took place November 11 at Hudson Terrace in New York. The event featured a doughnut wall, which served as a photo backdrop and invited guests to enjoy a variety of doughnuts from Underwest Donuts. 

City of Hope, a nonprofit cancer treatment and research center, held its Spirit of Life award gala for its Music, Film, and Entertainment Industry group—which consists of more than 1,000 music and entertainment executives who help raise money for the organization—on November 2 at Barker Hangar in Los Angeles. The event, which was produced and designed by Namevents, had a sunset beach theme with blue, yellow, and pink tones. The city of Hope logo was brought to life in the venue’s ceiling through oversize panels that were hung in the shape of rays of sunlight and illuminated in the event’s color palette. 

For a Thanksgiving-theme cocktail idea, Stella Artois partnered with chef Andre Marrero to create an apple-pie inspired cocktail. The recipe calls for Stella Artois Cidre, ginger, star anise, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Garnish with whipped cream, a cinnamon stick, and orange zest.

The 23rd annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball took place November 4 at InterContinental Hotel Miami. The event, which was produced by DECO Productions, featured an arrivals area inspired by Grace Jones. 

Customized labels on Campbell's cans, inspired by Andy Warhol’s iconic Pop Art works, identified various dishes served at the event. 

Hennessy hosted an experiential tour for consumers from November 8 to 14 at Industry City in Brooklyn. The event, which was produced by NVE Experience Agency New York and Hue & Cry, was designed to teach consumers about the cognac-making process. The tour featured a room that had wall-to-wall graphics of vineyards, plus simulated rainfall to depict the unpredictable weather that winemakers often face.

A guided tasting of Hennessy took place in an all-white room that was decorated with 933 vials of eau-de-vie in different shades, designed to represent stages in the aging process.

Population: 500 permanent residents
If You Were Considering: Detroit; Milwaukee
Known For: Its genteel atmosphere; the annual Lilac Festival; reputation as America’s fudge capital
Largest Meeting Space: Mission Point Resort has 38,000 square feet of flexible function space; the largest event room spans 7,700 square feet.
Transport: The closest commercial airport is Pellston Regional Airport, about 17 miles from the ferry docks in Mackinaw City. Once on the island, horse-drawn taxis, bicycles, and walking are the only ways to get around since cars are not allowed.
Who's Met There: Detroit Chamber of Commerce; Michigan Hospital Association; Knights of Columbus
Selling Point: Located in Lake Huron, the island has been a national historic landmark for more than 50 years.