Event Inspiration

A balloon backdrop behind a glowing bar set the stage for the Institute of Contemporary Art's 75th Anniversary Gala’s after-party in November 2011.

A stilt walker outfitted in a balloon spaceship greeted fans at the world premiere of Disney’s Tomorrowland, which took place at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, in May 2015.

Hermès threw a beachside party in Palm Beach, Florida, in March 2013 with balloons wrapped in the luxury brand’s silk scarf prints at the entrance.

At the Friends of the High Line’s opening summer benefit in June 2009, held at the Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers, hundreds of green balloons hung overhead in the cocktail area; the attached strings were intended to look like blades of grass.

Self-taught “balloon twister” Addi Somekh makes unique, larger-than-life balloon installations, such as the pink poodle that greeted guests at the event registration area at BizBash Live: The Expo Los Angeles, which took place in July at the California Market Center. In addition to funky decor, Somekh can provide live demonstrations for events, creating balloon hats and inflatable crowns custom-designed for guests’ personalities and style.

In April, event designers Tinsel & Twine created an ethereal balloon canopy installation for a media party introducing LeSportsac's latest bag collection at the Glasshouses in New York; the balloons were reflected in the mirrored-top tablescape.

For its 20th birthday, Old Navy held a “selfiebration” in Times Square in October 2014, complete with a “balloon billboard.” Covered with 1,000 custom balloons, the 15-foot billboard was created by Deeplocal, which referred to the creation as a “selfie machine.” The marketing agency’s software grabbed images from Twitter that had the “sefliebration” hashtag and rasterized the photos to display them on the billboard via inflated balloons.

Balloon Express constructed a floating, multicolored display for the Wildfox pool party in the Boulan South Beach pool during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in July 2014.

The cocktail reception at the Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association’s annual Mirror Ball fund-raiser, held in November 2014 at Toronto’s Liberty Grand, included a silent auction and a balloon burst from sponsor Hudson’s Bay; the balloons contained prizes, such as gift cards. The gala benefits two programs—Look Good Feel Better, a workshop for women with cancer that provides makeup and skincare products, and FacingCancer.ca, an online support community for women with cancer.

At a Vogue Eyewear launch party, which was held at a private home in Los Angeles in March 2013, a wall of colorful branded Mylar balloons served as an eye-catching step-and-repeat.

Chicago-based Balloons by Tommy creates a wide range of balloon decor installations, including centerpieces, arches, bouquets, sculptures, and more. For a wedding at Ovation in July, the company designed a floating wall of balloons in various sizes. Pricing ranges from $250 to $20,000, depending on the style and size of the installations.

The American Express Platinum House took place September 13 to 16 at the former site of London arts college Central Saint Martins. Outside of the venue, the activation was designated with a reflective, geometric structure. A geometric design was prominent throughout the pop-up.

The inside of the venue was lighted in bold, blue lighting. Adding to the sleek aesthetic was a transparent, circular chandelier that welcomed guests to the pop-up.

The section with the main bar was lit in blue and featured transparent seats and table coverings. A reflective arch also displayed the American Express Platinum House logo.

The name of the activation was incorporated into old signage at the venue, some of which had worn away over time.

Guests could pose for photos in front of a platinum curtain. The instant photos were hung on a chain-like installation.

James Blake performed during the pop-up's opening night.

Graffiti artist Jay Caes created a Brick Lane-inspired mural on a wall composed of Away suitcases. Throughout the weekend, guests received complimentary luggage stickers and could shop select items from the luggage brand's "travel uniform" program.

As part of the Black Tomato "Hidden London" installation, vinyl and record players were on display to highlight Rough Trade record store in London. The display also featured fragmented mirrors.

Guests could shop for clothing at a shop curated by Sarah Andelman.

American Express partnered with Equinox to offer group fitness classes such as pilates, yoga, and barre.

The activation served custom cocktails including the Platinum Heat, created by Platinum Collective members Bertha Gonzales Nieves of Casa Dragones Tequila, Viraj Puri of Gotham Greens, and Tobin Ludwig of Hella Cocktail Co.

The Television Academy's official after-party, held at the L.A. Live Event Deck after the Primetime Emmys telecast, drew more than 4,000 winners, nominees, and members of the entertainment industry. For their 20th year designing and producing the event, Cheryl Cecchetto and her team at Sequoia Productions created a starry-night effect, using 28,000 individual LED lights suspended from the ceiling. Furniture, table linens, florals, and other decor came in shades of blue, gold and silver metallics, and white.  The same decor was used for the Creative Arts Emmys dinners, which were held on September 8 and 9.

Event Eleven worked with Floral Crush to create a rose-covered photo op.