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Ideas i like

November 29, 2018
A Table With Risers
A Table With Risers
Party Rental Ltd. adds more space to buffet tables by displaying platters and other items on risers. "Table Risers are great for providing extra surface area without adding another full table," says a company rep. "If you don’t have the space to expand horizontally, go vertical."
Photo: Mark Scardilli
A Vertical Buffet
A Vertical Buffet

In Los Angeles, Wolfgang Puck Catering & Events uses vertical buffets. The bookcase-style shelf takes up minimal floor space and lets guests grab their own dishes from various levels of shelves.

Photo: Courtesy of Wolfgang Puck Catering & Events
At Zendesk’s Relate conference, which took place in Sydney in July, the company created coloring books as a playful look at the complex relationships businesses and customers experience. Each illustration depicted two opposite forces—such as sun and moon, sea and space, etc.—along with a poem or joke that further explored those relationships. Attendees could color the books using colored pencils provided on tables around the event, and they also received a coloring book to take home in the conference gift bag.
At Zendesk’s Relate conference, which took place in Sydney in July, the company created coloring books as a playful look at the complex relationships businesses and customers experience. Each illustration depicted two opposite forces—such as sun and moon, sea and space, etc.—along with a poem or joke that further explored those relationships. Attendees could color the books using colored pencils provided on tables around the event, and they also received a coloring book to take home in the conference gift bag.
Photo: Courtesy of Zendesk
A picnic combines an alternative to traditional meal service with a networking activity. And when held indoors, a picnic can take place year-round. Organizers of the TED Conference, which was held in Vancouver in February, provided blankets and baskets filled with food for six people and invited attendees to find others to share it inside the Vancouver Convention Centre.
A picnic combines an alternative to traditional meal service with a networking activity. And when held indoors, a picnic can take place year-round. Organizers of the TED Conference, which was held in Vancouver in February, provided blankets and baskets filled with food for six people and invited attendees to find others to share it inside the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Photo: Ryan Lash/TED
Badge decorating is an activity that allows attendees to show their individuality and creativity—and creates an easy topic of conversation among strangers. At the 2015 Summer Brand Camp Conference in Dallas, organizers invited guests to decorate their badges with colored beads, in a nod to the event’s children’s-camp vibe.
Badge decorating is an activity that allows attendees to show their individuality and creativity—and creates an easy topic of conversation among strangers. At the 2015 Summer Brand Camp Conference in Dallas, organizers invited guests to decorate their badges with colored beads, in a nod to the event’s children’s-camp vibe.
Photo: Jill Harper/Summer Brand Camp
For the Luminato Festival, held in June 2016 in Toronto, guests were able to explore the Hearn Generating Station power plant, which is normally closed to the public. Inspired by the venue’s minimalist decor and clean lines, Luminato had Toronto architecture firm Partisans custom-design tall, glowing centerpieces for its opening gala.
For the Luminato Festival, held in June 2016 in Toronto, guests were able to explore the Hearn Generating Station power plant, which is normally closed to the public. Inspired by the venue’s minimalist decor and clean lines, Luminato had Toronto architecture firm Partisans custom-design tall, glowing centerpieces for its opening gala.
Photo: Che Rosales
For the National Geographic Society’s June 2013 anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C., Syzygy Events International used custom glacier ice sculptures as on-theme centerpieces.
For the National Geographic Society’s June 2013 anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C., Syzygy Events International used custom glacier ice sculptures as on-theme centerpieces.
Photo: Robert Isacson
David Stark and his team designed the sixth annual Brooklyn Museum's Artists Ball, which took place in April 2016 at the New York museum. Inspired by Constantin Brancusi’s sculptures, particularly the “Endless Column,” Stark transformed the space with towering totems made from stacked rolls of household and industrial paper goods. They rose from the dining tables in varying heights, up to a soaring 21 feet.
David Stark and his team designed the sixth annual Brooklyn Museum's Artists Ball, which took place in April 2016 at the New York museum. Inspired by Constantin Brancusi’s sculptures, particularly the “Endless Column,” Stark transformed the space with towering totems made from stacked rolls of household and industrial paper goods. They rose from the dining tables in varying heights, up to a soaring 21 feet.
Photo: Susie Montagna
Hunger-relief organization Food Bank for New York City celebrated its annual Can Do Awards Dinner in April 2018 at Cipriani Wall Street. The star-studded gala, which saw performances from Salt-N-Pepa and Kid Capri, had simple yet sleek centerpieces designed by Swoop that evoked the city’s skyline.
Hunger-relief organization Food Bank for New York City celebrated its annual Can Do Awards Dinner in April 2018 at Cipriani Wall Street. The star-studded gala, which saw performances from Salt-N-Pepa and Kid Capri, had simple yet sleek centerpieces designed by Swoop that evoked the city’s skyline.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Food Bank for New York City
To celebrate the public opening of the Broad in Los Angeles in September 2015, event producer Ben Bourgeois was inspired by the art museum’s unique design. Laser-cut paper foldouts as tabletop centerpieces represented the architecture of Grand Avenue and surrounding buildings downtown, including Disney Hall and the new Broad. LED lights illuminated the representations of the buildings so they appeared to glow from within.
To celebrate the public opening of the Broad in Los Angeles in September 2015, event producer Ben Bourgeois was inspired by the art museum’s unique design. Laser-cut paper foldouts as tabletop centerpieces represented the architecture of Grand Avenue and surrounding buildings downtown, including Disney Hall and the new Broad. LED lights illuminated the representations of the buildings so they appeared to glow from within.
Photo: Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging
At Diffa Chicago’s Dining by Design in November 2013, the Coalesse table, designed by Gensler, had subtle twinkle lights and a wishbone pattern swirling on its walls. The table's centerpiece was a dense arrangement of wishbones, laid over a row of softly glowing electric candles.
At Diffa Chicago’s Dining by Design in November 2013, the Coalesse table, designed by Gensler, had subtle twinkle lights and a wishbone pattern swirling on its walls. The table's centerpiece was a dense arrangement of wishbones, laid over a row of softly glowing electric candles.
Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash
The Robin Hood Foundation celebrated its 30th anniversary May 2018 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. The benefit, which had a “Lights of New York” theme, had three-sided mini marquee centerpieces that offered messages of gratitude and celebrated the organization's anniversary. David Stark Design and Production designed the event.
The Robin Hood Foundation celebrated its 30th anniversary May 2018 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. The benefit, which had a “Lights of New York” theme, had three-sided mini marquee centerpieces that offered messages of gratitude and celebrated the organization's anniversary. David Stark Design and Production designed the event.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
At Diffa Chicago’s Dining by Design in November 2015, Wolf Gordon by the Gettys Group’s table had a 'fireplace' that was actually made of illuminated water vapor.
At Diffa Chicago’s Dining by Design in November 2015, Wolf Gordon by the Gettys Group’s table had a "fireplace" that was actually made of illuminated water vapor.
Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash
The Catalina Island Conservancy celebrated its 22nd annual ball in April 2017 at the Avalon Casino Ballroom. The 500-attendee event had a “Taking Flight” theme, which documented the conservancy’s work to monitor the Southern California island’s seabirds. Centerpieces were made from tall twig-like wires, which had a table number on top in the shape of a bird wing. The conservancy designed the event and the centerpieces in-house.
The Catalina Island Conservancy celebrated its 22nd annual ball in April 2017 at the Avalon Casino Ballroom. The 500-attendee event had a “Taking Flight” theme, which documented the conservancy’s work to monitor the Southern California island’s seabirds. Centerpieces were made from tall twig-like wires, which had a table number on top in the shape of a bird wing. The conservancy designed the event and the centerpieces in-house.
Photo: Shana Cassidy Photography
In January 2016, the Walrus Foundation hosted its annual gala at the Fermenting Cellar in Toronto. The event paid homage to the Canadian city, and the skyline appeared in imagery at the bar, on the walls, and more. Tabletops were decked with miniature renderings of the Toronto skyline, created in paper by artist Kalpna Patel.
In January 2016, the Walrus Foundation hosted its annual gala at the Fermenting Cellar in Toronto. The event paid homage to the Canadian city, and the skyline appeared in imagery at the bar, on the walls, and more. Tabletops were decked with miniature renderings of the Toronto skyline, created in paper by artist Kalpna Patel.
Photo: Tom Sandler
Held in May 2018, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s Mission Creek Gala was designed by Gillian Valentine with the goal of highlighting four distinct habitats of the California city, including the coastal wetlands. The coastal habitat had an elegant under-the-sea theme, with light, silver tableware and centerpieces of small tide pools filled with starfish, shells, and other ocean-inspired elements.
Held in May 2018, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s Mission Creek Gala was designed by Gillian Valentine with the goal of highlighting four distinct habitats of the California city, including the coastal wetlands. The coastal habitat had an elegant under-the-sea theme, with light, silver tableware and centerpieces of small tide pools filled with starfish, shells, and other ocean-inspired elements.
Photo: Barron Spafford
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum's Butterfly Ball, held in Chicago in May 2013, had a farm-like atmosphere. Playing off the event's “Savour Nature” theme, which highlighted the new exhibition “Food: The Nature of Eating,” Event Creative brought in vegetable-centric decor. Tables were decked with miniature gardens potted with tomatoes, colorful peppers, asparagus, and kale; around the centerpieces, fairy lights in miniature Mason jars added to the elegant yard-party vibe.
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum's Butterfly Ball, held in Chicago in May 2013, had a farm-like atmosphere. Playing off the event's “Savour Nature” theme, which highlighted the new exhibition “Food: The Nature of Eating,” Event Creative brought in vegetable-centric decor. Tables were decked with miniature gardens potted with tomatoes, colorful peppers, asparagus, and kale; around the centerpieces, fairy lights in miniature Mason jars added to the elegant yard-party vibe.
Photo: Steve Becker/beckermedia.com
At an October 2016 dinner for Culture Lab Detroit, designer David Stark took inspiration from Belgian artist Koen Vanmechelen's Cosmopolitan Chicken Project, a multimedia examination of chicken breeding. More than 80 dozen eggs in open egg cartons formed a simple but effective centerpiece for the 55-seat table. After the party, the eggs were donated to the Oakland Avenue Urban Farm.
At an October 2016 dinner for Culture Lab Detroit, designer David Stark took inspiration from Belgian artist Koen Vanmechelen's Cosmopolitan Chicken Project, a multimedia examination of chicken breeding. More than 80 dozen eggs in open egg cartons formed a simple but effective centerpiece for the 55-seat table. After the party, the eggs were donated to the Oakland Avenue Urban Farm.
Photo: Susie Montagna
The Art Institute of Chicago's Snap Gala in October 2013 benefited the Photography Gala Fund and took on, appropriately, a photography theme. INDO handled the decor, which included centerpieces made of glowing, vintage slides.
The Art Institute of Chicago's Snap Gala in October 2013 benefited the Photography Gala Fund and took on, appropriately, a photography theme. INDO handled the decor, which included centerpieces made of glowing, vintage slides.
Photo: Julia Stotz
At a film benefit honoring Quentin Tarantino, held in December 2012 at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the museum’s in-house event department adopted a monochromatic, masculine look. A mix of round and rectangular clear Lucite tables formed the dinner setup in the atrium. The sleek look was matched by clear chargers and ghost chairs; clusters of pillar candles replaced flowers as centerpieces.
At a film benefit honoring Quentin Tarantino, held in December 2012 at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the museum’s in-house event department adopted a monochromatic, masculine look. A mix of round and rectangular clear Lucite tables formed the dinner setup in the atrium. The sleek look was matched by clear chargers and ghost chairs; clusters of pillar candles replaced flowers as centerpieces.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Teen Vogue Summit
Teen Vogue Summit

Teen Vogue’s annual summit took place December 1 at 72andSunny in Los Angeles. The event, which was produced in house by CNX, featured a giant chalkboard where attendees could write why self-expression is important. 

Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park’s Tree Lighting Skate-tacular
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park’s Tree Lighting Skate-tacular

The event featured a performance by Olympic skater and commentator Johnny Weir, who wore a festive, green outfit. 

Photo: Angela Cranford
D.I.Y. versions of cocktails served in miniature liquor bottles can be an easy catering option, says Riviera Caterers co-founder Bobby Stern.
D.I.Y. versions of cocktails served in miniature liquor bottles can be an easy catering option, says Riviera Caterers co-founder Bobby Stern.
Photo: Blaise Joseph Photography
A Different Tune featured musical performances from local Los Angeles choirs who use music and song to unify people from all backgrounds. A collaboration with Glaad, the room aimed to amplify underrepresented voices with performances from the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles and Tonality (pictured).
A Different Tune featured musical performances from local Los Angeles choirs who use music and song to unify people from all backgrounds. A collaboration with Glaad, the room aimed to amplify underrepresented voices with performances from the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles and Tonality (pictured).
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Refinery29
Based on attendee feedback, organizers learned that attendees wanted more chances to connect. That concept was on display in the popular 29 Questions room, where guests were paired up with strangers to answer a series of intimate questions. Signage outside the space asked guests to put away their phones and 'Try our social experiment and tap into the joy of shared humanity.'
Based on attendee feedback, organizers learned that attendees wanted more chances to connect. That concept was on display in the popular 29 Questions room, where guests were paired up with strangers to answer a series of intimate questions. Signage outside the space asked guests to put away their phones and "Try our social experiment and tap into the joy of shared humanity."
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Refinery29
Another room where strangers were encouraged to interact was called Blind Date With Destiny. Two narrow spaces were connected through small holes in the wall. Guests read a quick tutorial on palm reading, then took turns reading each other's palms—without ever being face to face.
Another room where strangers were encouraged to interact was called Blind Date With Destiny. Two narrow spaces were connected through small holes in the wall. Guests read a quick tutorial on palm reading, then took turns reading each other's palms—without ever being face to face.
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Refinery29
One popular room, called A Long Line of Queendom, celebrated black culture and beauty. A collaboration with Refinery29's Unbothered platform and photography series Unity In Color, the golden space included graffiti such as 'ghetto until proven fashionable,' 'my hair isn't up for debate,' and 'black AF.'
One popular room, called A Long Line of Queendom, celebrated black culture and beauty. A collaboration with Refinery29's Unbothered platform and photography series Unity In Color, the golden space included graffiti such as "ghetto until proven fashionable," "my hair isn't up for debate," and "black AF."
Photo: Claire Hoffman/BizBash
Other highlights of the space included bars of shea butter designed to resemble blocks of gold.
Other highlights of the space included bars of shea butter designed to resemble blocks of gold.
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Refinery29
We wrote about Aaron Taylor Kuffner's Sonic Sanctuary room in our New York coverage, but new to Los Angeles was a companion piece called Sonic Shadow. A collaboration with Aye Hasegawa, the large space encouraged guests to put down their phones and experience a contemporary dance experience. The dancers' moves were reflected on the large wall behind them, creating a surreal experience.
We wrote about Aaron Taylor Kuffner's Sonic Sanctuary room in our New York coverage, but new to Los Angeles was a companion piece called Sonic Shadow. A collaboration with Aye Hasegawa, the large space encouraged guests to put down their phones and experience a contemporary dance experience. The dancers' moves were reflected on the large wall behind them, creating a surreal experience.
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Refinery29
Of course, some spaces just wanted to give guests that fun photo op. New for Los Angeles was a room called Claim the Stage, a partnership with Amazon Prime Video's The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Guests took photo ops on the stage with their names on the marquee.
Of course, some spaces just wanted to give guests that fun photo op. New for Los Angeles was a room called Claim the Stage, a partnership with Amazon Prime Video's The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Guests took photo ops on the stage with their names on the marquee.
Photo: Claire Hoffman/BizBash
Another photo-focused room was called No Filter. Intended to demonstrate how light can transform an environment, the space used two different lighting methods to manipulate light, color, and shadow. The goal, said organizers, was to shift your perception and allow attendees (including Lena Waithe, pictured) to see themselves—and their surroundings—'in a new light.'
Another photo-focused room was called No Filter. Intended to demonstrate how light can transform an environment, the space used two different lighting methods to manipulate light, color, and shadow. The goal, said organizers, was to shift your perception and allow attendees (including Lena Waithe, pictured) to see themselves—and their surroundings—"in a new light."
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Refinery29
Speaking of Lena Waithe, a room by the actress and screenwriter was one of the more talked-about experiences. Called Oh Say Can You See, the four-part video discussed life as a black person in America and being trapped between the country's founding promises and the history of discrimination. Displayed on four oversize screens, creating a fully immersive experience, the video traced decades of black protest, black heroes, black art, and black excellence. The video was set to Whitney Houston's rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.
Speaking of Lena Waithe, a room by the actress and screenwriter was one of the more talked-about experiences. Called Oh Say Can You See, the four-part video discussed life as a black person in America and being trapped between the country's founding promises and the history of discrimination. Displayed on four oversize screens, creating a fully immersive experience, the video traced decades of black protest, black heroes, black art, and black excellence. The video was set to Whitney Houston's rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Refinery29
The emotional video ended on an inspirational note, displaying a quote from Greek poet Dinos Christianopoulos.
The emotional video ended on an inspirational note, displaying a quote from Greek poet Dinos Christianopoulos.
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Refinery29
Another celebrity collaboration was a bit more whimsical. Singer Kesha created Deep Sea Gallery: Welcome to My Mind, a surreal, colorful room that fused sea and space, using plenty of glitter, neon, and props.
Another celebrity collaboration was a bit more whimsical. Singer Kesha created Deep Sea Gallery: Welcome to My Mind, a surreal, colorful room that fused sea and space, using plenty of glitter, neon, and props.
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Refinery29
Guests were invited to wear space helmets in a photo op.
Guests were invited to wear space helmets in a photo op.
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Refinery29
On the other end of the spectrum, the room Between the Sheet discouraged the use of phones. A guided audio experience with a poem by Rupi Kaur, the space saw guests walking through while picking up, carrying, and ultimately disposing of sand, symbolizing a journey to 'leave what weighs you down and make space for love and lightness,' according to organizers.
On the other end of the spectrum, the room Between the Sheet discouraged the use of phones. A guided audio experience with a poem by Rupi Kaur, the space saw guests walking through while picking up, carrying, and ultimately disposing of sand, symbolizing a journey to "leave what weighs you down and make space for love and lightness," according to organizers.
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Refinery29
Continuing the event's activism was the Plan B Hotline, a partnership with Plan B One-Step. Similar to last year's Planned Parenthood display, attendees could pick up the phones and listen to stories of people who have used the emergency contraception.
Continuing the event's activism was the Plan B Hotline, a partnership with Plan B One-Step. Similar to last year's Planned Parenthood display, attendees could pick up the phones and listen to stories of people who have used the emergency contraception.
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Refinery29
One of the more branded spaces was from Pantene, called Play, Rescue, Reset. Designed to embrace ideas of play and joy, the colorful room (which included a second area behind a wall of ribbons) offered new ways to wear your hair. “We work very closely with our brand partners in the same way that we do with our artists to create meaningful IRL experiences that leave our audience with lasting memories that will stay with them forever,' explained Albie Hueston, creative director of experiential at Refinery29 and 29Rooms, in a conversation with BizBash in September.
One of the more branded spaces was from Pantene, called Play, Rescue, Reset. Designed to embrace ideas of play and joy, the colorful room (which included a second area behind a wall of ribbons) offered new ways to wear your hair. “We work very closely with our brand partners in the same way that we do with our artists to create meaningful IRL experiences that leave our audience with lasting memories that will stay with them forever," explained Albie Hueston, creative director of experiential at Refinery29 and 29Rooms, in a conversation with BizBash in September.
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Refinery29
Another branded area was Party With the Fun, a partnership with Smirnoff. The space was intended to just be a fun party filled with lush topiaries, dancing drag queens, including Anita Procedure and Gigi Goode, and plenty of vodka.
Another branded area was Party With the Fun, a partnership with Smirnoff. The space was intended to just be a fun party filled with lush topiaries, dancing drag queens, including Anita Procedure and Gigi Goode, and plenty of vodka.
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Refinery29
New to 29 Rooms Los Angeles this year was an AR experience called 29th dimension. Guests could pose in front of colorful backdrops; when viewed through a phone app, graphics from artist Shawna-X created filters that could be shared on social media. The technology was a collaboration with Buck and used Spark AR.
New to 29 Rooms Los Angeles this year was an AR experience called 29th dimension. Guests could pose in front of colorful backdrops; when viewed through a phone app, graphics from artist Shawna-X created filters that could be shared on social media. The technology was a collaboration with Buck and used Spark AR.
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Refinery29
Also new—and just in time for holiday shopping—was a partnership between MasterCard and Fred Segal. MasterCard, the official payment technology partner for all editions of 29Rooms, worked with the retailer to create an immersive ecommerce experience. Using apps and virtual-reality headsets, attendees felt like they were in a physical store, where they could browse gifts from an exclusive collection. The experience was fueled by Next Retail Concepts.
Also new—and just in time for holiday shopping—was a partnership between MasterCard and Fred Segal. MasterCard, the official payment technology partner for all editions of 29Rooms, worked with the retailer to create an immersive ecommerce experience. Using apps and virtual-reality headsets, attendees felt like they were in a physical store, where they could browse gifts from an exclusive collection. The experience was fueled by Next Retail Concepts.
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Refinery29
Peter Callahan
Peter Callahan
For a winter wonderland-theme party, New York-based Peter Callahan used actual snowballs to serve cocktails. The tray was laid with shaved ice to hold the snowballs in place, and the team carefully measured the amount of the drink to commensurate with the time the guest could comfortably hold the snowball—no gloves required.
Photo: Courtesy of Peter Callahan
Magnolia Bluebird Design & Events created a bright, colorful dinner setting inspired by interior decorator Dorothy Draper, who was known for combining bold tones with black and white.
Magnolia Bluebird Design & Events created a bright, colorful dinner setting inspired by interior decorator Dorothy Draper, who was known for combining bold tones with black and white.
Photo: Courtesy of Eli Turner Studios
'Vintage party hats, shimmering accents, and a mix of holiday floral, coupled with classic black-and-white stripes, say holiday fun without being too 'in your face,'' says Danielle Couick, principal of the Columbia, Maryland-based event planning company.
"Vintage party hats, shimmering accents, and a mix of holiday floral, coupled with classic black-and-white stripes, say holiday fun without being too 'in your face,'" says Danielle Couick, principal of the Columbia, Maryland-based event planning company.
Photo: Courtesy of Eli Turner Studios
Traditional mini holiday lightbulbs add a simple, festive decor touch.
Traditional mini holiday lightbulbs add a simple, festive decor touch.
Photo: Courtesy of Eli Turner Studios
Number-shaped sugar cookies, provided by Arlington, Virginia-based bakery Sugar Pixie Sweets, are a unique way to count down to midnight.
Number-shaped sugar cookies, provided by Arlington, Virginia-based bakery Sugar Pixie Sweets, are a unique way to count down to midnight.
Photo: Courtesy of Eli Turner Studios
Individual bottles of champagne and place cards with calligraphed names by Arney Walker Calligraphy dress up each table setting.
Individual bottles of champagne and place cards with calligraphed names by Arney Walker Calligraphy dress up each table setting.
Photo: Courtesy of Eli Turner Studios
Black cocktail napkins feature a clever New Year toast in silver ink.
Black cocktail napkins feature a clever New Year toast in silver ink.
Photo: Courtesy of Eli Turner Studios
5. ...and Instagram-friendly.
5. ...and Instagram-friendly.
The workout can continue even while guests are sitting and networking. For Kehoe Designs’ Love Yourself Fitness & Networking Event, held in June in Chicago, decor included orchids anchored to kettlebells as centerpieces. Balance balls set in gilded stands (pictured) made for unexpected, inventive—and healthy—side chairs.
Photo: Courtesy of Kehoe Designs
‘The Cher Show’ Opening Party
‘The Cher Show’ Opening Party

The opening night party for Broadway’s the Cher Show took place December 3 at Pier Sixty. The event, which was designed by Tinsel Experiential Design, had a hallway decked out in streamers of different colors and illustrations of Cher in iconic looks from different decades on the mirrors.

Photo: Courtesy of Tinsel
Target’s Holiday Family Fun Nights
Target’s Holiday Family Fun Nights

To celebrate the holidays, Target hosted family fun nights at New York’s South Street Seaport December 12 and 13. The outdoor event featured a giant boombox DJ booth, which played holiday songs. 

Photo: Courtesy of Target
Midwinter Night’s Dream at PHD Terrace
Midwinter Night’s Dream at PHD Terrace

PHD Terrace at New York’s Dream Midtown debuted a season-long holiday pop-up in November. The bar features a festive green, orange, and white color scheme, with a swing photo op, floral installations, and mistletoe adornments. The pop-up was designed and installed by artist Jenevieve Penk in collaboration with Tao Group at Dream Hotels. 

Photo: Keri Tan Photography
Santa’s Tavern at JW Marriott L.A. Live
Santa’s Tavern at JW Marriott L.A. Live

The pastry team at JW Marriott L.A. Live created a life-size gingerbread bar comprised of 1,300 pounds of spiced cookie dough and sugar. The bar serves a rotating array of holiday refreshments. 

Photo: Ryan Forbes/AVABLU
Ontario Science Centre's RBC Innovators’ Ball
Ontario Science Centre's RBC Innovators’ Ball

In November, the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto hosted its annual RBC Innovators’ Ball, raising more than $730,000 to support the center’s community access programs. The event featured science fair-style experiences including a hair-raising Van de Graaff generator, an electrostatic generator that uses a moving belt to build up an electric charge.

Photo: Nino Liu
New York
New York
The New York event was held first, on May 22 at the Sousa House—a historic brownstone in Greenwich Village. Organizers used vinyl to wrap the front door with MobileIron branding.
Photo: Jane Kratochvil
New York
New York
Intimate breakout sessions were held in various rooms of the townhouse, including the bedrooms. AFR provided furniture rentals for all three events.
Photo: Jane Kratochvil
New York
New York
One bedroom-slash-breakout room had a large tub; organizers made it feel intentional by filling it with branded rubber duckies.
Photo: Jane Kratochvil
New York
New York
Additional branding took over the rest of the multi-story home, with MobileIron logos and signage on the staircases, floors, and even the refrigerators.
Photo: Jane Kratochvil
Austin
Austin
The Austin event took place at the Lake Travis House on June 4. Screens were displayed in each room so that attendees could sit anywhere in the house to watch the keynote and other speeches.
Photo: Olivia Vale
Austin
Austin
Instead of handing out maps, organizers used lighting—in shades of blue, purple, orange, green, and red—to differentiate the rooms and direct attendees.
Photo: Olivia Vale
Austin
Austin
To match the city’s unique vibe and take advantage of the lakeside estate, organizers booked a live band to perform for attendees. The house’s garage was also transformed with string lights to give it the feel of a local club.
Photo: Olivia Vale
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
The Los Angeles edition, which took place July 7, was held at the Chantilly Estate in Bel Air. The stylish, modern mansion also featured subtle vinyl branding on the front and garage doors.
Photo: Jordan Strauss
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Taking advantage of the Los Angeles weather—and the mansion's memorable mountain setting—the closing keynote took place around the estate’s pool.
Photo: Jordan Strauss
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Also in the pool area, attendees could unwind with a game of mini golf.
Photo: Jordan Strauss
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Organizers created branded pillows for each of the three events.
Photo: Jordan Strauss
In one installation, guests shot water guns full of paint at a white office setting.
In one installation, guests shot water guns full of paint at a white office setting.
Photo: Courtesy of Adobe
Adobe Max attendees were invited to sign and decorate an oversize chalkboard.
Adobe Max attendees were invited to sign and decorate an oversize chalkboard.
Photo: Courtesy of Adobe
Send Tribute Souvenirs
Send Tribute Souvenirs

For the New York Yankees 2014 Homecoming Dinner honoring Mariano Rivera, Chris Koch, and Andy Pettitte, invitations arrived with all three honorees spotlighted in the form of custom baseball cards.

Photo: Andrew Martin for BizBash
Add Cheeky On-Theme Details
Add Cheeky On-Theme Details

Zagat honored its local list of the 30 best chefs under 30 years old—Zagat’s “30 under 30”—in Austin with an event where drink coasters referenced other celebrities and personalities, real and fictional, who achieved fame by the same age.

Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Showcase Framed Portraits
Showcase Framed Portraits

Every year for Essence magazine's annual Black Women in Hollywood event—an award luncheon that takes place during the week before the Oscars—producer Caravents creates a gallery of framed oversize portraits that are also pictured in the magazine's special issue. The artistic tributes hang in the Beverly Hills Hotel's grand stairway, which acts as the entrance to the celeb-mobbed event.

Photo: Line 8 Photography. All rights reserved.
Create an Interactive Installation
Create an Interactive Installation

This year's Essence Black Women in Hollywood event also included a Target-sponsored “Power of Our Presence” wall, where guests could pull a message of inspiration; as the messages were removed, images of honorees appeared beneath the star-shaped installation.

Photo: Alessandra Dubin/BizBash
Personalize a Motif
Personalize a Motif

The Museum of Modern Art honored Quentin Tarantino in 2012, choosing not to plaster the walls with explicit references to the filmmaker's iconic movies. Instead, the New York art institution crafted a more subtle homage with a color palette of indigo and a commissioned sketch of Tarantino. Nathan Milner's sketch—artwork commissioned by Tarantino that depicted the director and iconic characters from his films—was incorporated into visuals, used on the step-and-repeat, and printed on the dinner program.

Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Put Names on Bottles
Put Names on Bottles

A scant 200 guests made the invite list for Elle’s Women in Hollywood event in 2008 at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, where Moët & Chandon bottles bore the names of honorees.

Photo: Donato Sardella
Customize Entertainment
Customize Entertainment

In honor of Tommy Hilfiger receiving the C.F.D.A.'s Lifetime Achievement award in 2012, the Princeton Footnotes performed a live tribute to the designer. Naturally, the all-male a cappella group was outfitted in head-to-toe Tommy Hilfiger clothing.

Photo: Joe Schildhorn/BFAnyc.com
Place Faces on Stage
Place Faces on Stage

The Children's Defense Fund's Beat the Odds award ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hotel in 2012 honored five Los Angeles high school students who overcame personal obstacles and achieved academic excellence. To incorporate the teenagers into the night's visuals, the organizers used a gallery of black-and-white portraits as the backdrop for the stage.

Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
Host an Engaging Conversation
Host an Engaging Conversation

The Gene Siskel Film Center honored Gwyneth Paltrow at its 2013 fund-raiser at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago. Instead of simply presenting the actress with an award, the evening included an hour-long onstage Q&A session. Amanda de Cadenet, host of Lifetime TV's The Conversation and a friend of Paltrow's, led the discussion. The event's menu also included dishes inspired by Paltrow's films.

Photo: Bob Carl
Use Artful Multimedia Displays
Use Artful Multimedia Displays

For the first-ever event marking its annual list of Game Changers in 2010, the Huffington Post wanted to produce an interactive experience that would appropriately honor the leaders and innovators selected by the five-year-old news site's readers. The awards were bestowed on 100 individuals, people who used new media to make a global impact in fields as diverse as business, politics, sports, and food, and scrolling projector displays mimicked the way the Huffington Post presents content online. The changing text also served to educate attendees on the works of each Game Changer honoree. David Stark produced the event at Skylight Soho in New York.

Photo: Courtesy of David Stark
Make It Personal
Make It Personal

TD Bank's employee recognition dinner—called the “Wow” awards—got a major format change in 2009, meant to avoid the feeling of a typical dinner and presentation. The event shrunk from 2,000 people to 100, with the 27 honorees, their guests, and TD Bank senior execs all siting at a single amoeba-shaped table. Lucite easels displaying photos of the evening's honorees lined the hallway.

Photo: Roger Dong for BizBash
Dedicate the Theme
Dedicate the Theme

The party following the A.F.I. Lifetime Achievement award presentation at Los Angeles's Sony Pictures Studios in 2011 drew inspiration from honoree Morgan Freeman's blues club in Mississippi. Nods to the club and city came in the form of decor, flowers, and a Southern food menu from Wolfgang Puck.

Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
Coloring Books
Coloring Books

Stress-relieving coloring books for adults from Scarborough & Tweed offer a creative alternative to traditional party favors and corporate gifts. Coloring pencils are included. Pricing is available upon request.

Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
Knitting
Knitting

Wool and the Gang delivers full “knit kits,” including yarn, chunky needles, easy-to-follow patterns, and a link to online video tutorials, to offices or event spaces for knitting parties. (The repetitive action of needlework can reportedly induce a relaxed state like that achieved with meditation and yoga.) Projects range in difficulty from a clutch, pillow cover, knit snood, crochet snood, and hat; items will change for spring and summer season. The party hosts receive their kits for free, while guests receive discounts on their kits, ranging from $27 for a clutch to $35 for a snood or hat. Knitters can also attend preplanned parties that Wool and the Gang hosts in cities around the country. Tickets are approximately $40, depending on the project; the price includes the materials needed.

Photo: Courtesy of Wool and the Gang
Saks Fifth Avenue Reopening
Saks Fifth Avenue Reopening

The reopening of the renovated Saks Fifth Avenue flagship store in New York took place earlier this month. The event, which was produced by Endeavor Global Marketing, featured an elevator that was transformed into a floral photo booth. Orchids and hydrangeas provided by Boho Blossoms decorated the interior of the elevator.

Photo: Andrew Notsch/Endeavor Global Marketing
Klarna “Smoooth Session”
Klarna “Smoooth Session”

Pinch Food Design catered the event. Stations included dessert trays attached to oversize helium balloons. Catering staff guided the balloons through the crowd.

Photo: Christian Rodriguez
Bar Bumble
Bar Bumble

To celebrate the launch of Bumble’s first major Canada-only campaign, the dating and social connection app took over Bangarang bar in Toronto on February 14. The event, which was designed by creative agency Narrative, featured yellow candy machines that dispensed conversation starters for guests. 

Photo: Sarjoun Faour
In the Studio space, guests encountered clips from the David Sims-lensed campaign and could star in their own Michael Kors campaign—if just for their Instagram accounts. Trampolines, clothing and accessories from the campaign as well as other props recreated the set while Hypno AIR cameras captured shareable videos and images.
In the Studio space, guests encountered clips from the David Sims-lensed campaign and could star in their own Michael Kors campaign—if just for their Instagram accounts. Trampolines, clothing and accessories from the campaign as well as other props recreated the set while Hypno AIR cameras captured shareable videos and images.
Photo: Jim Shi for BizBash
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