Well-known Miami drag queen Elaine Lancaster greeted guests, setting a fun, festive and anything-goes tone for the evening. Then it was straight inside to the upper level for the cocktail reception, where event chairman Dan Vazquez of All Over Miami and an installation committee worked to create an environment that blended with the club's permanent décor.
Playing off of State's red and purple velour décor, Panache Party Rental covered tables in red or purple velvet linens, which were then adorned with MPI-monogrammed ice sculptures from So Cool. Guests enjoyed a three-course dinner, which included grilled gambas, braised sake-drunken sea bass and warm chocolate fondant and caramelized pecan ice cream drizzled with warm chocolate sauce provided by Thierry's Catering and Event Design.
Comedian Rich Natole emceed the night's festivities. Mike Sipe Entertainment's DJ kept the music flowing, but the biggest surprise of the evening came when All Over Miami's aerialist—wearing nothing more than a few plastic leaves—climbed the white linen drapes that hung from the ceiling and entertained the crowd with his stunning fluid movements.
—Ceci Valdes-Shaw
MPI Holds Entertaining Installation Gala
February 15, 2006
The South Florida chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) threw an installation banquet and award ceremony to remember at the trendy South Beach nightclub State.
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