Destination Concepts inc (DCi), a Southern California DMC, provided event design, production, and logistics services for a major incentive program held in May 2014 at the Hotel Del Coronado, a San Diego hotel and resort that features nearly 50 distinct meeting and event spaces. As part of the event, DCi created a Blow Dry Bar onsite for program attendees. The Blow Dry Bar was part of a 5-day incentive program that involved multiple onsite events, meetings, and activities for 600 attendees.
The event organizer offered blow outs and styling as one of their daytime activities knowing it would be one of the more popular options provided—nearly half of their registrants signed up for the Blow Dry Bar. The primary objective was to keep guests at the hotel for this service since they were attending an awards dinner that evening. DCi’s was tapped to design and produce a fun, stylish, and inviting space within the hotel that was also functional for the professional stylists hired to provide the service. "Being flexible and creative in this business is what ultimately delivers the best attendee experience and client satisfaction. It’s projects like these that keep you on your creative toes," says Adrienne Hinkle, DCi Senior Account Executive.
DCi's solution was to transform the Hotel Del Coronado Carousel Room, a nearly 5,000 square foot event space, into a private salon and lounge. Once inside the ‘salon,’ guests were completely pampered, enjoying champagne, appetizers, and desserts, along with their blow out and style. Twenty three styling stations were fabricated for the team of stylists from the Paul Mitchell School who were tasked with getting everyone red-carpet ready for the awards gala. The student-stylists were directed by an elite-level stylist who served as a mentor for the day and a donation was given to the school by the event organizer for students’ continued education.
The look of the salon was inspired by the celebrity history of the Hotel Del Coronado, which has played host to such icons as Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis, Mae West, Brad Pitt, Madonna, Oprah Winfrey and more. A glamorous setting was created with a mirrored crystal-beaded check in desk, old Hollywood styled vanities, directors chairs, large blooms of peonies and posh white lounge vignettes with animal print and black accents.
"Our goal was to bring a little red-carpet magic to the attendees and make sure they felt like stars on their big awards night."