BizBash
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
Topics
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • Industry Buzz
  • BizBash Lists
Resources
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
User Tools
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Get Featured
  • Press Releases
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Subscribe to Magazine
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
  1. Production & Strategy
  2. Event Production & Fabrication

Emmys 2017 Preview: Golden Governors Ball Commits to Sustainability

The largest seated dinner in North America will take on a “Golden Grandeur” theme, and all food and decor elements will be recycled, repurposed, or biodegradable.

Claire Hoffman
September 7, 2017

International press assembled on Thursday morning for a preview of the decor, menus, and inspiration for the Emmy Awards’ three exclusive dinners. This year’s splashy events—the two Creative Arts Balls (set for Saturday and Sunday, following the 2017 Creative Arts Emmy Awards) and the Governors Ball (set for September 17, following the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards)—will all carry the same theme and catering, as per tradition.

Produced by the Television Academy’s Governors Ball Committee alongside Cheryl Cecchetto and the Sequoia Productions team for the 20th year, the seated dinners are expected to draw more than 8,500 guests across the three nights. The massive undertaking will require 25,500 pieces of china, 30,000 glasses of champagne, 300 audiovisual technicians, and a venue the length of a football field.

This year’s theme will be “Golden Grandeur,” and the dinners will show a particular commitment to sustainability. All food and debris will be composted afterward, carpet will be donated to Habitat for Humanity, rentals will be reused, and all lights and fixtures will be energy-efficient.

“The 2017 Governors Ball and Creative Arts Governors Ball events will set the gold standard in terms of elegance and environmental sustainability—verifying the two concepts can be compatible,” explained Governors Ball Committee co-chairwoman Barbara Cassel in a press release.

Decor-wise, Sequoia Productions will create a streamlined aesthetic that emphasizes recurring architectural shapes in monochromatic gold. The event’s 350 rectangular tables and 4,000 chairs will be complemented by tall, modern table lamps. Floral centerpieces by L.A. Premier will feature more than 20,000 stems of large calla lilies, and 5,000 paper cylinders will create an overhead art installation painted with biodegradable gold coloring. A jaw-dropping 1,200,00 pieces of gold glitter will decorate center stage.

Other notable decor and rental vendors will include Images by Lighting, Classic Event & Tent Rentals, and Resource One Inc.

For the 22nd year, meals are being prepared by chef Joachim Splichal and the team at Patina Catering. In addition to Patina’s typical sustainability efforts—which include donating kitchen scraps to local farms for composting—the culinary group has partnered for the first time with L.A. Kitchen. The local nonprofit aims to empower and nourish the community through reclaimed food; the organization’s team members who are seeking job training will also have a chance to assist with food preparation at the Emmy events. 

“With over 200 cooks in the kitchen, nearly 20 of my most talented executive chefs, and over 600 servers presenting the final dishes to the guests, catering this event every year is an extraordinary culinary feat,” said Splichal in a press release. “I am honored to have members of L.A. Kitchen join our ranks this year and to do whatever I can to give back to the local agricultural community.”

Menu development began shortly after last year’s Emmys. The 2017 dinners will include three courses: The first course, dubbed Last of the Heirlooms, will feature local heirloom tomatoes, dinosaur plum, red quinoa, charred leek vinaigrette, balsamic jelly, basils, and sea salt. For the main course, guests will dine on pan-roasted filet mignon with mission figs, asparagus, purple marble potatoes, roasted red flame grapes, creamy horseradish purée, and whole-grain mustard sauce. And for dessert, there will be an alunga brownie bar with dulce de leche, roasted cherries, and cherry gel.

Sterling Vineyards will return for a second year as the Emmy Awards' wine sponsor; the wine menu for the dinners will include Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, and Napa Valley Chardonnay. (All Emmy winners will also receive a custom-made bottle of Sterling’s new luxury Cabernet Sauvignon.) Meanwhile, Ferrari Trento will be the Emmys’ sparkling wine sponsor, and Fiji Water will sponsor the red carpet and Governors Balls.

Bartender Charles Joly teamed up with director and producer Brett Ratner to design a signature Emmy cocktail. The drink will include the Hillhaven Lodge Blended Straight American Whiskey, along with absinthe, spiced pear liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. 

The Governors Ball dinner being held after the Emmys telecast will host more than 4,000 Emmy winners, nominees, and members of the entertainment industry, making it the largest seated dinner in North America. The 69th annual Emmy Awards will be held at the Microsoft Theater on September 17, and will be aired live on CBS. White Cherry Entertainment is producing the show, and Stephen Colbert will host.

For all three Emmys dinners, Sequoia Productions created a massive ceiling installation made from 5,000 paper cylinders painted with biodegradable gold coloring.
For all three Emmys dinners, Sequoia Productions created a massive ceiling installation made from 5,000 paper cylinders painted with biodegradable gold coloring.
Photo: Claire Hoffman/BizBash
The Governors Ball dinner being held after the Emmys telecast will host more than 4,000 Emmy winners, nominees, and members of the entertainment industry, making it the largest seated dinner in North America. It will feature 350 guest tables topped with 7,500 yards of custom-woven, textured metallic fabric.
The Governors Ball dinner being held after the Emmys telecast will host more than 4,000 Emmy winners, nominees, and members of the entertainment industry, making it the largest seated dinner in North America. It will feature 350 guest tables topped with 7,500 yards of custom-woven, textured metallic fabric.
Photo: Claire Hoffman/BizBash
Table decor will emphasize architectural shapes, with tall, modern table lamps and tall floral centerpieces.
Table decor will emphasize architectural shapes, with tall, modern table lamps and tall floral centerpieces.
Photo: Claire Hoffman/BizBash
L.A. Premier will provide a variety of centerpieces for the tables.
L.A. Premier will provide a variety of centerpieces for the tables.
Photo: Claire Hoffman/BizBash
Everything from the lounge seating to the cutlery and linens will be a monochromatic gold, to tie into the theme.
Everything from the lounge seating to the cutlery and linens will be a monochromatic gold, to tie into the theme.
Photo: Claire Hoffman/BizBash
For the 22nd year, meals are being prepared by chef Joachim Splichal and the team at Patina Catering. The 2017 dinners will include three courses; the first course, dubbed Last of the Heirlooms, will feature local heirloom tomatoes, dinosaur plum, red quinoa, charred leek vinaigrette, balsamic jelly, basils, and sea salt.
For the 22nd year, meals are being prepared by chef Joachim Splichal and the team at Patina Catering. The 2017 dinners will include three courses; the first course, dubbed Last of the Heirlooms, will feature local heirloom tomatoes, dinosaur plum, red quinoa, charred leek vinaigrette, balsamic jelly, basils, and sea salt.
Photo: Claire Hoffman/BizBash
Floral centerpieces by L.A. Premier will feature more than 20,000 stems of large calla lilies.
Floral centerpieces by L.A. Premier will feature more than 20,000 stems of large calla lilies.
Photo: Claire Hoffman/BizBash
For the fifth year, sponsor L'Oréal will offer celebrity touch-ups at a colorful makeup station.
For the fifth year, sponsor L'Oréal will offer celebrity touch-ups at a colorful makeup station.
Photo: Claire Hoffman/BizBash
Phillip Ashley Chocolates will offer 10 flavors of luxury chocolates to dinner guests.
Phillip Ashley Chocolates will offer 10 flavors of luxury chocolates to dinner guests.
Photo: Claire Hoffman/BizBash
Audi is the Emmys’ transportation sponsor for the seventh year. Its fleet of vehicles will chauffeur nominees and presenters to the award ceremonies, and be on display at the Governors Ball.
Audi is the Emmys’ transportation sponsor for the seventh year. Its fleet of vehicles will chauffeur nominees and presenters to the award ceremonies, and be on display at the Governors Ball.
Photo: Claire Hoffman/BizBash
Ferrari Trento is once again serving as the Emmys’ sparkling wine sponsor. Sterling Vineyards will also provide a variety of wine options, and Emmy winners will receive custom-made Sterling bottles.
Ferrari Trento is once again serving as the Emmys’ sparkling wine sponsor. Sterling Vineyards will also provide a variety of wine options, and Emmy winners will receive custom-made Sterling bottles.
Photo: Claire Hoffman/BizBash
Fiji Water is the water sponsor the Emmys red carpet and Governors Ball.
Fiji Water is the water sponsor the Emmys red carpet and Governors Ball.
Photo: Claire Hoffman/BizBash
Latest in Event Production & Fabrication
WorldPride D.C. took place May 17-June 8.
Event Production & Fabrication
WorldPride DC: How Event Organizers Created a Safe Space for the LGBTQ+ Community in the Nation's Capital
On May 20 and 22, FX Networks transformed two working laundromats into full-blown parties to celebrate its new series Adults.
Event Production & Fabrication
5 Tips for Producing Events in Real-World Locations
The Recording Academy Honors, presented by the Black Music Collective, were held during Grammys week in 2024. The 1,000-person gala was designed and produced by MVD Inc. and drew immediate attention with a multientry intersectional LED tunnel. See more: Grammys 2024: 40+ Trend-Setting Event Ideas From the Week's Star-Packed Parties
Event Production & Fabrication
20 Bold Event Entrances That Made a Lasting Impression
This year, Ultra Music Festival in Miami partnered with its longtime exclusive energy drink sponsor, Red Bull, and Brightline to curate an immersive three-brand experiential activation that merged the music, beverage, and transportation spaces.
Event Production & Fabrication
5 Music Event Trends Making Noise in 2025
Related Stories
A rendering of how the space will look on Emmys night.
Event Design & Decor
Emmys 2019 Preview: See This Year's Colorful 'Brilliance in Motion' Theme
Balloonzilla created a balloon installation that flowed throughout the 150-foot atrium of the California Market Center.
Event Production & Fabrication
Balloons, Bicycles, and Blooms: What You Missed at BizBash Live: Los Angeles
Video-of-the-Year winner Kendrick Lamar lit up the stage—literally—with a performance of his songs 'DNA' and 'Humble.' The set, which kicked off the show, was one of the night's most talked-about moments on social media.
Event Production & Fabrication
Rating the MTV V.M.A.s: Event Producers Give 2017 Show a B+
'Despicable Me 3' x Goop
Event Production & Fabrication
10 Best Ideas of the Week: Custom Cotton-Candy Making, Emoji Float Props, '90s-Inspired Plastic Fanny Packs
More in Event Production & Fabrication
Event Production & Fabrication
WorldPride DC: How Event Organizers Created a Safe Space for the LGBTQ+ Community in the Nation's Capital
The massive celebration was a challenge for many reasons, but the global Pride event was still authentically D.C. Hear from organizers at Destination DC and Capital Pride Alliance.
WorldPride D.C. took place May 17-June 8.
Event Production & Fabrication
5 Tips for Producing Events in Real-World Locations
From FX’s laundromat party to OGX’s branded car wash, here’s how event pros are turning unexpected locations into unforgettable experiences.
On May 20 and 22, FX Networks transformed two working laundromats into full-blown parties to celebrate its new series Adults.
Event Production & Fabrication
20 Bold Event Entrances That Made a Lasting Impression
From eye-catching branded archways to immersive tunnels, these creative entry moments from brands like Adidas, Netflix, and Coca-Cola hooked attendees from the very first step.
The Recording Academy Honors, presented by the Black Music Collective, were held during Grammys week in 2024. The 1,000-person gala was designed and produced by MVD Inc. and drew immediate attention with a multientry intersectional LED tunnel. See more: Grammys 2024: 40+ Trend-Setting Event Ideas From the Week's Star-Packed Parties
Event Production & Fabrication
5 Music Event Trends Making Noise in 2025
From sustainability themes to unique experiential activations to unlikely music venues, we’ve noticed a few standout trends at music events worthy of an encore.
This year, Ultra Music Festival in Miami partnered with its longtime exclusive energy drink sponsor, Red Bull, and Brightline to curate an immersive three-brand experiential activation that merged the music, beverage, and transportation spaces.
Event Production & Fabrication
How This Star-Studded Foodie Event Made a Satiable Splash at Sea
BizBash boarded the second sailing of Chefs Making Waves for an up-close taste of this unique floating fiesta. Learn about the plans and partners that made it a recipe for at-sea success.
Chefs Making Waves set sail from the Port of Miami on Monday, May 5. The second installment, produced by Sixthman, in partnership with A21 and EBG, brought more than 2,000 food-and-drink-loving cruisers to enjoy more than 75 onboard activities featuring 13 celebrity chefs, along with additional spirits and wine partners, wellness programming, and musical acts to round out the four-night at-sea soiree.
Event Production & Fabrication
Call for Entries: 13th Annual BizBash Event Experience Awards Are Open
It's a special year for the awards, as BizBash introduces new categories celebrating its 25th anniversary. Get your submissions in by October 3, 2025.
Eea13th Submissions Open 700x467 Article Hero
Most Popular
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Cannes Lions 2025: 90+ Bold Builds and Big Ideas From the French Festival of Creativity
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Sephora
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: 10 Brands That Took Experiential Marketing to a Whole New Level
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
50 Cool Event Ideas You May Have Missed From Liquid I.V., Martha Stewart, Foot Locker, and More
Innovators
Industry Innovators 2025: Netflix
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Chase
Event Production & Fabrication
Robin Hood's 2025 Benefit Gala Had the Home Field Advantage—How a Sports Theme Helped Raise $72 Million
The event delivered its most immersive night yet, transforming the Javits Center into an arena of impact.
Michael Strahan kicked off programming at the 2025 Robin Hood Benefit Gala on May 12.
Brands & Event Pros
Meet the 2025 BizBash 40 Under 40
BizBash highlights impressive industry leaders who have made an early mark on the meeting and event industry—before even celebrating their 40th birthday.
Bb40u40 2025 Meet The Winners 880x496 Article Header
Event Production & Fabrication
Secrets, Spirits, and Surprises: Inside Monkey 47’s Mysterious Event Tour
Monkey 47 cloaked an educational experience about the gin brand’s roots as a series of mysterious events that surprised and delighted guests from the moment they received the invite. Here’s how.
Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin embarked on a three-city experiential tour across the U.S. that immersed spirits industry trade professionals in it brand DNA.
Event Production & Fabrication
See Inside the 'Most Sustainable Large-Scale Music Festival on the Planet'
Rock the Ocean's Tortuga Music Festival, in partnership with Sunbelt Rentals, sets the bar for sustainability in large-scale events, blending top musical acts with energy-efficient rentals and impactful environmental advocacy.
In addition to big-name headliners Jelly Roll, Keith Urban, and Luke Combs, a standout moment of this year's event—held April 4-6—was the Conservation Village Powered by Sunbelt, which featured interactive exhibits highlighting marine conservation efforts and everyday ways fans can protect ocean ecosystems.
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: 11 Planners, Designers & Producers Who Are Defining the Next Era of Events
This creative crew is using standout designs, smart engagement strategies, and flawless execution to move the event industry forward.
2025 Industry Innovators Article Image Planners Designers Producers
Event Production & Fabrication
How to Launch a New Event Agency in Decadence and Style
Ashley Woody hosted industry professionals for "A Night of Revelry" in honor of her new boutique event agency, Maison Madera. See all the surreal details—and read her tips for throwing a successful launch event.
To celebrate the launch of her new boutique event agency, Ashley Woody recently hosted 'A Night of Revelry' for professionals in entertainment, hospitality, and fashion at her Los Angeles studio.
Page 1 of 120
Next Page
BizBash
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  1. Privacy Policy
  2. CCPA: Do Not Sell My Personal Info
  3. Contact Us
  4. Site Map
© 2025 Connect Biz, LLC. All rights reserved.