From the Editors: What's the Most Memorable Event Idea You Saw in 2017?

“Another event idea that I really loved came from the inaugural Teen Vogue Summit. In an effort to make the content available to a wide range of people, the brand hosted a series of meet-ups in various cities, leading up to the summit in Los Angeles this past weekend. Upon entering the meet-ups, attendees were encouraged to 'grab a card, start a conversation' as an icebreaker. Questions included 'What would you do if you were not afraid?' and 'How do you practice self-acceptance in your life?' It was just a simple reminder of the power—and importance—of face-to-face events, and really helped set the tone for the events’ introspective and activism-focused vibe.” —Claire Hoffman, west coast bureau chief

“Sometimes I need a high-energy event to work off the effects of catering from the other events I attend. In April, Propel Electrolyte Water kicked off its cross-country Co:Labs workout series at Spring Studios in New York. Instructors from L.A.-based Prevail boxing gym led intense circuit training followed by a session from Yoga for Bad People. The high-energy production design and some motivating words from celebrity partner Jessie J capped it off. Fitness and wellness were big themes at meetings and events in 2017 and we expect to see them continue in 2018.” —Beth Kormanik, editor in chief

“The David Stark team is known for turning everyday objects into eye-popping event decor, and they outdid themselves for the launch of the new Martha Stewart Crafts paint line at Michaels stores. During an event in June in New York, the team created a life-size ‘house’ made from of 2,710 bottles of paint. Guests were invited to grab paint brushes from window boxes, then go to work painting everything inside the house—including rugs, couches, lampshades, duvet covers, nightstands, and more. It was a fun, interactive way to showcase the versatility of the paint—and who wouldn’t want to embrace their inner child by painting all over the furniture and walls?” —Claire Hoffman, west coast bureau chief

“One of the most memorable events I covered in 2017 was the Dew Tour at the Long Beach Convention Center in California in June. Lightwave partnered with Mountain Dew to transform the Dew Skate Team athletes’ biometric data into artwork. During the competition, the athletes wore wristbands that measured their heart rate, skin temperature, electrodermal activity, motion, and more. Lightwave’s system analyzed the data and translated it into unique, living artwork displayed on six framed LED screens inside a gallery at the event. The exhibition, titled ‘The Art of Doing,’ was intended to bring to life the brand’s global ad campaign, ‘There’s No Feeling Like Doing.’” —Mitra Sorrells, technology editor

"I think we all become a little jaded when it comes to events, especially in New York, but the Macallan's recent Behind the City event definitely cut through the clutter. It was an intimate, immersive experience produced by theater company Third Rail Projects that basically guided guests through a maze-like journey in lower Manhattan, weaving in and out of apartment buildings, hotels, and alleyways with a cast of characters. The choreography, timing, and execution was beyond impressive; I'm exhausted just thinking about the amount of planning that went into the production!" —Michele Laufik, style editor

“In the Hamptons, where there are so many families and young children, it was great to see Goop create a scaled-down world for all the kids to enjoy during its Despicable Me 3 event. The lemonade stand and Fujifilm Minion Instax mini 8 instant film cameras were beyond adorable.” —Jim Shi, contributing writer

"For the premiere of FX's Marvel series Legion, artist Michael Murphy created a forced-perspective installation by hanging a number of common household items—including ice cube trays, silverware, and flowers—to spell out the title of the series, which was visible to attendees when they stood on a floor marker. The installation, which was displayed in Brooklyn in January, made a lasting impression as it encouraged attendee participation, provided a unique photo op, and contributed to the event's branding." —Ian Zelaya, assistant editor

“Halcyon Stage made classical music more enticing to millennials with what they call ‘experiential orchestra.’ Staged at Dock5, a loading dock turned event space in Union Market in Washington, D.C., its debut event coordinated kaleidoscope lighting projections with the tone and tempo of the orchestral music. People were enthralled!” —D. Channing Muller, contributing writer

“For the season 2 premiere of TBS’s Search Party in New York, the event included an interactive theater performance. It put guests in the center of a murder mystery, and moved through several rooms where the guests became more and more aware of the suspect. The performance was impactful and changed slightly depending on how the guest reacted, so every guest had a personalized experience.” —Taylor McIntyre, photo editor