The SoBe U launch party was a show-and-tell for event professionals, where they were able to experience the entertainment, décor and open-air ambiance they could now expect from an event at the Clevelander. The renovation included the installation of multimedia sound and lighting systems and an upgraded catering service, as well as improvements to the hotel's general appearance. Guests were able to mill about the grounds—which feature a swimming pool, tented area, stage, sidewalk café and numerous poolside bars.
Bruce Gilbert, director of catering for SoBe U, brought with him his experience from New York-based Robert Swingle Distinctive Catering, where he worked on more than 700 corporate events. Throughout the outside space were various cooking posts, which included a wok station, a grilled meat and fish station and a raw bar. An assortment of passed hors d'oeuvres included seared ahi on crisp wonton and lobster spring rolls.
Ruffhouse, one of the bands that the Clevelander books, showed the crowd how loud the party could get with its signature reggae and calypso sounds. A stage featuring an airbrush artist—set up for body painting—let the crowd watch bikini-clad models be transformed into felines and other wild creatures.
After such a showing, the Clevelander and SoBe U staff handed out gift bags stuffed with a T-shirt, a tin filled with coasters and an information packet, all bearing the SoBe U logo.
