The sun-drenched North Galleria, a private, modern, and minimalist event space within the American Museum of Natural History, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, was the scene of the first BiZBash Art of the Event series in 2007. The North Galleria is adjacent to the Powerhouse and outdoor Arthur Ross Terrace, overlooking the suspended planets of the Rose Center, and seats 140 for dinner and 300 for a reception.
Over 20 event producers and planners gathered for an in-depth discussion on issues around producing gala events hosted by the American Museum of Natural History. Participating in the event were executives from over 18 major nonprofit organizations including the American Cancer Society, New York Presbyterian Hospital, United Way of New York, and the Actor's Fund of America.
The conversation, led by R. Couri Hay, society editor for Gotham and Hamptons magazines, and owner of Creative Public Relations, and David Adler, C.E.O. and founder of BiZBash, centered around major planning issues. Topics included finding ways to keep nonprofit galas fresh, getting support from boards, and successful event-oriented fundraising tactics.
Almost everyone agreed that celebrity guests are still important and ending an event no later than 10:30 PM, depending on the audience, is still critical. The concept of the silent and live auction was debated with no conclusive group consensus. On the design front everyone agreed that it is important to wow your attendees but that creativity and responsible spending on an event is paramount.
Many attendees voiced opinions about the challenges of developing junior committees and recruiting younger participants to their causes. When it came to the price of tables for New York events, some planners said that the higher the price, the better their results. Also, some advised to limit the number of bigger events so as to not dilute their influence. While small events were important to all, the big gala seemed to have its place and was necessary.
Party Rental Ltd. supplied dramatic bright translucent tables and chairs, which mimicked the lines of the glass windows of the Rose Center, giving the impression that the setting floated in space.
Michelle Rago created centerpieces that were bursting with color. The vibrancy of the flowers warmed up one of the coldest days of the winter.
Restaurant Associates executive chef Tim McLaughlin prepared pan seared halibut with black truffle essence with sweet potato risotto and crispy shiitake mushrooms. A parmesan fennel soup was served with the main course, accomplishing swift service of two simultaneous courses. This was especially important to keep the flow of the discussion.
The lunch, which transformed into a planner gab fest, made acquaintances into friends who can now turn to each other for ideas and feedback.
Over 20 event producers and planners gathered for an in-depth discussion on issues around producing gala events hosted by the American Museum of Natural History. Participating in the event were executives from over 18 major nonprofit organizations including the American Cancer Society, New York Presbyterian Hospital, United Way of New York, and the Actor's Fund of America.
The conversation, led by R. Couri Hay, society editor for Gotham and Hamptons magazines, and owner of Creative Public Relations, and David Adler, C.E.O. and founder of BiZBash, centered around major planning issues. Topics included finding ways to keep nonprofit galas fresh, getting support from boards, and successful event-oriented fundraising tactics.
Almost everyone agreed that celebrity guests are still important and ending an event no later than 10:30 PM, depending on the audience, is still critical. The concept of the silent and live auction was debated with no conclusive group consensus. On the design front everyone agreed that it is important to wow your attendees but that creativity and responsible spending on an event is paramount.
Many attendees voiced opinions about the challenges of developing junior committees and recruiting younger participants to their causes. When it came to the price of tables for New York events, some planners said that the higher the price, the better their results. Also, some advised to limit the number of bigger events so as to not dilute their influence. While small events were important to all, the big gala seemed to have its place and was necessary.
Party Rental Ltd. supplied dramatic bright translucent tables and chairs, which mimicked the lines of the glass windows of the Rose Center, giving the impression that the setting floated in space.
Michelle Rago created centerpieces that were bursting with color. The vibrancy of the flowers warmed up one of the coldest days of the winter.
Restaurant Associates executive chef Tim McLaughlin prepared pan seared halibut with black truffle essence with sweet potato risotto and crispy shiitake mushrooms. A parmesan fennel soup was served with the main course, accomplishing swift service of two simultaneous courses. This was especially important to keep the flow of the discussion.
The lunch, which transformed into a planner gab fest, made acquaintances into friends who can now turn to each other for ideas and feedback.
The setting from the North Galleria event space within the American Museum of Natural History. Party Rental Ltd. supplied dramatic, bright translucent tables and chairs, which mimicked the lines of the glass windows of the Rose Center, giving the impression that the setting floated in space.
Event professionals responsible for nonprofit galas and fundraisers compared notes in the elegant setting of the North Galleria event space of the American Museum of Natural History. The dramatic and private nature of the room allowed for a moderated conversation at a table of 20.
Michelle Rago's floral arrangements that splashed of vibrant colors warmed up one of the coldest days of the winter.
