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. Catering & Design
  2. Event Design & Decor

How HBO Immersed Guests in the ‘Game of Thrones’ World

Using dragons, props, and more, HBO’s premiere party created environments and activities inspired by the show.

Alesandra Dubin
April 25, 2016

Game of Thrones fans found delights galore at HBO’s premiere party on April 10 in Los Angeles: The bash sprawled over two floors with evocative details from the show’s environments, as well as plenty of photo ops for guests to capture and share their experiences.

Lauren McMahon and Amanda VanGoethen from HBO’s media and events team worked with longtime partner Billy Butchkavitz on the event’s design. Butchkavitz also provided custom furnishings, textiles, and props for a fully immersive experience.

The party took over the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel’s entire historic lobby and mezzanine level, making use of every event and public space across the two floors as part of the sprawling event. Among the party’s distinct spaces was the Game of Thrones Inn & Alehouse, which featured the newly released pinball machines inspired by the show—as well as Games of Thrones Ale provided by Brewery Ommegang.

For a textured, eye-catching effect, Bart Kresa created three-dimensional animated projections, including a flying dragon on the exterior of the Roosevelt hotel and a projection wall within a hall of faces photo op installation; Agile Eye Solutions created the backdrop using custom printed wallpaper to cover three of the ballroom’s four walls (the fourth was Kresa’s projection). Brian Kramer Photography captured guest images in front of the face-lined photo wall, and Mir Mir was on hand to capture additional guest photos from the alehouse as takeaways.

Agile Eye also created an enormous throne, one and a half times larger than the one used in the show, as well as 24 10-foot-tall ice-like torchieres that lined the party entrance and historic lobby perimeter. Icarus Rigging removed the lobby's enormous chandelier so that the towering throne would fit. Images by Lighting’s lighting scheme set a mood in the various party spaces, from an icy cold approach in the lobby to a look meant to conjure a dark and deadly feel in the Direwolves Lounge.

Fire Groove Entertainment provided entertainment like the three-eyed raven soothsayers, featured in the Castle Black room, Dothraki-inspired henna artists stationed on both levels of the party, and Targaryen oracles who were featured in the Direwolves Lounge—all inspired by show themes. As well, actors dressed as Game of Thrones characters posed with guests at the various photo stations set up throughout the party.

The hall of faces photo op used custom printed wallpaper that covered three walls of the ballroom.
The hall of faces photo op used custom printed wallpaper that covered three walls of the ballroom.
Photo: Gabor Ekecs
HBO's Hollywood premiere immersed guests in the Game of Thrones world, with decor, activities, and photo ops all inspired by the show.
HBO's Hollywood premiere immersed guests in the Game of Thrones world, with decor, activities, and photo ops all inspired by the show.
Photo: Gabor Ekecs
Bart Kresa projected a dragon in flight on the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel's exterior.
Bart Kresa projected a dragon in flight on the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel's exterior.
Photo: Gabor Ekecs
The party sprawled over two full floors of the hotel, with various distinct, themed spaces.
The party sprawled over two full floors of the hotel, with various distinct, themed spaces.
Photo: Gabor Ekecs
A massive throne, one and a half times the size of the one used in the show, provided drama within the party space.
A massive throne, one and a half times the size of the one used in the show, provided drama within the party space.
Photo: Gabor Ekecs
Costumed actors and entertainers provided interactive experiences.
Costumed actors and entertainers provided interactive experiences.
Photo: Gabor Ekecs
Evocative lighting and decor conjured moods and themes from the show.
Evocative lighting and decor conjured moods and themes from the show.
Photo: Gabor Ekecs
Centerpieces eschewed traditional florals in favor of more on-theme decor.
Centerpieces eschewed traditional florals in favor of more on-theme decor.
Photo: Gabor Ekecs
Latest in Event Design & Decor
BET's 45th anniversary dinner was held on June 7 at the Beverly Wilshire.
Event Design & Decor
How BET’s Stylish Anniversary Dinner Honored the Past—and Embraced the Future
The gala took place on April 26, with a sports-centric design and production from the museum's internal events team.
Event Design & Decor
Why Guests Wore Sneakers to This Black-Tie Gala
Enso Creative
Event Design & Decor
8 Steal-Worthy Event Ideas BizBash Spotted on Instagram
Projection mapping helped immerse guests into the theme.
Event Design & Decor
‘Feathers Galore’: Step Inside the Colorful Carnaval Ambiance of City Harvest’s Annual Gala
Related Stories
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Event Design & Decor
10 Best Ideas of the Week: Shoelace Curtains, a Giant Gift Box Photo Op, Suspended Slinkys
Red Light Management Grammy After-Party
Event Design & Decor
Studio 25 Decor
Hopscotch outlines on the floor added to the playground vibe.
Event Design & Decor
Play Theme
After cocktails, the 600 guests headed to a dining room filled with a combination of illuminated rectangular tables, square tables without linens, and round tables with linens. Decor including suspended Slinkys, glowing orbs, and oversize paper daisies was intended to make guests feel 'dwarfed,' or child-size themselves. To underscore the evening's message, chair caps were decked with children's faces.
Event Design & Decor
How to Design a Childlike—But Still Elegant—Event
More in Event Design & Decor
Event Design & Decor
How BET’s Stylish Anniversary Dinner Honored the Past—and Embraced the Future
A rich color palette, archival footage, and a carefully curated performance lineup brought legacy and innovation together for this 480-guest celebration of BET’s 45th year.
BET's 45th anniversary dinner was held on June 7 at the Beverly Wilshire.
Event Design & Decor
Why Guests Wore Sneakers to This Black-Tie Gala
At the California Science Center’s 26th annual Discovery Ball, attendees enjoyed Dodger Dogs, danced on a basketball court, and raised paddles—or foam fingers—for a good cause.
The gala took place on April 26, with a sports-centric design and production from the museum's internal events team.
Event Design & Decor
8 Steal-Worthy Event Ideas BizBash Spotted on Instagram
Take a peek at Instagram photos full of wow-worthy event ideas to serve as inspiration for your next gathering.
Enso Creative
Event Design & Decor
‘Feathers Galore’: Step Inside the Colorful Carnaval Ambiance of City Harvest’s Annual Gala
The NYC food rescue organization hosted its yearly fundraising event, which featured a vibrant tropical theme inspired by lively cultural celebrations.
Projection mapping helped immerse guests into the theme.
Event Design & Decor
This Historic Theater Turned a 100-Year Milestone Into a One-of-a-Kind Gala
The Pasadena Playhouse celebrated its centennial with a bold, unconventional gala featuring immersive projection mapping and a surprise escrow announcement—all while shattering fundraising records.
While officially buying the building before the gala was always the goal, event planner Sam Palmer was careful to ensure the gathering would be successful even if the timing didn’t work out. “We had a million different plans, because quite frankly, a million details needed to go right for that to happen,' he said. 'Our leadership and board worked very, very hard to get us across the finish line, and it was a beautiful moment.”
Event Design & Decor
See Inside This Year’s Bright Blue Public Art Fund Party
The annual spring benefit maintained its playful energy with pingpong tables and ice cream bars.
Blue hues covered everything from the menus to decorative textiles to pingpong tabletops.
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 Design & Decor
Renowned Event Designer David Stark Breaks Down His Creative Process
What inspires one of the industry’s most creative minds? The chief creative officer of David Stark Design and Production walks us through the design rules he actually follows—and the ones he ignores.
For a Kiehl’s event, Stark turned larger-than-life calendula products into striking art pieces, which were overflowing with flowers as a nod to the brand's natural ingredients.
Event Design & Decor
12 Desert-Inspired Event Ideas From This Skincare Brand's Dreamy Influencer Trip
Native whisked 15 beauty editors to an Arizona resort to test how moisturizing its new products really are.
The welcome dinner took place at a communal table flecked with decor in desert-inspired hues. The Valley handled furniture rentals, while Let’s Bash provided tabletop rentals.
Event Design & Decor
See Inside HBO's Stunning 'The White Lotus' Premiere Event
HBO and UNBOXED GROUP transformed a Hollywood soundstage into a lush Thai resort for the HBO series' highly anticipated season three premiere.
'The umbrella ceiling was a visual highlight and one of our favorite design elements,' said UNBOXED GROUP's Kyle Absolom. 'It featured over 600 white umbrellas, backlit to create a soft glow in that area.'
Event Design & Decor
10 Glam Stations That Stole the Spotlight at Events
Instead of a free water bottle or notebook, these activations send guests home with a glow-up.
It's no secret that glam stations are prevalent at music festivals. At Coachella 2024, Pinterest activated with a fashion and beauty experience called Manifest Station, produced by MKG. Inside, fans could get glowy beauty looks created by celebrity makeup artists from trend-inspired menus built through collaborative boards on Pinterest. Popular options included bold, colorful graphic liners; gemstones; pearls; and metallic stickers. See more: Coachella 2024: Here's What You Missed From This Year's Coolest Parties and Brand Activations
Event Design & Decor
Oscars 2025: Steal-Worthy Event Design Highlights From Hollywood's Biggest Week
Luxe neutral tones and structural elements reigned supreme in this year's event design, popping up at star-studded bashes from Vanity Fair, Universal, Searchlight, ESSENCE, and more.
Governors Ball
Event Design & Decor
17 Stunning (and Unique) Ways Events Have Immersed Guests in Nature
These innovative event designs used natural settings and elements to transport guests to breathtakingly beautiful environments—both indoors and out.
Guests at the viewing party enjoyed a seated meal under a canopy of lush leaves. Avenge Creative worked with vendors including Unmatched Lighting, Jackson Shrub Supply, Event Carpet Pros Inc., GifCube, Town & Country Event Rentals, and Stitch. See more: Golden Globes 2025: See Inside the Award Show, Plus How the Wildfires Are Affecting Other Hollywood Events
Page 1 of 271
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.