To kick off the annual conference for the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), Terry Cash, ASM's operations assistant, wanted the more than 4,000 members to experience the many facets of Florida—without having to travel across the large state. Through decor and entertainment, Stacey Paul Barabe from Hello Florida converted the entire convention level at the Peabody Orlando Hotel into three different environments reminiscent of classic Florida."Since there was a huge attendance but limited time to experience everything, we brought the best of Florida to them," said Barabe. "ASM also required that the entertainment budget support local community and affinity groups." To meet these requirements, Barabe worked with Peyton & Day Entertainment to find performers who fit the bill and would benefit from ASM's donations.
The event kicked off with a bang—and a crash and boom—thanks to the Colonial High School Grenadiers Marching Band, which received new uniforms in thanks for its performance. The band led the way into the first ballroom, which was decked out with shells, tropical flowers, and nine-foot market umbrellas in multiple colors such as yellow, green, and red. The beach-themed environment was grounded by the 24- by 24-foot "Sharky's Bar," adorned with netting, lobster buoys, and tropical foliage. About 500 feet of string bulb lighting added to the laid-back beach feel. New Orleans band Trombone Shorty lent authentic Cajun flavor to the mix, while the Orlando Flames (an All-Star cheerleading team) twisted, tumbled, and pumped up the crowd. They too received new uniforms for participating. A sand sculptor created a detailed aquatic scene complete with a manatee, dolphin, and coral reefs. Proceeds from the sculpture benefited the Save the Manatee fund.
Another ballroom was an ode to Florida's palms. Six 14-foot mahogany columns topped with gold canvas palm fronds were situated throughout the room. Palm silhouettes were also projected onto the walls. Panache: An Event Rental Company provided gold crushed satin linens for the tables and elegant votive candle accents. Faces of Hope, Orlando's oldest homeless shelter, displayed framed artwork made by 70 children living at the shelter. Guests had the chance to hear some Caribbean music when the New Generation Branches Steel Orchestra, a steel pan band, took the stage. As souvenirs, guests took home sand dollars that had been painted on site.
The final trip for guests on the evening's tour of Florida favorites was a swamp-themed ballroom, complete with thatched umbrellas and buffet stations made to look like docks—even an actual airboat was set up behind one of the stations. The bars resembled weathered bait shacks with fishing nets, rustic signs, and lanterns. The CARE Foundation, which provides permanent sanctuary for non-releasable wildlife, introduced guests to some of its residents such as Polly the Possum and Brutus the Alligator, plus a skunk and a snake.
By evening's end, the Washington-based society members had experienced Florida from A to Z—or at least from alligator to swamp.
—Vanessa Goyanes and Samantha Knapp
The event kicked off with a bang—and a crash and boom—thanks to the Colonial High School Grenadiers Marching Band, which received new uniforms in thanks for its performance. The band led the way into the first ballroom, which was decked out with shells, tropical flowers, and nine-foot market umbrellas in multiple colors such as yellow, green, and red. The beach-themed environment was grounded by the 24- by 24-foot "Sharky's Bar," adorned with netting, lobster buoys, and tropical foliage. About 500 feet of string bulb lighting added to the laid-back beach feel. New Orleans band Trombone Shorty lent authentic Cajun flavor to the mix, while the Orlando Flames (an All-Star cheerleading team) twisted, tumbled, and pumped up the crowd. They too received new uniforms for participating. A sand sculptor created a detailed aquatic scene complete with a manatee, dolphin, and coral reefs. Proceeds from the sculpture benefited the Save the Manatee fund.
Another ballroom was an ode to Florida's palms. Six 14-foot mahogany columns topped with gold canvas palm fronds were situated throughout the room. Palm silhouettes were also projected onto the walls. Panache: An Event Rental Company provided gold crushed satin linens for the tables and elegant votive candle accents. Faces of Hope, Orlando's oldest homeless shelter, displayed framed artwork made by 70 children living at the shelter. Guests had the chance to hear some Caribbean music when the New Generation Branches Steel Orchestra, a steel pan band, took the stage. As souvenirs, guests took home sand dollars that had been painted on site.
The final trip for guests on the evening's tour of Florida favorites was a swamp-themed ballroom, complete with thatched umbrellas and buffet stations made to look like docks—even an actual airboat was set up behind one of the stations. The bars resembled weathered bait shacks with fishing nets, rustic signs, and lanterns. The CARE Foundation, which provides permanent sanctuary for non-releasable wildlife, introduced guests to some of its residents such as Polly the Possum and Brutus the Alligator, plus a skunk and a snake.
By evening's end, the Washington-based society members had experienced Florida from A to Z—or at least from alligator to swamp.
—Vanessa Goyanes and Samantha Knapp
Hello Florida created a beach environment at the Peabody Orlando Hotel for the American Society for Microbiology's welcome reception.
The stage blended in with the swamp-themed ballroom with the addition of foliage, netting, and a tin roof.
Hello Florida brought in a real airboat, faux alligator, and wooden planks to decorate the food stations.
Thatched umbrellas and bamboo wall panels added to the natural swamp environment.
The New Generation Branches Steel Orchestra was one of the groups that entertained guests at the multi-themed event.
During the event, a sand sculptor created an aquatic scene to benefit the Save the Manatee fund.
