Attendees of the Meeting Planners International Southeast Conference enjoyed the tastes of New Orleans last Thursday without ever leaving Orlando. After attending workshops and seminars all day, conference participants headed to the House of Blues Orlando for MPI's annual gala and a bit of Southern style.
As the crowd of more than 400 guests filtered into the event, they were handed lime-infused Vojitos, a vodka mojito that has quickly become a House of Blues favorite, to get the evening started. Once inside, the sight of the New Orleans-inspired buffet drew them across the expansive music hall to enjoy a gourmet Southern feast.Long buffet tables filled the corners of the 57,000-square-foot space with a menu straight from Louisiana. Wooden boats filled with steamed mussels and clams, Cajun shrimp platters, baked Brie with crackers, and Mediterranean flatbread with dipping sauce tantalized even the pickiest of palates. For dessert, the House of Blues also provided chocolate-covered strawberries and cheesecake-style dips.
As guests noshed on regional favorites and sipped cocktails from one of the venue's three main bars, Cirque du Soul got the party jumping with a variety of circus-style performances.
Cameras flashed as jugglers, acrobats, and contortionists took center stage for an eclectic mix of stunts, music, and amazing feats. Soon after, the music turned to soul, blues, and jazz as Blues Brothers impersonators took the stage, followed by a performance from the nationally renowned Beu Sisters. All of the evening's entertainment was courtesy of BookIt Entertainment.
As the crowd of more than 400 guests filtered into the event, they were handed lime-infused Vojitos, a vodka mojito that has quickly become a House of Blues favorite, to get the evening started. Once inside, the sight of the New Orleans-inspired buffet drew them across the expansive music hall to enjoy a gourmet Southern feast.Long buffet tables filled the corners of the 57,000-square-foot space with a menu straight from Louisiana. Wooden boats filled with steamed mussels and clams, Cajun shrimp platters, baked Brie with crackers, and Mediterranean flatbread with dipping sauce tantalized even the pickiest of palates. For dessert, the House of Blues also provided chocolate-covered strawberries and cheesecake-style dips.
As guests noshed on regional favorites and sipped cocktails from one of the venue's three main bars, Cirque du Soul got the party jumping with a variety of circus-style performances.
Cameras flashed as jugglers, acrobats, and contortionists took center stage for an eclectic mix of stunts, music, and amazing feats. Soon after, the music turned to soul, blues, and jazz as Blues Brothers impersonators took the stage, followed by a performance from the nationally renowned Beu Sisters. All of the evening's entertainment was courtesy of BookIt Entertainment.
A member of Cirque du Soul juggled large, painted rings during one of the group's performances.
Christie's Photographic Studios Orlando
MPI headed to the House of Blues Orlando for its Southeast Conference annual gala.
Christie's Photographic Studios Orlando
Chocolate-covered strawberries and sweet potato cheesecake squares were just a couple of the delectible southern desserts provided by the House of Blues.
Christie's Photographic Studios Orlando
A member of Cirque du Soul juggled large, painted rings during one of the group's performances.
Christie's Photographic Studios Orlando
Two acrobats showcased their strength by performing a series of balancing acts, using only their own bodies for support and leverage.
Christie's Photographic Studios Orlando
Blues Brothers impersonators were on hand to entertain the crowd.
Christie's Photographic Studios Orlando
