Orange County-based investment banking company Roth Capital Partners hosted its 26th annual Orange County conference March 9 to 12 at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. Kicking off the program was the event’s annual splashy party, which traditionally has a look and feel inspired by the evening’s headline musical act. In a stark departure from last year’s thrift-shop design inspired by Macklemore, country rock duo Florida Georgia Line dictated this year’s rustic, elegant look and feel.
Working with the bank’s Byron Roth and Isabel Mattson-Pain, Elite Productions International fully transformed the bare beach parking lot venue, importing a German-made tent towering more than 45 feet tall. Sunflowers popped throughout the space, and straw bales topped with colorful pillows formed cozy seating vignettes. More elements designed to evoke a barn dance included plywood floors, pick-up trucks, and chunky wood tables.
"We like to draw inspiration from the headline entertainment, because when the guests come we want them to really feel and experience everything [holistically]," said Elite's Pawntra Shadab.
On-theme catering came from various food trucks and the Newport Rib Company and included spicy barbecue and sweet potatoes, biscuits, and peach cobbler. A sweets table was piled high with the likes of Krispy Kreme doughnuts and root beer barrel candies—and had wagon wheels as decor. Model staffers dressed in custom chaps and Daisy Dukes handed out promotional goodies like bandanas and bolo ties.
The evening ended with the performance by Florida Georgia Line—as well as surprise guest Nelly—who performed the summer anthem “Cruise.”
