The business world is sometimes referred to as a jungle, and to survive, one must be clever, cunning, and innovative. Event planners for this year's annual Tech Data Awards Gala-an evening honoring the top sales associates-chose to head on a journey deep in the wild at the St. Petersburg Coliseum on March 6.
Tamika Gunn, the company's head event planner, turned to Showorks Inc. to excite the more than 300 attendees with an over-the-top jungle-themed event. Upon entering the coliseum, guests were immediately thrust into a scene from an African safari, complete with a rhinoceros escaping from a cargo crate and a 40-foot mural of a tiger's eyes.The 15,500-square-foot space was divided into two areas, one for the cocktail hour and one for the main dining room, with elegant ivory draping. Tables in the dining room were layered with various animal-print linens, from leopard spots to zebra stripes, and surrounded by mahogany Chiavari chairs. Three types of centerpieces using palm fronds and foliage (such as reeds, Spanish moss, and orchids) topped each table. In addition, the ceiling was draped in camouflage and strings of white lights.
Attendees were energized by the innovative entertainment of Rhythm Extreme, a San Francisco-based Stomp-style group who used trash cans, silverware, and even bags of potato chips to make music. Between award presentations, guests participated in a Deal or No Deal-type game show intended to encourage trust and promote teamwork within the company.
For dinner, Delectables Fine Catering served filet sole meunière and shrimp scampi finished off with a decadent crème brûleé with caramel crème anglaise for dessert.
Tamika Gunn, the company's head event planner, turned to Showorks Inc. to excite the more than 300 attendees with an over-the-top jungle-themed event. Upon entering the coliseum, guests were immediately thrust into a scene from an African safari, complete with a rhinoceros escaping from a cargo crate and a 40-foot mural of a tiger's eyes.The 15,500-square-foot space was divided into two areas, one for the cocktail hour and one for the main dining room, with elegant ivory draping. Tables in the dining room were layered with various animal-print linens, from leopard spots to zebra stripes, and surrounded by mahogany Chiavari chairs. Three types of centerpieces using palm fronds and foliage (such as reeds, Spanish moss, and orchids) topped each table. In addition, the ceiling was draped in camouflage and strings of white lights.
Attendees were energized by the innovative entertainment of Rhythm Extreme, a San Francisco-based Stomp-style group who used trash cans, silverware, and even bags of potato chips to make music. Between award presentations, guests participated in a Deal or No Deal-type game show intended to encourage trust and promote teamwork within the company.
For dinner, Delectables Fine Catering served filet sole meunière and shrimp scampi finished off with a decadent crème brûleé with caramel crème anglaise for dessert.
Upon entering the space, guests were thrust into an African safari complete with a 40-foot mural of a tiger's eyes above the center of the stage.
Photography by Chanele
A tiger-stripe gobo was projected onto the drapery used to divide the cocktail reception from the main dining area.
Photography by Chanele
A rhino escaping from a cargo crate was just one of the many icons used to create a jungle theme.
Photography by Chanele
The ceiling was draped in an elegant combination of camouflage and strings of pin lighting, and tables were covered in layers of animal-print linens.
Photography by Chanele
Each table received one of three jungle-inspired centerpieces made with palm fronds and foliage.
Photography by Chanele
Upon entering the space, guests were thrust into an African safari complete with a 40-foot mural of a tiger's eyes above the center of the stage.
Photography by Chanele
