Winners of the Special Events magazine 32nd annual Gala Awards were honored last night at the final-night celebration of The Special Event 2017 in Long Beach, Calif. The event also honored longtime rental leader Richard LoGuercio of Town and Country Event Rentals with the Gala Award for Lifetime Achievement and leading caterer Tony Conway, CMP, of Legendary Events with the Richard Carbotti Gala Award, which salutes philanthropy. All photos by Special Events.
BEST FAIR FESTIVAL
"OUE Skyspace L.A. Grand Opening Block Party"
Extraordinary Events, Sherman Oaks, Calif.
To honor the grand opening of OUE's Skyspace L.A. with its headline-grabbing Skyslide and outdoor observation deck perched on the 70th floor of the U.S. Bank Tower, the event team created an all-day block-party. Showstopping elements included a 32-by-16-by-9-foot festival stage that played host to acts including Far East Movement and Snoop Dogg, celebrity food trucks, a 26-by-24-foot "community stage" showcasing local talent, a YMCA Charity Beer and Wine Garden, and a dazzling pyrotechnic finale launched off the building. (In photo above: Andrea Michaels and Clint Upchurch of Extraordinary Events accept their award.)
BEST INVITATION
"Aloha Presidents Council"
Jobe and Associates, Dublin, Ohio
The VIP staffers being considered for the Advisors Sales Conference received a series of six customized invitations to entice them to qualify for the exclusive President’s Council events in Hawaii. The campaign started with a branded mouse pad for their office, Hawaiian coffee for their home, monogrammed robes, a specialty camera, a remote-controlled toy helicopter, and a signed specialty cookbook as previews of what they would experience on the trip. The final element was a set of company-branded beach towels with a personalized link to register. (In photo above: Rick Jobe accepts his award.)
BEST DINING TABLE DESIGN
"The Grand Banquet"
The Venetian/Palazzo Hotel, Las Vegas, and Destinations by Design, Las Vegas
This year's Grand Banquet for 120 guests keyed on the theme "Dinner in the Clouds," where a 120-foot-long glass table appeared to have place settings suspended in mid-air. Fourteen-inch custom gold chargers made a dramatic statement, and were given to guests as a keepsake at the conclusion of the evening. More than 2,800 pieces of polished silver flatware were specially chosen for this occasion. (In photo above: Destinations by Design picks up the award.)
BEST OFF-PREMISE CATERED EVENT
"In the Spirit of Hospitality"
Good Gracious! Events, Los Angeles
The multi-day Concours D'Elegance car show in Pebble Beach, Calif., gave guests the chance to view and test-drive the new Black Badge from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Befitting the upscale setting, the catering team offered bistro plate choices to 1,500 guests in an elegant mansion setting, which included a vertical mirror salad wall with three salad selections, a risotto bar, a California market experience, and silver mirrors bearing colorful macarons perched on a bed of chocolate nibs. (In photo above: Good Gracious founder Pauline Parry celebrates.)
BEST FUNDRAISING EVENT
"LOOK 2015"
Boom Goes the Drum, Calgary, Alberta
In only its second year, the fundraiser for the art museum Contemporary Calgary raised a million dollars at a gala that transformed a dilapidated 50,000-square-foot building into a mix of both raw and polished spaces for VIP guests. The evening included cocktails, canapes, a silent auction, and a keynote by New Yorker staff writer Adam Gopnik on the importance of art in the cultural landscape—a speech that was met with a standing ovation. (In photo above: Derek MacDonald of Boom Goes the Drum).
BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
"Humane Society of the United States Gala: Los Angeles"
AKJohnston Group, Orange, Calif.
Bored with the prospect of a stuffy gala, the client tasked the event team with creating a communal experience with the hospitality of a high-wattage Hollywood fête. The result: a rustic-yet-refined "farm to table" experience with burlap tablecloths, oversize centerpieces featuring floral plus vegetables, tufted linen lounges, and an all-vegan menu with a selection of seven entrees. (In photo above: Austin Johnston of AKJohnston Group accepts his Gala trophy.)
BEST WEDDING: BUDGET UNDER $1,000 PER GUEST
"The Tulip Wedding"
MB Events, Montreal
Tulips were the design touchstone at this beautiful wedding for 300 guests in Montreal's historic Bonsecours Market. The venue offered three distinct rooms—for ceremony, cocktails and reception—featuring such dramatic event elements as a champagne station, 60-inch round tables made from double-layered tempered glass with tulips tucked inside, and some 8,000 tulips suspended upside down lining the entrance hallway. (In photo above: Alison Silcoff accepts on behalf of MB Events.)
BEST WEDDING: BUDGET $1,000 AND ABOVE PER GUEST
"'I Do' Amongst the Rocky Mountains"
Affair with Flair, Cherry Hills Village, Colo.
The two grooms chose a wilderness retreat for their fall wedding at a resort offering space for both a reception tent along with a dining room for 29 guests. The ceremony was marked by an aisle lined with fall floral hanging on shepherd's hooks, mahogany benches with copper cushions, a wooden altar skirted in moss, and a ceremonial arch crowned with floral, curly willow and suspended amaranth. (In photo above: The team from Affair with Flair recalls producing the bar mitzvah of one of the grooms in this Gala Award-winning wedding.)
BEST MULTIPLE-DAY INCENTIVE EVENT
"Endless Wonder Incentive"
JNR Inc., Irvine, Calif.
A nine-day incentive program, staged in two waves, was designed to entertain a total of 240 guests, thank them for their support and ensure future business. The event team chose New Zealand, known in part for being safe, as its destination, and created a wide range of activities including a jump off SkyTower, boat races, a gondola ride and a helicopter trip. (In photo above: JNR accepts for 'Endless Wonder Incentive'.)
BEST MULTIPLE-DAY EVENT PROGRAM FOR A CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION
"NHT Global 15th Anniversary Celebration"
Concept Communications, Hong Kong
To honor its 15th anniversary, NHT Global organized a two-day international conference at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong for more than 10,000 partners and guests from all over the world. The event comprised more than 20 stunning stage performances, outsize spatial decorations, an informative product display area, and an NHT Villa with virtual houses, a garden and a fountain inside the venue to provide a unique experience for all participants. (In photo above: Special Events Advisory board member Richard Foulkes accepts on behalf of Concept Communications.)
BEST EVENT STAGED IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
"Ignite"
E=MC2 Events, Calgary, Alberta
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of WestJet, the event team created a series of live experiences over multiple waves to highlight how the choices that each WestJetter makes impact the company. The immersive live events featured interactive installations and collaborative workshops, alongside engaging, poignant performances focused on individual choice, outlook and impact. (In photo above: Keri Miller of E=MC2 accepts the trophy.)
BEST FLORAL DESIGN
"Dear Mama"
Tom Bercu Presents, Los Angeles, and Floral Art, Culver City, Calif.
Tasked with creating a floral wonderland for the VH1 Mother’s Day TV special "Dear Mama,” the design team strove to reach the client’s objective of rivaling the Macy’s Flower Show. Using more than 65,000 fresh roses in addition to live orchids, hydrangeas, mosses and more, the team turned the event site—historic St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Manhattan—into a celebration of mothers who have worked hard and made substantial sacrifices to create opportunities for their children. (In photo above: Tom Bercu and Jennifer McGarigle celebrate their win.)
BEST TENT INSTALLATION
"Mercedes-Benz: Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance"
Classic Tents, Compton, Calif.
For one of the most prominent vintage car shows in the world, the tent team designed, manufactured, shipped and installed a 15-by-45-by-6-meter flat-roof structure with glass walls and custom fabric for its high-end car client. To meet the tight new time line, the tent team used several different crews—tenting, flooring and HVAC–all overlapping with the client's display, production and lighting crews. The subfloor was a custom build with additional support so that cars could be driven inside the structure. (In photo above: Marc Esposito, general manager of the Classic Party Rentals Los Angeles office, accepting for Classic Tents.)
BEST USE OF LIGHTING
"U.S. Conference of Mayors Opening Gala"
Got Light, San Francisco
The United States Conference of Mayors' 83rd annual meeting opened with a spectacular gala at San Francisco City Hall, where the lighting team created a design for each performance. Within the rotunda, the round stage illumination changed from traditional, conventional washes of light to LED moving heads for enhanced color and energy; accent illumination highlighted existing event artwork, including pin-spot illumination of tables and decor. The unique sculptural rotunda dome was bathed in three layers of color gels. (In photo above: Special Events Advisory Board member Valerie Ulrich accepts on behalf of Got Light.)
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN TECHNICAL SUPPORT
"Alaska Airlines Re-brand Launch"
Blue Danube Productions, Seattle
Enlisted to create a grand yet intimate announcement of the first re-brand in 25 years of Alaska Airlines, the event team rose to the challenge of transforming a maintenance hangar, revealing a 737 airplane and helping the airline earn the trust and buy-in from employees and press around the world. The main event in Seattle hosted 2,000 employees and more than a dozen members of the press; over the course of the following week, four subsidiary and supporting events were also produced in four different states, totaling 1,470 hours of labor and effort in that one week alone. (In photo above: Blue Danube founder Niki McKay accepts her Gala trophy.)
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN LOGISTICS
"Crime of the Century"
Senik Events, Montreal
For Genetech's year-end party, the event team merged two entirely different visions into one, creating the "Crime of the Century" gala. The interactive game for some 1,000 guests offered prizes for attendees, featured a private show from Supertramp's Roger Hodgson, and presented a hip "murder party" entertainment geared toward millennials. (In photo above: The team from Senik is jubilant winning its Gala trophy as presenter Cynthia Lopell of CL22 looks on from far right).
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN EVENT RENTAL SUPPORT
"2016 Wyndham Championship"
Party Reflections, Charlotte, N.C.
The Wyndham Championship is a long-standing PGA Tour and North Carolina tradition dating back to the first tournament, held at the Sedgefield Country Club in 1938. This year, the rental team oversaw the infrastructure supporting the event, encompassing more than 58,000 square feet of tenting, more than 54,600 square feet of carpeted floor, more than 720 tables, more than 2,115 chairs and 400-plus pieces of linen installed over a four-week span of time. (In photo above: The team from Party Reflections accepts its trophy.)
BEST NEW, INNOVATIVE EVENT PRODUCT/TECHNOLOGY
"The Audio Guest Book "
FêteFone, Bethesda, Md.
This unique service re-imagines the traditional guest book by letting guests record messages using a stylish, vintage telephone—available in nearly 30 different styles—instead of pen and paper. Guests lift the handset, hear a greeting prerecorded by the event hosts, and share their wishes; no phone line or Internet connection is required. After the event, hosts receive a digital download of the messages. (In photo above: Special Events Advisory Board member Caroline Lett accepts on behalf of FêteFone.)
BEST EVENT ENTERTAINMENT CONCEPT AND EXECUTION: ENTERTAINMENT BUDGET UNDER $25,000
"Jurassic World"
Imagination Entertainment, San Diego, and JNR Inc., Huntington Beach, Calif.
To bring the closing-night event for a global scientific instrument company's annual reward program on Kauai to a dramatic end, the entertainment team built suspense with a trail of clues for the 153 attendees: odd paw prints on the resort lawn, frightened staffers, and a buildup of sound effects. And for the big reveal: The ballroom went dark, video screens seemed to shake with dramatic projections, and two enormous "dinosaurs "charged into the room. (In photo above: The teams from Imagination and JNR.)
BEST EVENT ENTERTAINMENT CONCEPT AND EXECUTION: ENTERTAINMENT BUDGET $25,000 TO $100,000
"Investment Aktuell 2016"
Insglueck, Berlin
To meet the client's objective of encouraging 220 bankers to look at the world from different perspectives and expand their personal horizons, the team keyed on the theme "Room for More" and created a mysterious underwater world via a three-hour animated video projected onto a 250-square-meter piece of fabric suspended overhead. Live performers added another dimension to the experience. (In photo above: Christian Poswa of Insglueck.)
BEST EVENT ENTERTAINMENT CONCEPT AND EXECUTION: ENTERTAINMENT BUDGET ABOVE $100,000
"Celebration of the Americas"
Bravo Entertainment, Dallas, and Hello! Destination Management, Orlando, Fla.
More than 8,000 attendees from throughout the Americas were treated to a 70-minute custom theatrical entertainment production featuring an international cast of more than 200 performers. Talent included pyro-dancers, LED performance technology, motion-graphics, black light, shadow effects, and aerial acts, combining to create an experience that told the story of client Amway in a nonverbal way. (In photo above: Debbie Meyers of Bravo--center--accepts on behalf of her team and Hello! Destination Management.)
MOST OUTSTANDING SPECTACLE
"Sherwin-Williams Celebration 150"
LEO Events, Memphis, Tenn.
A whopping 12,000 spectators watched as the event team brought the 150th anniversary of the founding of Sherwin-Williams to life with a high-energy opening featuring acrobats, singers and dancers, a custom song, and an app that let the audience share their karaoke versions of the song. Two big screens functioned as a "book," from which an actor portraying Henry Sherwin emerged; a 50-member chorus featuring employees provided the climactic finale. (In photo above: Cindy Brewer of LEO accepts her Gala trophy.)
BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL: BUDGET UNDER $1,000 PER GUEST
"Moroccan-Inspired Fête"
Kristin Banta Events, Studio City, Calif.
Some 400 guests arrived at a landmark hotel in Santa Monica, Calif., to be transported to a Moroccan-themed engagement party featuring a 360-degree walk-around bar along with a variety of food and beverage stations, including a Persian fruit and sweets table, an elaborate tea station presented in authentic Moroccan tea glasses served from a roving "tea bike," sangria and Moscow Mule bars, and a charcuterie station. Back downstairs, guests danced the night away to Middle Eastern music on a brushed gold dance floor enriched with henna-patterned projection lights beneath an elaborate lantern installation. (In photo above: Kristin Banta celebrates after winning her second Gala Award.)
BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL: BUDGET $1,000 AND ABOVE PER GUEST"Bigger than Brooklyn Bar Mitzvah"
Cerbelli Creative, New York
Eight months of planning went into this bar mitzvah for 500 guests, treating them to a custom logo, hand-delivered invitations, a venue—Barclays Center in Brooklyn—re-imagined as Coney Island, and a performance by star rapper Pitbull. Highlights of the event included an artist creating a portrait of the honoree during the service, a drumline procession leading to the reception, and the installation of authentic Coney Island rides for guests to enjoy. (In photo above: Michael Cerbelli accepts his first Gala Award.)
BEST EVENT MARKETING CAMPAIGN
"Le Sport and Venucia Auto Charity Tour 2016"
Phenomenon Marketing and Communications, Beijing
An online media group and a car brand joined forces to launch the program "4+2 Life," designed to encourage people to lead healthy lives physically, spiritually and socially. The campaign kicked off with an event in Beijing followed by programs in four cities, each consisting of a carnival, bike-riding and an auto test-drive with a charitable theme. Along with building brands, the events served as seasonal promotions by generating leads and tracking customers. (In photo above: Special Events Advisory Board member Debbie Woods accepts on behalf of Phenomenon.)
BEST THEATRICAL ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION
"San Diego Zoo Centennial"
Mark Joseph Creative, San Diego
A crowd of 20,000 enjoyed a 30-minute theatrical presentation saluting the centennial of the San Diego Zoo. Highlights included a 53-piece orchestra—accompanied in parts by a 130-person choir and eight principal singers—playing the all-original musical score, a parade of outsize animal puppets, and dramatic projections illuminating the building's façade. (In photo above: Mark Howell of Mark Joseph Creative accepts his Gala.)
BEST DECOR: TOTAL DECOR BUDGET UNDER $50,000
"Every 'One' Has a Story"
Decor and More, Oakville, Ontario, and POP Kollaborative, Calgary, Alberta
In order to recognize individuals at an event for 200 guests, the design allowed attendees to select a seat at a thematic table that best matched their own story. The team developed a total of 20 different table designs; guests were given a card that indicated the concept design and name of each table, then selected a seat for themselves at a table they identified with. (In photo above: Bryan Bell of Decor and More--left--shares the stage with Ken Kristoffersen of POP Kollaborative.)
BEST DECOR: TOTAL DECOR BUDGET $50,000 TO $99,999
"'Spectre' Movie Premiere"
CL22 Productions, Los Angeles
At IMAX headquarters in California, guests viewed the premiere of the movie "Spectre" in an interactive setting immersed in decor inspired by the film. The decor inspiration was drawn from the film's opening scene during Mexico City’s Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), where the rich environment brought together a culmination of unique and extravagant make-up, costumes and artifacts for a spiritual journey. (In photo above: CL22 founder Cynthia Lopell accepts her Gala trophy.)
BEST DECOR: TOTAL DECOR BUDGET $100,000 TO $250,000
"Bell: FEQ"
DX Design, Quebec
Bell, which was the major sponsor of the Festival d’été de Québec, set up two tents to welcome guests during 11 days in July. The event team designed both tents, with an “urban chic” restaurant with a terrace on the first floor, and a festive lounge club on the second floor. The installation represented a totally new brand for the client. (In photo above: DX Design celebrates its first Gala Award.)
BEST DECOR: TOTAL DECOR BUDGET ABOVE $250,000
"Wonderland New Year's Eve"
MGM Resorts Event Productions, Las Vegas
A New Year's Eve extravaganza for a leading resort treated 1,500 guests to a "Wonderland" themed for grown-ups with a five-hour bash that transformed a convention facility from functional to fab. Guests interacted with eclectic, costumed performers as they sipped absinthe and puffed on hookah pipes in a psychedelic, surreal garden, traversed a secret tunnel through the Looking Glass, and then dined and danced at an extravagant tea party. (In photo above: Lenny Talarico, CSEP, of MGM accepts on behalf of his team.)
BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION: OVERALL BUDGET UNDER $100,000
"A Knight In Gotham"
Fifth Element Group, North York, Ontario
The Canadian Hospitality Foundation’s Black and White fundraising gala put an elegant new spin on the "superhero" theme. Instead of featuring Batman and his villains, "A Knight in Gotham" took place in Bruce Wayne’s "Wayne Manor" (actually the Royal York Hotel in Toronto), offered a Frank Sinatra-style singer perfect for Gotham City, and showcased a 96-foot seamless screen in the main ballroom featuring the entire "Gotham" skyline. (In photo above: Aaron Kaufman of Fifth Element Group accepts on behalf of his team.)
BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION: OVERALL BUDGET $100,000 TO $249,999
"Seven: BMW 7 Series Closed Room"
Euro Events, Dublin
A private home in Dublin was transformed into a Hollywood Hills-style setting for the spectacular launch of the new BMW 7 Series in a newly installed glass showroom. The cars and glass showroom were craned over the house and set on the lawn against the backdrop of Great Sugar Loaf mountain. (In photo above: Robert O'Dowd of Euro Events accepts his Gala trophy.)
BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION: OVERALL BUDGET $250,000 TO $500,000
"Grand Hotel Google"
Verve The Live Agency, Dublin
The event team was tasked with creating an unforgettable winter holiday event for Google employees, a demanding audience who wanted a break from their high-tech day-to-day world. And the result: Some 4,500 employees were treated to a "Grand Budapest Hotel"-inspired event dubbed “Grand Hotel Google.” The party took place within a 4,700-square-meter empty building transformed into a glamorous 1930s hotel complete with custom hotel façade, lobby, casino, spa, "Bed and Bath" area, Grand Ballroom, and cocktail bars. (In photo above: Barry Muldowney of Verve accepts the Gala on behalf of his team.)
BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION: OVERALL BUDGET ABOVE $500,000
"BMW Group: The Next 100 Years"
Vok Dams Agency for Events and Live Marketing, Wuppertal, Germany
Premium auto brand BMW kicked off its second century with a stunning hour-long production before an international audience of some 110,000. The production, which was viewed by more than 130,00 people, involved all four group brands, their historic and future products, multifaceted media, song, dance and poetry—all brought to life through innovative event technology, including high-definition content showcased on 2,300 square meters of projection surface. (In photo above: Claudia Kohler of Vok Dams accepts the Gala.)