Part Science, Part Magic: A High-Tech Gala

When WM Events was brought on board to produce, manage, and design the 18^th-annual Digital Ball fundraiser for TechBridge, an event that welcomed nearly 1,000 tech-savvy community leaders – real movers and shakers, we knew it would be vital to develop cutting-edge ways to wow the guests. The event served as the rollout for the organization’s Georgia Dream Big Grant, providing funds for many nonprofits instead of just one as TechBridge had done in the past. We determined to dream big too and set to work on creating a concept that would provide ongoing engagement and strategic awe-inspiring moments.

High-Tech Décor
To get that all-over high-tech feel, we took the blockchain as our design inspiration and reflected this digital concept in the Dream Big graphic on screens throughout the space, LED cubes on the stage, and LED panels on the stage backdrop. With the glowing shades of blue and green surrounding the stage mirrored from the linens to the décor of the VIP reception, the cybertastic theme created an ideal environment for the tech-friendly event features.

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An Interactive Reception
At the Atlanta Marriot Marquis, guests of the VIP reception were greeted by a branded check-in counter then encouraged to take part in hands-on activities like virtual reality, ideation towers and string art (okay, not everything had to be high-tech). Executive ambassadors and VIPs were given jeweled boutonnieres to wear throughout the evening and have as a keepsake from the event.

In the custom-designed VR Poverty Experience developed by Rohit Ammanamanchi, guests came face to face with the challenges of everyday life in some of Atlanta’s low-income neighborhoods. But the focus turned to solutions with a string art activity that asked guests to chart the path out of poverty by connecting the elements necessary to creating stability and an ideation tower that took votes on which services could make the biggest positive impact on the rate of generational poverty. Signage in the lobby charted the history of TechBridge and the successes it has already accomplished.

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Table Tech
When it was time to enter the ballroom, guests located their seating assignments on an 80-in. monitor, which was read vertically like a flight information display at the airport. This offered a fun and different way for TechBridge’s guests, comprising Atlanta’s technology community, distinguished corporate leaders, and even Gov. Nathan Deal, to confirm seating.

Inside, more than 100 tables draped with blue and green linens eschewed the traditional floral arrangements in favor of illuminated centerpieces detailing crowdfunding instructions. These provided a cost-effective solution for the nonprofit and reduced clutter on the table while also maintaining sightlines of the stage.

STEM Meets Magic
TechBridge is a nonprofit that works with nonprofits on the frontline of breaking the cycle of generational poverty by providing the technology tools and resources those organizations need to advance their missions more effectively and sustainably. At this year’s Digital Ball, TechBridge veered from its previous format by announcing the Dream Big Grant and also recognizing three of the most impactful community leaders from the nonprofit, corporate, and foundation sectors. Fitting all of these elements into the program presented a special challenge.

To ensure that presentations fit within the allotted timeframe, we selected mentalist Max Major as both emcee and entertainment. Max introduced guests and kept the presentations on track, and he performed interactive magic and mentalist tricks. At the beginning of the evening, Max predicted how much TechBridge would raise on Swell and kept his prediction in a box hanging above the stage. At the end of the evening, Max lowered the box, unrolled the paper containing key predictions, and showed that his projected number matched the actual amount raised. This focus on magic rather than science and technology proved amazing to even the worldliest guests.

To complement Max’s prestidigitation and emcee duties, we developed a Siri-like concept we called Bridget (as in TechBridge) who acted as the VOG. Not only was Bridget a great match for the tech crowd, she provided lots of good laughs as anyone who uses voice command on the phone will understand. We pre-recorded Bridget’s script and had her interact with speakers and presenters in the manner of a digital virtual assistant. When Bridget spoke, sound waves showed on the screen to match her computerized voice.

Thank You to Our Sponsors
As with most nonprofit events, recognizing sponsors was as important as branding the event for TechBridge. With the focus on technology, we were able to incorporate sponsor logos in a variety of ways, including GOBO lights in the ballroom, on digital signboards (a huge hit), and on branded coffee tables at the Pulse Loft after party. Of course, we also added sponsor mentions in traditional ways too, such as printed programs and by creatively writing them into the program script or getting representatives involved in the evening’s entertainment and award presentations.

A significant undertaking that challenged our skills at creating an innovative, astounding event for the type of guests who regularly attend galas, balls, and high-tech conferences, the TechBridge Digital Ball proved successful to the tune of more than $1 million raised.

Event Design & Production: WM Events
Photography: JM Photographics & PWP Studio
Venue & Catering: Atlanta Marriott Marquis