If I Were An Event…

A new and integral part of the WM Events team, Aaron Barba’s official title is interim General Manager. He helps us focus on the business of our business and has been spearheading internal re-organization while expanding external relationships. We were thrilled when Aaron joined WM Events; he has more than a decade of experience with some of the most enduring event companies in the Atlanta as well as his own consulting firm. Considering his passion for serving others, we are not surprised to learn about Aaron’s ideal event…

If I were an event, I would be … a charity fundraiser.

My purpose would be to … raise funds for nonprofit organizations that help people living in a less-privileged country. The event would educate guests about the presented charities and celebrate their philanthropic achievements and goals for the upcoming year.

My venue would be … an open-area, such as Serenbe or a similar site that is removed from the city and offers limited cell phone reception. Part of the event would be under the open sky. The dinner/program portion would take place under a clear tent with lighting help from the full moon and the stars.

My theme would be … an evening under the stars.

My décor would feature … Tuscan colors throughout the different areas. Florals would mirror this with pale tones of mint, yellow, sand and peach. Dim lighting would provide wayfinding for the various areas of the event, and each area would be lit with different light hues.

The event would include … a seated buffet with a program, a silent auction, and a big-ticket raffle – a travel package to a country benefited by the event.  A tour of the fundraiser’s areas of impact in that country would be part of the package. The dinner would be followed by live music played in different areas of the outdoor space offering live music – jazz and bossa nova under the moon-lit sky.

My food and drink offerings would include … cuisine specific to the countries the event’s proceeds would benefit. Signature drinks would also relate to these global areas.

The guest list would include … 300 top charity sponsors and 75 of the newest sponsors, randomly selected. They would enjoy the opportunity to network while having a memorable educational experience to thank them for their in-kind contributions.

My invitation would … be printed on recycled linen paper made by volunteers in the underserved areas. Each invitation would be a one-of-a-kind piece and include key information about the presenting charities.

I would incorporate the latest technologies by … providing each guest with a smart watch that would give them access to event details, such as menu, entertainment and auction information. The watch would also provide them with pointers to each of the different areas. Guests would use this technology to have access to digital, paper-free information about the event but not the outside world.

My guests will go home with … custom crafts from the sponsored countries featuring an individualized dedicatory of appreciation.