Posted on January 14, 2020 by William Fogler

Have you heard the old adage – three parties are better than one? OK, there is a possibility that we made that up, but we know that the wisest sage would surely agree. So when our hotel management company client, tasked us with developing and executing the atmosphere, décor and entertainment for its three-day GM meeting near Phoenix, we closed it out with a massive party that spanned many hours and featured three distinct “scenes,” giving the client three parties in one evening. If you haven’t read the blog about the first two days of the meeting, you can do that here. Bonus: there was a donkey.

Take 1
We got the party started right with our first scene, which greeted the 450 guests with a living wall providing drinks and appetizers – think Automat but with live people and delicious champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Outside, we took advantage of the mild Arizona weather with a cocktail reception styled in honor of the setting. Bare highboys were topped with centerpieces blending food and floral and scattered throughout the patio. Forty-eight votives provided a warm glow, which complemented the massive outdoor fireplace. To complete the atmosphere, we brought in a dual-neck guitarist whose pleasant sounds were an ideal fit for the start of a great evening.

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We styled two long buffet tables where guests enjoyed selecting charcuterie and small bites. The La Cucina table featured an elevated central display of lush greens, while a ceiling treatment with greenery and cheese floated above. For the Farmland station, we created an elaborate display with colorful fruits and vegetables paired with glass containers highlighting floral arrangements. From the terrarium to the broccoli bouquet, the Farmland table exuded abundance.

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Take 2
The evening’s second scene was a seated dinner with a stage presentation. We brought impact to the room with specialty linens in gold and black and crystal-inspired centerpieces. It took 220 votives to surround the geometric and floral centerpieces on 44 tables. With embossed menus and black hemstitch napkins, the room was set for glamour.

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We love the chance to bring in fun entertainment, and we took full advantage of this opportunity by scheduling Urban Electra, a quartet who performs popular hit songs on classical instruments. At the end of the speeches and presentations, an LED drumline hit the stage for a surprise performance after which, the drummers led guests pied-piper style to the downstairs after party, also known as scene three.

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Take 3
Our third scene really put the party in party. We pulled inspiration from street art, but made it glam with metallics and lighting. With the addition of an LED infinity dancefloor, we created something akin to a graffiti disco and kept the party going until midnight. By incorporating multiple interactive stations, we made sure even non-dancers could enjoy the festivities. Plus, late-night snacks, dessert, coffee and cocktails, as well as a circular, glowing bar made of trusses, offered sustenance.

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We set the scene with perimeter décor including a chain-link fence installation with artwork and lighting, corrugated metal panels with graffiti art, and spare tires stacked around the room. A hanging installation of black, gold and silver spray-painted vinyl records and sneakers was suspended on a square truss above the dancefloor. To enhance the street-like décor, we used graffiti-painted oil barrels as highboys and topped them with centerpieces and votives. Additional highboys and cocktail tables featured specialty linens and centerpieces in concrete containers.

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The 20-by-20-ft. LED infinity dancefloor provided plenty of room for guests to dance (and they did!), while the five-piece High Energy Band performed the best of Top 40 and hip-hop.

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But this scene was more than just a dance party. Guests got to watch professional artist Kris Rhymes paint a masterpiece in chocolate. Meanwhile, a mobile temporary tattoo attendant circulated through the room, decorating guests in graffiti-related tattoos. We brought in a VW bus styled with on-theme décor, and it served as a photobooth where guests took and printed unlimited photos.

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From a party in the desert to a party in the “street,” this three-day meeting was as much fun for us as for the attendees.

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