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When the Atlanta Hawks closed out their 2020-2021 season with a Southeast Division title and a visit to the Eastern Conference Finals, the NBA team had plenty to celebrate. WM Events was thrilled to produce the Hawks’ year-end appreciation party for the support staff from State Farm Arena, and we made sure it was a genuine “sail-a-bration” with cruise-liner décor that took plenty of inspiration from that wonder of a 1970-1980s TV show “The Love Boat.”
Want to take a look? Come aboard – we’re expecting you:
Setting a Course for Adventure
We chose the new Bishop Station as the site for this event because it is located in Midtown yet tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. A recently refurbished industrial space, it boasts 3,600 square feet on two levels plus a large outdoor courtyard. Its blank canvas offered an ideal setting for our nautical adventure.
Upon arrival, guests were greeted by a “Welcome Aboard” cruise archway complete with dock pilons, oversized rope, crab nets and life preservers to set the scene. A second sign announced the start of a “Funtastic Voyage.” We enhanced the theme with stacked suitcases, globes and other travel décor.
An Open Smile on a Friendly Shore
We setup up a check-in desk staffed by Hawks volunteers who processed the 350 guests and gave them passports that served as a holder for boarding pass-style drink tickets and as a map of the event. By placing pedestal fans throughout the space, we kept guests cool while imitating an ocean breeze.
Highboys with specialty linens and driftwood centerpieces provided a perch in the courtyard. Inside, an 8-by-8-ft. succulent wall with tropic garland featured a custom neon sign and provided a photo area.
Downstairs, we added guest seating in the form of highboy tables and large round tables, both topped with specialty linens and centerpieces. Below-deck lounge groupings with white round sofas included pillows and cruise ship-themed décor.
Bringing the 70s into the modern era, we created an iPad photobooth for taking selfies. As a backdrop, nautical flags spelled “Hawks Love Boat.” Photo props gave guests the opportunity to make each post their own. #I<3CaptainStubing
Promising Something for Everyone
A white wayfinding sign displayed the miles to get to places like Tokyo, Pris and Beijing, as guests explored the many distinct spaces of the event.
Upstairs, we leaned into the ship concept and coordinated 100-ft. nautical pennant flags with floral centerpieces. With the Love Boat in mind, we placed highboy tables with specialty linens topped with nautical budvase florals and combined them with large round tables and white Bellini chairs.
DJ Mo delivered the tunes from a rustic, wooden DJ booth decorated with nautical lanterns. Behind him, an antique captain’s wheel completed the set.
To appeal to everyone’s taste, we incorporated catering in the form of three food trucks that offered guests a choice of soul food, fried fish and seafood, and mac-n-cheese delights. With the addition of a bartender package, guests enjoyed libations in keeping with the sail-a-bration.
