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Although they couldn’t be together in person, attendees at the virtual 2021 ConNEXTion Conference we planned and produced for Cooper Lighting Solutions learned about new products, made connections, and even engaged in some friendly rivalry. The event took place during three days and welcomed more guests than the in-person version could ever have accommodated. WM Events planned and produced the virtual event, and we managed the run of show, too. With nearly 50 pieces of video content – what a show it was!

The attendee experience began with registration, which offered the first opportunity for data collection. Although the event would welcome 1,200 attendees, the client sent pre-event mailers to the first 500 registrants to encourage registration. Inside, recipients found branded SWAG akin to what might be distributed at an in-person event. This special touch got them excited for the upcoming conference.

Keeping Attendees Engaged + Energized

Watching talking heads on a screen for hours on end can quickly slip into being mind-numbing. Our top priority was making sure that didn’t happen. Throughout the three-day event, we continuously mixed types of content to move from speakers to breakout sessions to entertainment, keeping guests looking forward to the next offering. Meanwhile, tradeshow displays, and on-demand content were available at any time, so attendees also retained some level of choice in what they were watching and when.

Through a dedicated and fully branded website, we managed the event features while simultaneously gathering useful metrics. Our platform allowed us to capture information about which content was popular, where attendees were located, how long they watched each session, how they engaged and much more. We had the ability to direct message attendees too, personalizing the experience even more.

Boosting Interaction

Throughout the live event, we incorporated a variety of chats, polls, and other interactive elements to boost user engagement. These elements were gamified through the addition of a leaderboard, and guests earned points for interacting. The competitive spirit of the attendees was apparent as they vied for first place on the leaderboard and the chance to win prizes like Sonosphere speakers with Cooper branding, headphones, a backpack or tote bag, and executive umbrellas.

At all times, guests were also able to search attendees for networking connections and schedule a virtual meetup or simply go to a dedicated networking area to chat with anyone who was there.

We were thrilled by how involved and interactive the attendees were – and so was our client.

Building in Memorable Moments

An important goal for conferences and events is to send attendees away with something to remember. We knew we needed to provide that same long-term experience despite the virtual nature of the event.

We brought excitement to the conference by varying the content and asking for attendee participation whenever possible. Many short pieces of recorded material were offered in a seamless manner that appeared live to viewers but left little room for error and production issues. For example, on the opening afternoon, we moved from a DJ set to an introduction by the emcee followed by a welcome message from the CEO, a keynote speaker, and a quick wrap-up. These segments ranged from 2 to 45 minutes. Afterwards, guests were free to explore on-demand product, customer journeys and playbook sessions.

An Eye on the Hybrid Future

This virtual event was a major success, especially during a time when hosting guests in person is not possible. The platform we chose, the way that we planned the conference, and the data we were able to provide for the client show that the virtual format can offer benefits beyond those of an in-person event.

The 2021 ConNEXTion Conference provides the perfect lead-in to a future where hybrid events will reach more people and extend their value. In this case, attendee numbers increased by 120%. A sales conference that combines in-person and virtual offerings will offer the best of both worlds. It’s the next evolution in event planning!

Read more about how we produced the material for this three-day event in An Illuminating Virtual Conference Pt. 1.

At this point, who hasn’t tried to host a Zoom party … and had it fall flat? When it was time for a couple to celebrate the pending arrival of their first child, they didn’t want to leave anything to chance. We were thrilled to step in and design the set, create the run of show, manage the platforms, and keep the party going at their virtual Serengeti baby shower. That left our clients free to be the center of attention and celebrate one of life’s most exciting milestones.

The Set

To transport the guests of honor and attendees to the Serengeti, we fashioned a sundown vision of an African grassland. With BoHo chic styling, we created a movie-worthy backdrop from floor to ceiling for the live-streamed event.

We started with a graphic natural fiber rug and surrounded it with pampas grass in glass vases. A smart gold sofa sat atop the rug, offering a royal nod for the couple’s seating. Behind this focal area, we placed a white custom-cut backdrop with a geometric pattern to enclose the space and decorated it with air plants. Thematic sculpture added to the atmosphere.

The final touches came from large stuffed animals of the Serengeti and a balloon garland across the ceiling. Throughout, golden accessories added more glamour to the set.    

The Tech

WM Events consulted on the run of show for this fantasy baby shower and selected the right technology to make it a seamless affair. We incorporated a dynamic LED wall that scrolled through many scenes of the Serengeti to add to the atmosphere.

By bringing in three cameras, we enabled a variety of angles, which boosted production value. We had multiple Zoom operators and audio engineers on set to keep the “show” running smoothly. The hosts only had to relax on their gold sofa and enjoy the day.

The Party

In planning the run of show, we included a variety of elements that brought the virtual event to life, like a DJ, a live emcee, and videos from the couple’s romantic history together. We added talk-show style interviews and special guest appearances from close relatives.

What is a baby shower without games? We concepted and managed those too, allowing the event to be interactive for all guests. Some of our favorites include How Well Do You Know Mommy & Daddy? and The Price is Right. After an exciting reveal of the baby’s name, we wrapped up the fun by launching breakout rooms. We rotated the couple through the various rooms allowing them to interact with guests in smaller groups and on a more personal level.

This fun afternoon showed how engaging and intimate a virtual event can be when you incorporate a beautiful set, the right technology, and thoughtful interactive elements.

Here comes another holiday, and we’re still living through a global pandemic. Does that mean we should skip it and focus on more serious tasks like sanitizing surfaces and sourcing new face masks? According to academic research and The New York Times, absolutely not. Studies have shown that special occasions and celebrations can help break up the monotony and give us touchpoints in unusual times.

And what could be better to celebrate than love in all of its forms?

We had all the inspiration we needed to plan the Cocktails + Kisses event at Atlantic Station with enough left over to come up with several ways to make a special Valentine’s Day celebration at home or even virtually.

This February, remember, all you need is love. And the vaccine.

Cocktails + Kisses

Our client Atlantic Station created a safe way for lovers and friends to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a limited-capacity happy hour featuring a DJ, selfie stations, Instagrammable décor and specialty drinks. By scheduling guests for specific timeslots, they are able to control the attendance numbers and ensure social distancing. They brought in WM Events to make it all look lovely.

We started with the front room décor, where a red carpet and 6-ft. red hearts greet guests as they walk into the event space. Red and white drapery was paired with a twinkle-lit tunnel to the main event space, where guests are met by check-in at a swirled acrylic highboy table and cocktail-themed decorated shelves.

In the main space, we repeated the acrylic tables so that the red theme took centerstage. Red chandelier bulbs created an ambient atmosphere, and red uplights cast a moody glow. We also added red track lights and red roses in giant cylinder vases, along with white urns with white branches for contrast. Love-themed neon lights and stainless sphere garlands on the drapery created a photo-worthy backdrop. The window received a hanging vase with red roses, crystals and lights, while a neon strip added light to the display.

At-Home V-Day Celebration

Getting out of the house for a cocktail might be a great way to celebrate. Or you could enjoy a date night in with your significant other or special someone. Turn up the heat with red roses and lots of them. Wherever there are flowers, surround them with candles. We believe you can’t have too many of either. In fact, why not spend the evening lit solely by candlelight? And since you’re staying in, stay all the way in, as in bed, where you can play games, sip champagne, and nibble on chocolate.

Virtual V-Day Celebration

Make a loved one far away feel near when you take advantage of today’s many virtual capabilities and plan a special evening together. The ideas below work well for groups of far-flung friends or families too.

Dinner Date: Order from the same restaurant or cook the same meal together. Sit back and enjoy virtual conversation while you partake in your special dinner and perhaps a glass of champagne.

Movie Date: Host a Netflix watch party for two! Stream the same movie at exactly the same time. Enjoy it with a glass of champagne.

Virtual Mixologist: Learn about and sample new cocktails with the help of a virtual mixologist. This Valentine’s date idea brings new meaning to having a drink together.

Grab Your Galentines

If you typically whoop it up with your gal pals on Valentine’s Day, don’t let this tradition end. Host a small, very small, possibly masked, Galentine’s Night In. Go for all shades of red and pink with this micro-party. It can show up everywhere from your décor to your glasses and wrapped chocolates. We also love bold red accents like Twizzlers popping out of a candy dish. Definitely do not forget the champagne, which in this case, can be pink.

Valentine’s Day Décor

Even if you spend Valentine’s Day alone this year, don’t let that stop you from adding lovely decorations to your home. A dark February night is the perfect time to add strands of lights, plush fabrics, and fun neon signs. Who knows, the cutie across the street might take note of the celebratory atmosphere emanating from your windows and decide to knock on the door. At the very least, buy yourself a big bouquet of flowers … and some champagne. It’s 2021, and you’re worth it!

XOXO – WM Events

Times have changed since the Four Tops quartet thrilled audiences with their Motown sounds. But what has remained the same is the emotional connection that music provides. When it was time to recognize the 85th birthday of Duke Fakir, the only living member of the original group, we wanted to bring that sense of joy and soul to the celebration. The only catch – in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it had to be a virtual party.

To make the event special for this music legend, we assisted with distribution of the e-invitations and pre-event mailers, streamed a live virtual event with an emcee, and incorporated recorded messages and performances. The best part? The 50 guests were able to join from all over the country. Plus, we recorded the entire event for posterity or re-watching on future birthdays.

Invitations and Pre-Event Gifts

We started by developing a pre-event mailer and an enticing invitation, creating a graphic identity for electronic and printed versions, then managed distribution of the digital invitation. Handling RSVPs allowed us to respond to any questions guests had about the format of the event or how to use the technology. This proved especially important because this was a surprise party – the client didn’t need to get a lot of phone calls that might make the guest suspicious!

Prior to the event, the client sent out gift boxes to all attendees. We assisted with identifying the perfect inclusions like custom-labeled splits of champagne, custom-labeled CDs and a printed version of the invitation. This mailer ensured everyone could participate in the champagne toast during the event, creating a sense of togetherness.

Party Production

We’ve worked with high-profile clients before but knowing that the party’s special guest had a long history in entertainment, we needed to ensure the video production would delight even this show biz expert.     

Our client provided us with a variety of collateral, including photographs, recorded messages from well-wishers, and past performances featuring the guest of honor. It’s not every day that we get to include messages from Frankie Valli, Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy, and former Supreme Mary Wilson, to name a few, and we certainly got a thrill out of it. We worked these photos and recordings seamlessly into the event schedule and interspersed them with live moments and plenty of music. Everything was consistently branded with the golden color palette.

The emcee DJ Vince Adams kept the celebration on track following our customized Run of Show. In the age of virtual events, it is important to keep a concise run of show with theatrical highs and lows and to definitely not go on too long. The event concluded with a thoughtful toast to Duke and the singing of “Happy Birthday.” With time for socializing afterwards, the full event lasted 1.5 hours, and each moment brought smiles, laughter, and a few happy tears. Happy 85th to Duke and thank you for the music!

Approaching the New Year with a sense of expectation and possibility is nothing, well, new. But this year, that excitement takes on heightened significance, as 2020 has been a particularly challenging year, which is putting it mildly. We don’t think we are alone in stating that we are counting on 2021 big time.

In honor of flipping the calendar, we polled our WM Events team and friends to find out just what everyone is looking forward to in 2021. It was supposed to be a Top 10 list, but once we got started, we found a couple more items to add.

Hugging

This just has to top the list. Elbow bumps are fun, but nothing beats getting and giving a big bear hug. We’ll even settle for a one-armed, pat-on-the-back type of hug at this point. According to science and NBC News, hugs provide a viable mental and physical health boost. We could have told them that, but they did the research and have the data to back it up. We can’t wait to wrap our arms around 2021 and get back to hugging friends, acquaintances and probably even strangers!

Traveling, Especially Abroad

COVID-19 sure put a damper on travel. From road trips to flying, we did less of it in 2020 and had to rethink how to enjoy it in many cases. Whether a city’s museums were closed, or restaurants offered take-out only, much of what makes travel fun was off the menu. We can’t wait to hit the road at a moment’s notice. And we’re looking forward to hopping on a plane for international exploration when our biggest worry is whether we packed enough socks for a week instead of enough masks and filters. We can’t wait to eat a croissant in Paris, enjoy the beaches of Puerto Rico or get our yoga on in India.

Dining Out

We have endured a year of take-out, restaurant delivery and cooking at home. Some of us have braved restaurant patios, taken a seat at a socially distanced indoor table or given bubble dining a whirl. But it’s just not the same, is it? We look forward to dining out with confidence in 2021, supporting the restaurants we love, and enjoying food the way it’s meant to be. 

Ditching Extreme Disinfecting

Throughout the pandemic, information about how to safely shop, eat and live continued to change. Although it has been determined that surface contamination is not the main way coronavirus is spread, for many people, erring on the side of caution has meant months of washing groceries before putting them away. As if searching for toilet paper wasn’t bad enough, after a trip to the store or acceptance of the Instacart order, it was time to pull out a cloth and start wiping. We won’t miss this practice in 2021.

Rolling with Homies

Before 2020, we hadn’t given much thought to the idea of pods, but when we were told to stay apart, some of us “podded up” with particular friends or family members. Children joined learning pods to enable at least some type of social interaction. We are grateful for those we have been able to see, but we look forward to expanding our social circle and just hanging out with all kinds of friends again – dude from the gym, mom from lacrosse, book club buddy, D&D players – we’ve missed all of you!

Lipstick Dah-ling….

If the face mask has become a fun new way to accessorize, it has also left some of us yearning for the opportunity to wear the most meaningful of makeup. We’re talking about lipstick. From Chanel red to MAC’s Ruby Woo, we are counting the days until we can once again taint our lips without staining our mask. The same goes for most of our 2020-truncated makeup routine, other than lashes, of course.

Getting Physical

True, COVID-19 did not stop us from exercising, and many people embraced home workouts, while others took to the pavement or the trails. Even though we found new ways to stay fit, we look forward to getting back in the gym. This typical New Year’s resolution will take on new meaning in 2021.

Seeing the Smile on People’s Faces

It can be challenging to tell whether someone in a mask is smiling at you or glaring. Maybe they are just squinting in the sun. No matter how hard we have tried to “smize,” there is nothing that beats seeing a big grin on someone’s face. (This is one reason some of us will enjoy putting on the aforementioned lipstick again.) In 2021, we might even start saying “good morning” to strangers on the street rather than move to the far edge of the sidewalk and look away.

Large Gatherings & Big A** Parties

We’ll be glad to see friends and hug strangers, but we also want to get together with hundreds maybe thousands of people at the same time not on Zoom. We await the return of festivals, concerts, parties, sporting events, mass celebrations, conferences, weddings and more. Dr. Fauci says it could be possible in 2021, and we are hoping he is right. We simply don’t want to go another year without the Harry Styles “Love on Tour.”

World Sporting Events

Speaking of large gatherings, we’re looking forward to the global sporting extravaganza that was rescheduled last year. Now planned for July and August 2021 and still taking place in Tokyo, the Olympics have our vote for best summer television marathon. We look forward to cheering for our favorite athletes, counting medals and trying to impress our family members with our knowledge of world flags.

Getting the Vaccine

To make most of the wonderful options described above happen, we’ll gladly raise a sleeve and get the coronavirus vaccine. We’ll think of it as protecting our loved ones as much as ourselves. Also, Bill Gates says it will help. 

Best wishes for a prosperous and happy New Year! What are you looking forward to in 2021? Let us know in the comments below!

As this totally insane year comes to a close, we would like to turn the page by reflecting on the positive things that have come out of 2020 for us. We believe that by showing gratitude and focusing on the silver linings of this unprecedented time, we will be propelled into 2021 with positivity, camaraderie, ingenuity and progress. 

Counting down to the new year, here are the top 10 things we are grateful for:

10.  Epic Clients – They started our year off with a record-breaking Q1 and fortunately have continued to bless us with opportunities through the year, including Awards Celebrations, Sales Conferences, International Events, a Lakeside Celebration, and a giant Parade.

9. William’s 50th – We had a great time celebrating this milestone with WM Events founder William Fogler and putting together our list of 10 things we love most about him. Spoiler alert: his spontaneity, his manners, his generosity, his sense of humor, and sense of fashion all made the list.

8. Re:EVENT-ion – Our pivot has brought us continued success and opportunities including the CVC Impact Awards, the Doosan National Dealer Meeting, and a Drive-thru Birthday Party for 6-year-old Nile.

7. Giving Back – William opened his swimming pool to SwemKids so that the nonprofit organization could continue its work eliminating barriers that keep Black children from learning how to swim and decreasing the disparity in drowning rates. We also helped Atlanta nonprofit Caring For Others provide COVID-19 relief during drive-thru food and clothing distributions.

6. Being Acknowledged by the Press – William was featured with SwemKids founder Trish Miller in the Atlanta-Journal Constitution for sharing his outdoor space with swimming students. WM Events news was included in industry outlets like BizBash, Special Events, Exhibitor, and Association Conventions & Facilities.

5. Recognition from Our Peers – We were thrilled when the TechBridge Digital Ball event “Lights, Camera Magic!” we designed won an Allie Award for Best Nonprofit Fundraiser!

4.   Getting Involved – This year, Americans and the world took a deeper look at racial and social inequality. We used our capabilities and resources to inform, educate, and support multiple social justice efforts. Internally, we hosted Culture Conversations, bringing in facilitator, coach, and historian Susan X Jane to open a dialogue around race and racism with our friends and colleagues.

3.  Our New Truck Design – In the fall, we spread some good vibrations all around the city by calling on Atlanta artist Yoyo Ferro to rev up our WM Events truck with colorful murals. We were thrilled with the color-popping cityscape and abstract garden disco he gave us. For 2021, we’re looking forward to adding similar pizzazz to our other vehicles.

2.  New Team Members – Our 2020 re:EVENT-ion meant adding new expertise to our offerings. And that brought us Jazmine King, our newest WM Events team member!

1.  Thriving! – There is general agreement worldwide that 2020 was a year like no other. At WM Events, we are thrilled that we boldly moved forward and will head into the next year with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to continue bringing life to every party.

Celebrating the Holidays in 2020

However you have traditionally celebrated the holidays, we’re guessing that this year, you’ll do it differently. We certainly will. If you are someone who can’t wait to celebrate Hanukkah with lots of family members or love to travel for Christmas, you are probably looking forward to a smaller and nearer celebration in 2020. For those New Year’s Eve diehards, you probably won’t need as many bottles for champagne for your much smaller party as you ring in 2021 (it can’t come too soon!).

Still, whatever the holidays look like this year, one thing that won’t change is our ability to celebrate them. We’ve put together some of our favorite ideas for making merry whether you are flying solo, celebrating with friends or whooping it up with family.

Solo Celebrations

If ringing in the holidays during the era of COVID-19 means going it alone, you can still make sure your surroundings are festive. Go all out with holiday décor and try some new tricks this year, too.

Whether you have a front yard or a front door, deck out that real estate with lights, wreaths, garland, bulbs and other elements that maintain a natural feel. You can incorporate real cuttings from trees and pinecones you source during outdoor rambles. Let your creativity shine for the benefit of your neighbors and passersby. Need some inspiration? Pinterest has got you covered.

Inside, it’s time to make your own floral arrangements with seasonal plants and flowers. When it comes to holiday arrangements, we like to incorporate a variety non-floral elements. Steal an ornament from your tree or cut a sprig of cedar. Add fairy lights for sparkle or decorate mini trees. Don’t forget to follow this important holiday rule: the more glitter the better.

Place your arrangements on tables, countertops and any flat surface available, then continue creating your winter wonderland by giving your mantel and staircase some attention. We love wrapping garland up stair railings, and we’ve been known to decorate these with balloons too. Even if you just hang one stocking from the mantel this year, there is much more you can do with this important area. Take inspiration from your home’s design, and style a mantel to match. These holiday mantel ideas from O Magazine show that the possibilities are endless.

One of our favorite ways to break out of the standard holiday décor this year is by rethinking the Christmas tree. Sure, you can still put up a natural tree or anything from a pre-lit spruce to a frosted pencil tree. But even if you do, why not go all out by also crafting your own version? There is no shortage of ideas for abstract Christmas trees, and we love these from Elle Decor!

Friendly Fetes

If you have the opportunity to celebrate with friends this holiday season, let the great outdoors be your guide. It’s the safest option during the pandemic, and we have found that there are plenty of festive outdoor activities to enjoy.

Take a hike – literally. Gather your besties and hit the trail. If you live in Atlanta like we do, there are many great hiking options for all ages and fitness levels. Urban hiking has only become more popular this year, so consider organizing an art mural stroll or a nighttime walk to check out all of the holiday lights in your neighborhood. You can always add sparkle to your holiday perambulating by passing out Santa hats or other festive holiday attire. Ugly sweater hike, anyone?

Depending on your leanings, outdoor activities that allow for social distancing can include those that are competitive (and offer a chance to wear flannel), for example sporting clay shooting somewhere amazing like Barnsley Resort or Foxhall Resort, as well as those that are more artistic, such as attending an outdoor production like the Alliance Theatre’s drive-in “A Christmas Carol” or strolling the “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights” exhibition at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

If drinking cocoa and toasting marshmallows sound more like your favorite holiday activity, you only need to take it outside to welcome friends. Gather around a firepit, share favorite holiday stories, and BYOB or BYOM (bring your own marshmallows). Make it more festive by stringing market lights above and gifting cozy blankets or pashminas. You might start a new tradition that will carry on even when indoor celebrations recommence.

Family Festivities

For the many folks who must enjoy family from afar, explore ways to make new memories and keep traditions alive via video. There are plenty of options that cater to all generations.

Start with games, which can help break the ice on awkward Zooms – you’ve had enough of those this year at work. Depending on the participants, something cerebral like North Pole trivia or a holiday words spelling bee might be the right way to get the party started. If many family members skew younger, a holiday-themed scavenger hunt offers an active option, or consider a pet dress-up contest holiday style – announce it in advance so all furry friends can be ready for their closeup.

Coordinated crafts are another fun way for families to enjoy the holidays separately together. Pre-deliver craft kits, maybe a gingerbread house, to each household, then get on Zoom together to make them. Everyone can share their results afterwards. Or choose something simple and old fashioned like stringing popcorn and cranberries to add a dose of nostalgia to this unusual time.

Many distant families enjoyed baking together over Zoom during Thanksgiving, and sharing family favorite dishes offers a way to maintain tradition. From latkes to fruitcake to cookies, you can cook, bake and decorate together even from separate kitchens. While everything is in the oven, open presents together so that even if you had to send your gifts in the mail, you’ll still get to see the joy and surprise they provide when they are received.

When it’s time to call it a night, grandparents can read favorite stories to the little ones over Zoom, making sure everyone will soon be nestled all snug in their beds.

Happy Holidays 2020 Style, everyone!

This year, as our socially distanced present to all of our friends and family, we created a playlist to keep you merry and bright. Whether you use Spotify or Apple Music, you’ll be able to enjoy the musical stylings either way! Preview our selections below or click on the links to take you to the apps for a full listen! You can even use your phone to scan the Spotify code below. 

We hope you enjoy our selections, and we’d love to hear what your holiday favorites are. Let us know on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Happy Holidays!
-The WM Events Team

Spotify Playlist                                                              Apple Playlist

           

Spotify Scan Code

WM Events produced the fabulous 2020 Light the Station at Atlantic Station in Midtown, Atlanta! Watch how the parade full of characters, balloons, dancers, floats, and of course, Santa filled the streets in a covid-era celebration for the ages. We loved working with such great partners @atlanticstation @11alive @atlandco.



As the sun set on our Pre-Parade Celebration at the annual Light the Station, it was finally time to begin the main event – a spectacular holiday parade! Horse-mounted policemen led the way and were followed by themed floats interspersed with live performances in many genres and styles. First, the “Letters to Santa” float focused on bringing smiles to children’s faces. It featured an oversized red mailbox and giant letters written to Santa. With a vintage light post, festive garland, and stuffed mailbags, it was just what a kid imagines at this time of the year. The float was accompanied by Santa’s elves and younger elves, too.

This was followed by two dozen performers with the Stayin’ Alive Crew – a local group of cheerleaders and dancers who inspire a passion for life after 50. Yes, these fun women with pompoms are out to prove that you are never too old to be active and have fun. After the Crew’s white Miata convertible passed by, decorated Atlantic Station golf carts made an appearance, and a winter-theme Rockette duo was a serious crowd pleaser

Our next float displayed the “Giant Ornament Vignette,” emitting glows and sparkles from the 10-ft. tall holiday décor. The Atlanta Drum Academy was got everybody tapping and clapping (including Freddie Falcon!) before two Elf on the Shelf on stilts characters strolled by. More Atlantic Station golf carts readied onlookers for the next float.

With a 10-ft. glass of bubbly, the “Champagne Celebration” float may have been our favorite. The floating champagne glass held 1,000 balloon bubbles, and a festive, glitzy champagne server rode along. This was followed by cigar girl-style greeters and a 1966 Green Buick Electra 225 Convertible with “Marilyn Monroe.” These parade inclusions provided a fun way to celebrate the client’s mid-century motif.

The theme continued with the “Dancing Dice!” float, which harkened back to the 1950s with glowing holiday dice and old-school record albums. Next, a vintage, bedazzled VW Beetle with holiday antlers was flanked by red-suited models. Additional parade participants included a Christmas tree greeter wearing a dress studded with blinking Christmas tree lights, the holiday carolers in Dickens-style attire, a second line band, and more decorated golf carts.

The Here Comes Santa Claus Train brought up the caboose of the parade, and the jolly bearded one completed his Santerly duty by flipping the giant switch to light the 20-ft. tree on the Atlantic Station green. All that was left to do was to cue the fireworks!

Throughout all of the floats, performances and features, we made sure that the parade looked and sounded as good in person as it would on television. We included massive elements that would work well in wide shots and also paid attention to the little details that kept all parade participants camera-ready for closeups. Even if the holidays look a little different this year, this festive parade reminded us that holiday spirit doesn’t change. Take a look for yourself!

Many months ago, when the world looked a lot different, WM Events was engaged to put together a live event and parade to welcome 15,000 attendees. But during the era of COVID-19, this mass, outdoor event had to be redesigned with safety in mind. The annual Light the Station event at Atlantic Station would be both live and televised in 2020, and it needed to make an impact for on-site viewers and those tuning in at home.

A second directive was that we incorporate a diverse range of community groups and holiday characters in the parade. This year, it had a mid-century holiday theme, so we needed to give a nod to 20th-century expressions and style. With the classic song “I Love a Parade” stuck in our heads for weeks, we strategized how to best bring all of the elements together and make it worthy of television. We felt like we were following in the tradition of the greatest of televised parades – the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – and we wanted to live up to the example it had set.

After coordinating with the crew from 11Alive to produce skits and determine which shots would be used in the broadcast, as well as choosing and organizing hundreds of parade participants, we were ready. The event began with an outdoor celebration, where we were joined by visiting reindeer, holiday carolers and Santa himself. With their help, the festival atmosphere got off to a great start – as you can see! 

Who remembers the excitement of getting a birthday card in the mail? The knowledge that someone was thinking about you days before it arrived shows consideration and kindness that makes us feel cared for and important. Even if today we are more likely to be waiting for Amazon Prime delivery, it’s no secret that envelopes and packages symbolize possibilities.

During the era of COVID-19, social distancing and virtual events, sending guests a special delivery can immediately help them feel connected. Whether a package contains snacks or libations to enjoy during the event, a treat that will enable participation in a live event feature, or fun event swag that would typically be given out on-site, pre-event mailings let your guests know that they are part of something, not just watching TV at home alone.

Here are some of our favorite concepts for creating connections with virtual guests by sending advance deliveries.

Printed and Electronic Materials

This is not the time to skimp on any interaction you can have with meeting and event guests. Ramp up your invitations, confirmations, and anything else you send. It may be the only non-virtual opportunity you have. With everyone’s high-tech expectations these days, you could also explore sending recorded pieces with special messages guests can watch or listen to. Get them excited in advance about the virtual event offerings to come.

We crafted a proposal for a client to develop a video bi-fold brochure that looked great thanks to four-color, offset printing on heavy card stock. Event better, it had a built-in LCD video display that allowed recipients to see and hear the client’s messaging. The brochure included buttons to navigate the video, such as play, pause, replay and volume controls.

Noshes, Meals and Toasts

There is nothing like mixing, mingling and enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres. Or sitting down to a four-course meal prepared by a renowned chef. How about ambling up to the open bar and ordering a specialty cocktail? Just because your event has gone virtual, your guests don’t need to miss out on these culinary experiences.

Give your guests the luxury treatment with delivered prepared meals and cocktail kits. For a less formal event, send snacks. A bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner or even champagne for celebrating together will mark the virtual event as a truly special occasion. There are so many food and beverage delivery options available now, why not take advantage of them? And don’t forget dessert!

Interactive Items

Every host wants insight on the strategies for upping attendee involvement during virtual events. Shipping items in advance and dedicating a portion of the event to letting everyone use those items simultaneously offers an excellent chance to create host-guest connections. When it comes to adding interactive elements, you could send a puzzle to solve, a craft to make, or a game to play together. We’ve also noticed, and maybe you have too, that people love to eat. And drink.

We hit it out of the park when guests received gift cards for specialty craft beers before a national sales event. During the live webinar, our emcee hosted a tasting with each brew, asking guests to sip along. Although we chose beer for this baseball-theme event, tastings could include anything from bourbon to cheese to chocolates or any other delicious option that fits the event’s audience and theme.

Branded Swag, Baby

Did you know people really like receiving those fun and functional items from booths at conferences, check-in tables at events, and gift bags at the door? There is no better way to get your audience thinking about you and your event day after day than to have them looking at it on their coffee cup every morning. When virtual event gift bags are simply a digital page of clickable coupons, audience interest wanes.

Instead, pull together a fun mailing of the physical stuff people want and use – then ship it to your guests prior to the virtual event. You’ll get much more buy-in during the event. Think broadly from branded notebooks to write down information gleaned from the webinar to dress-up party supplies like feather boas for a fundraiser.

Parting Gifts

Providing guests with delivered goodies before an event can boost engagement, but don’t neglect the all-important post-event touchpoint. Every good hostess (and host) knows that you don’t send your guests home empty-handed. Mailing a physical thank you note or following up with a “hostess gift” provides a meaningful way to show your attendees you appreciate the time they spent with you.

It might be a while before we can all be together again. But in the meantime, let the USPS, UPS, DHL, Uber Eats, and maybe even Amazon, serve as your ambassador of connectivity. Of course, we can make it all happen for you! Learn more here.