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And we’re back with 10 more event trends to share from the hundreds of projects we have taken on during our 20 years as a full-service event house. 

10 More Top Picks from 20 Years of Events Trends

Get ready to reminisce with us, and if you haven’t read Part 1 of our event trends recap, be sure to take a look!

Disco

This trend it about taking it way back but elevating the funky 1970s with a dose of contemporary pizzazz. From holiday parties to fundraisers and even award shows, everyone has got disco fever.

    

     

Photo booths

Whether corporate or social, events are all about making memories. Most of our clients want to make sure memories get captured too. Over the years, we’ve come up with plenty of creative ways to incorporate fun photo ops into events from those managed by a professional photographer to DIY photo booths.

     

 

 

Instagrammable moments

Social media had been growing in popularity when Instagram burst on the scene in 2010 and made amateur photographers of all of us. This platform forever changed the way attendees interact with events too. “Instagrammable” moments became de rigueur, and we’ve had a ton of fun creating branded, themed and interactive vignettes to be posted and shared.

    

    

Games

Not only have psychologists recognized the importance of play for adult well-being, but they have also been shown to improve memory and aid in retention. With these scientific findings in mind, we’ve incorporated a variety of games into events like giant Jenga and Operation, virtual reality sports, and gamification to enhance message memory at conferences.

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COVID-Era virtual and drive-thru events 

Not so much a trend as a necessity, we expanded our event formats during the pandemic by adding virtual and drive-through celebrations from corporate conferences to birthday parties and baby showers. Although we’re glad to be back together in person, we’ve been able to continue developing many of these skills to make the most of what we learned. Video production, hybrid events and simulcasting are all firmly within our wheelhouse now, giving our clients the flexibility to connect attendees near and far.

      

    

Specialty lighting

Lighting is probably the No. 1 décor feature for shifting mood, appearance and theme. It’s so impactful that we’ve used lighting to completely alter the look of a space with a flick of the switch (following lots of detailed installation, of course). The best part is that there are so many options when it comes to specialty lighting like gobos, uplighting, suspensions, tubes, mood lighting, candles – we could go on, but how about showing you?

     

    
     
    

     

Neon 

One type of lighting we did not mention above also happens to be one of our obsessions – we’re talking about neon. Used to impart an 80s glow, a honky-tonk sensibility, an urban look and so much more, neon is also our go-to when we want to elevate signage or branding.

    

    

Jazz Age parties

When the fourth film adaptation of “The Great Gatsby” was released in 2013, it brought the Jazz Age into the spotlight once again. We’ve highlighted the music and style of that enticing era in multiple ways from a Harlem Renaissance holiday party to an Art Deco celebration and even a risqué burlesque birthday. The Jazz Age has also influenced the popularity of speakeasy settings, no Prohibition needed.

   

     

Market lights

This lighting and décor trend is a blend of two other popular elements – nature and specialty lighting. For outdoor events or to bring the outside in, market lights and globes of vines dotted with tiny lights have enjoyed favor for many years. We love how they bring a rustic, Old World feeling to any setting.

       

      

Farm to table + farm tables

Eating local, seasonal menus – known as farm to table – is better for the environment and more delicious for humans. Not only has this type of cuisine gained in popularity during the past two decades, although it got started in the 1970s, but the prevalence of the farm table has come along with it. Aspects of the “trend” toward more sustainable events, we expect both of these to take permanent root.

   

     

   

 

And that’s a wrap, a recap, a snap(shot) of some of the styles, technologies and movements we’ve noted and promoted during the two decades since WM Events was founded. We are excited to see what the next 20 years have in store! Come along for the ride!

 

It’s been two decades since award-winning designer-turned-founder William Fogler arrived in Atlanta and launched WM Events. Since that time, we’ve seen many event trends rush in and sometimes go just as quickly. 

In fact, you could say we’ve seen it all. From Atlanta to Denver, Boston to Orlando, and plenty of trips to Las Vegas, we’ve designed and produced weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, anniversaries, corporate events, awards shows, fundraisers, retail events, product launches, real estate grand openings, groundbreakings and so much more. 

10 Top Picks from 20 Years of Events Trends

As we have stayed on top of the latest event innovations, we’ve noted those that have waned in popularity, as well as others that still look fresh today. Take a walk with us down memory lane as we review some of the top event trends that have popped up during the past 20 years – Part 1 (in no particular order). 

Futurism

We’ll start our trip to the past with a look into the future. Space age style has often been on the top on our clients’ wish list.

 

    

Sustainability

There is no chic like eco-chic. More than a trend, this is an ethos we have brought to events for a long time, as well as one we work hard to take into consideration today. It’s always a great time to go greener at any celebration, and it never has to mean giving up on fabulous style.

      

 

Nonfloral centerpieces

While flowers are often the go-to option for tablescapes, bridal bouquets and entry décor, there are plenty of other possibilities. This is one area we’ve enjoyed pushing the envelope. Our belief about centerpieces is that really, anything goes!

  

  

Casinos

If it seems our love of Vegas has spilled over into our Atlanta events, we can only respond that it sounds like a safe bet. That’s because fun-only casinos have continued to be popular from the last decade to this one.

 

 

Statement pieces

Why go standard when you can go BIG? From ceiling installations to sculptural effects, we have employed a variety of materials, such as ribbons, balloons and paper, to create event décor that wowed clients and their guests.

   
  

Giant letters

Speaking of going big, our clients have loved seeing their name in lights, but it’s even better in massive letters. The same goes for mottos, hashtags and special messages. This décor feature looks great and doubles as an appealing social media photo spot.

   

   

Boho chic

Interior design has the farmhouse look made exceedingly popular by the likes of Joanna Gaines. At weddings, that design trend has translated to an affinity for boho chic style. Natural elements and materials combine with romance to give these weddings a signature look.

    

   

Boxwood walls

Along the lines of the trend toward sustainability, eco-events and natural décor, we’ve seen a huge rise in the popularity of boxwood walls. These offer not just a biophilic burst but also serve as an excellent backdrop to other décor like neon signs and event logos.

     

      

Interactive features

Rather than having guests sit, listen, and possibly absorb, give the people something to do. For many years, we’ve intentionally added interactive aspects to many events. These are especially beneficial at corporate events, trade shows and conferences, where information transfer is the goal. We always made the activities fun and focused on engaging multiple senses to enhance memory.

   

   

Custom everything

From anniversaries to corporate events, everyone likes to see their brand or theme reflected in the event. We have made this happen in many ways during the years like shining gobo light logos or creating a custom dance floor, branded pillows, take-home gifts and more.

     

   

   

Did you notice any of your favorite event trends in our first half of the top 20 from the last 20 years? If there is another one you expected to see, be sure to stay tuned for the Part 2 blog to find out what else made the list!

We’re so glad WM Events Sales + Design Coordinator Alex Roberson left Alabama for Atlanta and found their way to our team. Since joining us in 2023, Alex has been indispensable — from keeping us informed about the latest AI technology to ensuring events run smoothly in advance and on-site. And no one we know has been luckier on their first trip to Vegas.

But when it comes to knowing Alex, the luck is ours. Now here is your chance to find out more about this GSU Panther and savvy event pro:

• Hometown: Anniston, Alabama
• How long have you lived in Atlanta? 2.5 Years
• Favorite Atlanta music venue: Coca-Cola Roxy
• Best place to take out-of-town guests: Bar Taco

   

• Favorite Atlanta TV celeb: Ciara
• Best place to meet someone for coffee: Bellwood Coffee in East Atlanta Village
• One thing to change about Atlanta: The traffic, naturally!
• Favorite flower: Sampaguita 

    

• Most craveable party food: Chips + Guac
• Drink of choice: Old fashioned
• Sit down or buffet? Sit down dinner
• Dancer or conversationalist: Conversationalist
• Earliest party memory: Little sister’s Blue’s Clues-themed second birthday with backyard bounce houses and flyaway balloons
• Favorite WM Events party: Lovette’s 60th Birthday Party

     

   

As part of an effort to make downtown Atlanta more welcoming to residents and visitors, Centennial Yards developers hosted a 404 Day celebration last year by reopening the former Nelson Street bridge that connects the Castleberry Hill neighborhood to the city. Previously a vehicle bridge, it is now dedicated to pedestrian traffic. With its new purpose, it also got a new name — The Steele Bridge — and a new look. Totally rebuilt, the bridge features a colorful painted walkway, planters, wood benches, and mesh guardrails.

We worked with our client and multiple partners to plan the celebration, an event that was open to the public and heavily promoted to encourage attendance. To attract attention to downtown Atlanta, we organized speeches and the unveiling of the dedication plaque. We also brought in a variety of fun activities, entertainment, festive décor, local vendors, and more to hype up the bridge and the neighborhood on Atlanta’s 404 Day — April 4.

   

Atlanta in the Spotlight 

The event welcomed local dignitaries, area residents, and plenty of attendees who were new to downtown. We highlighted the walkability and livability of the neighborhood while commemorating the work of Atlanta hero and trailblazer Carrie Steele Logan, for whom the new bridge is named.

To make the colorfully painted bridge even more festive, we hung pennant flags across it and added several balloon sculptures using a bright palette of red, turquoise, black and silver, which coordinated with the 404 Day logo. We added 404 Day graphics to the planters along the length of the bridge. To host guests, we brought in high-top tables with sleek metallic spandex liners topped with silver orbs and red umbrellas, then added a stage with an acrylic podium, also featuring the 404 Day logo. In addition to setting the stage for this celebration, we managed all AV needs on-site for the speeches and entertainment.

We also booked the entertainment and made choices that emphasized what makes Atlanta, and particularly, the Castleberry Hill/downtown neighborhood, vibrant. A drum academy got the event started and brought an air of excitement and energy – we needed it because the sky was overcast. Atlanta Hawks cheerleaders were on-site mingling with the crowd and offering photo ops. We brought in ink and watercolor artist Jamie Calkin to paint the event in real time, capturing the memory forever. The colorful finished painting was given to our client to be shared with the community.

   

 

Local Leaders and Businesses   

Following speeches from the hosts and local dignitaries, Mayor Andre Dickens unveiled the plaque dedicating the bridge to Carrie Steele Logan. The fun continued thanks to DJ Rasyrious, and attendees spent the remainder of the day getting to know the local vendors and community organizations we had scheduled to be part of the celebration.

With so many nearby small businesses, the bridge dedication event would not have been complete without having them participate. We created an on-site market with stands and food stalls to welcome local restaurants and community partners who were able to promote their businesses to attendees. On one end, the bridge leads into the building where Wild Leap Atlanta, a brewery and event space, is located, and their participation was highlighted with a special $4.04 brew for the day.

   

A Ray of Sunshine 

It was extremely windy that day, which was made more noticeable because this event took place on a bridge. Nevertheless, with the flags blowing, we forged ahead and doubly secured the balloons. We weighted the umbrellas, secured the linens, and had rain gear on hand for staff. The upbeat entertainment and positivity of the bridge dedication brought an optimistic vibe to the event despite the weather. And by the afternoon, the sun had come out – was it our positive vibes that coaxed it from behind the clouds? Who can say for sure?

   

When our Colorado client Debbie turned 70 years young, we were thrilled by the request to throw her a risqué Roaring 20s birthday party. This evening-into-night event included many nods to the jazziest decade, and a big part of the fun was seeing all guests arriving in full costume. But what truly created the sense of being immersed in the Jazz Age was the entertainment, which set the stage and continued throughout the evening, culminating in a burlesque performance with a surprise ending. 

Décor and So Much More

This party took place at Debbie and Tony’s sprawling mansion in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. After taking photos at a vintage Rolls Royce with characters in costume in the driveway, some guests were given a secret password and escorted to a back hallway where they were greeted by a Prohibition-style bouncer, who requested that password then gave them access to a private speakeasy down a staircase where they encountered a bathtub of bottled and corked gin drinks.

In the main party, two enormous spiral staircases were hosted by costumed greeters, as a piano player tickled the ivories with jazz and ragtime tunes. 

    

   

Roaming Roaring 20s Performers

We engaged a dozen on-site entertainers to create this Gatsby-style house party atmosphere. The performers and actors mingled with guests throughout the event, participating in photo ops and providing dance lessons — Charleston, anyone? These interactive features like live music and roaming character performers enhanced the decor and food & beverage choices to impart an authentic 1920s feel. 

If the entertainment had ended there, this party would have been deemed really swell, but there was much more to come.  

   

Burlesquing the Bday

The entertainment, which kept ramping up throughout the evening, culminated in a spectacular performance that started on the second-story balcony facing the pool. The hosts had wanted to push the envelope and asked for a show that would be a bit risqué and a lot surprising. We delivered with customized entertainment that featured three original songs performed by two singers, who were backed by four dancers.

   

Oh My!

With each new song, the dancers shed pieces of their costume, offering a classic burlesque performance that brought them down the exterior spiral staircase to the poolside where guests stood to watch the show. This burlesque performance was truly the cat’s pajamas.

Because the hosts are grandparents, no one expected this type of show. In fact, no one expected a show at all, so they were dazzled when the singers and dancers appeared on the upper balcony. As the songs progressed and the performers started their classic-style striptease, the crowd went wild. As a final unexpected gesture, the singers and dancers jumped into the pool, which was festooned with silver orbs.

   

How We Did It

Spectacularly choreographed custom entertainment like what guests enjoyed at this event takes a lot of effort, and for our team, one of the biggest challenges was coordinating the creation, development, and rehearsal of it from 1,400 miles away.

In partnership with the singers and dancers, we developed the custom burlesque show, which was fully choreographed and scripted, and ensured it would fulfill the client’s request for entertainment that would be risqué and surprising without going beyond propriety. That meant we needed to straddle a fine line.

Plus, it had to be a memorable performance, which led to the idea of ending the show with the singers and dancers jumping into the pool. It was completely unexpected because we had also decorated the pool with silver spheres, so it appeared as a decorative feature rather than an opportunity for late-night swimming. 

As much as the clients knew what we up to, the final performance surprised and delighted them. And we got a surprise of our own. A couple of the guests were so excited, they jumped into the pool too! 

Ready to see more?

 

At the end of a major multi-day corporate conference in Nashville, our client wanted to show attendees an even better time. We had designed and planned the events at the conference hotel, and we were called upon to make the party happen too. We got everyone out of the city to enjoy the beautiful Tennessee countryside, but we brought urban style with us. 

Welcoming 700 guests to Diamond Creek Farms, an expansive property with 100 acres and an indoor-outdoor event venue, we combined Nashville neon with Broadway glitz, treating the client’s top customers and sales reps to the best Music City has to offer just 10 miles away. 

From the concept to the flowers, this party kept a cohesive look with the early conference days but revved it up with over-the-top and oversized features. We had so much space to play with, one of our biggest challenges was maintaining a level of togetherness, which we accomplished through the use of dedicated vignettes and activity areas. And because it wouldn’t be Tennessee without a nod to the Queen of Country, the Smoky Mountain Songbird, the one and only Dolly Parton, we included a special inspired performance too.  

      

   

Destination Farm Country 

We handled every aspect of the event from scheduling transportation from the conference to the farm, event design and execution, entertainment booking, and catering coordination. This started with transportation, as we needed to get the 700 attendees from Nashville to Diamond Creek Farms. We reserved 12 Motor Coaches and picked up the participants at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center where the conference had been taking place. The short, scenic drive to the farm set the tone for an outdoor celebration that highlighted the fresh Southern air.

Outdoor Decor 

Using the same bright color scheme we had incorporated into the conference, we brought colorful neon décor to the beautiful farm, which included many, many flowers. From centerpieces with bold combinations of red, pink, yellow, and orange surrounding mini neon music notes to wall-scaling arrangements more intense than a peacock, the farm was bursting with color.   

We decorated an existing outdoor frame (think skeleton of a tent) by suspending multiple groupings of variously sized disco balls and stringing market lights around the entire perimeter. Beneath this elevated structure, we centered small round tables draped with brightly colored metallic linens and surrounded by Ghost chairs, while high top tables in sequined fabric lined the perimeter. We brought this same colorful, glitzy look to the venue’s covered patio, topping each table with lusciously hued centerpieces.

     

A Splashy Interior

Inside the venue, seating options were extended to lounge groupings featuring bold velvety sofas and chairs, and we never held back on combining colors – fuchsia chairs paired with an emerald sofa were dotted with pillows in black, white, and deep purple. More high-top tables draped with glittering black and silver linens faced the stage, which maintained the look with its fully sequined riser. 

To complement so much saturation and bring in a dose of sleek, Broadway-style glamor, we also included seating areas with silver sofas and mirrored coffee tables, as well as tall white communal tables with Ghost stools and lines of single-bud centerpieces in slim glass vases. Bars were unobtrusively black with black linens on the back bar, which provided a perfect backdrop to boldly colored florals and numerous neon signs depicting cowboys, boots, and the Nashville skyline.

   

   

Green Acres

Having splashed color throughout the venue, we set our sights on the acreage surrounding it. Across the lawn, we created similar settings to those we had placed within the structures – there were small groups of communal tables with Ghost stools and lounge groupings with royal blue velvet sofas and Ghost armchairs holding fuchsia pillows. To light these outdoor spaces, we used glowing orb lights that appeared to defy gravity as they extended from their pyramid bases. 

The goal with the outdoor areas was to create special vignettes and seating to allow for small group conversations and bonding even within the massive open space. A second stage was set up outside and dotted by a handful of tables, highboys, and white Adirondack chairs. We added market lights to the stage and used the same bright linens and centerpieces on the tables.

     

Photo Op Glam

In addition to the many decked-out functional spaces, we included a variety of photo ops that strongly highlighted the location and theme of the event. Complementing the references to cowboys, musical images were featured throughout, such as the neon music notes in the centerpieces. We also included multiple guitar images, beginning with the overall event logo, which offered a variation on a theme from the conference event graphic – that graphic had also driven the colors selected for the design of this event.

One of the favorite photo spots was a sculpture feature on the lawn crafted from a giant disco ball surrounded by many smaller ones. To these, we added a neon guitar and a cowboy boot, massive fronds painted in bright colors, and a bevy of roses in pink, red, blue, yellow, and orange. Taking the idea of this sculpture mobile were two performers in mirrored catsuits with silver cowboy boots and disco ball headwear. Another much-used photo spot was the massive existing frame the size of a goalpost on the farm’s lawn. We dressed up its corners with colorful florals and a disco ball arrangement.

That’s Entertainment

We included a variety of types of entertainment to take people through day into evening – a dance hall, a dueling piano club, a lounge, and a firepit where a guitarist played old country songs. Each of these aspects added to the visual appeal and authentic feel, as well as providing entertainment. Perhaps nothing accomplished that dual purpose more than the Dolly Parton impersonator, who reminded everyone that Nashville was very nearby. The evening ended with a fireworks show we designed, which was the perfect final note for this high-end neon extravaganza.  

  

   

 

The neon, bright colors, disco balls, sleek furniture, and market lights looked great when the guests arrived in the afternoon. But when the sun set, it was truly spectacular – glowing features and colored lights were everywhere. Nashville and Broadway had truly made it to the farm!

When the inaugural Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix raced onto the Las Vegas Strip, our team was on the 37th floor of the Cosmopolitan hotel, producing hospitality suites for an international sports marketing company. For three nights, as the qualifiers and final race took place, we transformed the hallway, four suites, and adjoining rooms to welcome 80 VIP guests to an event that offered a nod to the Grand Prix without being overtly car themed, then got a new look each night.

Our big challenge was that we had to make all this magic happen in a hotel with numerous restrictions and limitations during a massive sporting event that saw 315,000 attendees descend on the city. That meant that much of this event required shifting gears to accommodate new restrictions, timing changes, and the logistical difficulty of having so many visitors in the city for the race. We had worked in Las Vegas before, but this was not normal Vegas.

Hallway of Mirrors

Because many of the client’s guests were staying at the same hotel, we were tasked with making sure the 37th floor had a completely different ambiance and character, so the parties would feel special. It all started the moment guests stepped off the elevator into the freshly styled hallway that broke from the hotel’s existing décor.

We relied on our version of smoke and mirrors, which was LEDs and mirrors. We added a dozen mirrors along the corridor and LED uplighting, while two bigger mirrors served as directional signs with “Fare” and “Race” in LED titan tubes pointing toward either viewing suites or dining suites. Because we used lighting to create a new atmosphere, we only needed to update the color of the lights each night to bring in a new look.

   

Tricks of the Light

The common theme throughout all the event spaces was “glow,” and while each of the suites and adjoining rooms had distinct design elements, all benefited from the use of light. Each night, we changed the color scheme through lighting, going from red and white to blue and white then green and white.

Our event space was the entire floor, which included four corner suites – two for viewing the race and two for hospitality. Each suite had a wraparound balcony, and there were adjoining rooms between the suites. We had a lot of space to work with and were tasked with creating distinct vibes in each of the areas.

   

   

What a View!

The viewing suites that overlooked the Strip where the race took place mimicked each other and featured custom pillows and lightly race-themed décor like red ribbon sculptures or glowing race card centerpieces to mimic the racetrack design. To camouflage the hotel’s artwork, which we were not permitted to remove even temporarily, we created custom box prints featuring abstract race images that we placed on top of the wall art. 

In the main suites and adjoining rooms alike, we were not permitted to remove furniture, so we had to make bedrooms (with beds) look like a different type of space. Our solution was to build a platform to place over each bed with thematic decor. We covered them with décor pieces that mimicked the track or trophies – items that were curved, abstract centerpieces, helmets, and tires – the LED lighting cast a glow on everything, making it appear seamless. 

To the décor and hospitality, we brought in additional interactive features. Each night, two showgirls were on-site for a few hours, bringing a Vegas feel to the party and posing for photos with guests.

   

Sweet Suites

The adjoining suites featured distinct experiences. One was a gaming room with a race simulator and race décor. In this elevated arcade, attendants assisted guests on the simulator, which featured the same route as the actual Vegas track below.

Another adjoining suite offered a relaxed speakeasy feel. We included a display of vintage cigar boxes, and guests had a choice of cigars. Race-themed desserts were offered, and mixologists provided a further gastronomical experience by using a drink printing machine to add “F1” to the foam on top of cocktails. Also on the drink menu — a secret concoction from the Cosmopolitan’s Chandelier Bar boasting an ingredient that created a mouth-numbing effect. 

   

      

Overcoming Technology Breakdowns

With so many visitors in the city for the Grand Prix, it should not have been surprising that the Wi-Fi was less than reliable. When the hotel was not able to support all the internet traffic taking place within the building, we brought in our own hot spots, and they worked … for a while. Once the race was about to start, and the helicopters hovered overhead, the signals were frequently knocked out. On top of that, anytime someone changed a TV channel, the LED light color changed too! These were issues we had to constantly stay on top of and repair throughout the three days of the event. 

Despite the challenges, would we do it again? We are already revving our engines.

One of our favorite annual traditions is sharing a custom Holiday Playlist each December. We hope you enjoy the 2023 edition, which spans genres and decades. Feel free to sing along, dance your heart out, and make lots of merriment. 

Ready to sing or dance along? Scan the QR code to launch the playlist:

Happy holidays and New Year from the WM Events team!

 

The past few years have brought many changes to WM Events – we’ve expanded our services, learned new technologies and welcomed new staff members. But one aspect of our business that has stayed the same is our appreciation for our clients, partners, vendors and other wonderful folks we have encountered along the way.

As Thanksgiving and the holiday season draws closer, we took a moment to ask our team members about their favorite fall dishes and beverages, as well as one thing they are thankful for this year. Here is what they had to say:

Alex

• Favorite Thanksgiving or fall holiday dish: Dressing
• Preferred cool-weather beverage: Peppermint mocha
• One small thing to be thankful for this year: Weightlifting

Betsy

• Favorite Thanksgiving or fall holiday dish: My mom’s dressing & pecan pie
• Preferred cool-weather beverage: A hopper (ice cream with milk poured over the top)
• One small thing to be thankful for this year: Everything

Chad

 

• Favorite Thanksgiving or fall holiday dish: Stuffing!
• Preferred cool-weather beverage: White chocolate mocha

Chelsea

• Favorite Thanksgiving or fall holiday dish: Beef Wellington
• Preferred cool-weather beverage: Chai espresso martini
• One small thing to be thankful for this year: My Miniature Dachshund Lola

Heidi

• Favorite Thanksgiving or fall holiday dish: Green bean casserole
• Preferred cool-weather beverage: Hot apple coder with Tuaca
• One small thing to be thankful for this year: My job

Kristy

 

• Favorite Thanksgiving or fall holiday dish: Italian stuffing
• Preferred cool-weather beverage: Something sparkling!
• One small thing to be thankful for this year: Time

Leigh

 

• Favorite Thanksgiving or fall holiday dish: My Aunt Jane’s broccoli rice casserole
• Preferred cool-weather beverage: Champagne — in any weather!
• One small thing to be thankful for this year: Wine Fridays with the WM Events team

Missy

• Favorite Thanksgiving or fall holiday dish: Treats
• Preferred cool-weather beverage: Water
• One small thing to be thankful for this year: Being spoiled 

Sara

• Favorite Thanksgiving or fall holiday dish: Mac & Cheeze
• Preferred cool-weather beverage: Cosmopolitan
• One small thing to be thankful for this year: Memories

Sheron

• Favorite Thanksgiving or fall holiday dish: Honey baked ham
• Preferred cool-weather beverage: Peppermint hot cocoa
• One small thing to be thankful for this year: Vacations

Tigest

• Favorite Thanksgiving or fall holiday dish: Stuffing
• Preferred cool-weather beverage:  Hot chocolate
• One small thing to be thankful for this year: My husband

William

• Favorite Thanksgiving or fall holiday dish: Cornbread dressing with turkey gravy
• Preferred cool-weather beverage: Red wine
• One small thing to be thankful for this year: The WM Events team — not a small thing! ❤️

Staying abreast of the latest technologies is vital in any industry, and when planning events, it can be the difference between success and failure. WM Events is no stranger to adopting innovations – case in point, our re:EVENT-ion during the pandemic. So we’ve been keeping a close eye on the variety of new technologies available, including artificial intelligence (AI), to add efficiency, heightened experience, and customized fun to events of all sizes. And we’ve been putting them into action, delivering cutting-edge features that make our events better and our clients happier. 

What can AI really do for us today? 

Like most industries, event planning includes some activities that are standard across projects. When it comes to repetitive tasks, AI platforms can help by automating functions like scheduling and sending reminders, while content generators can quickly whip up meeting recaps, review action items, develop sound bites, and provide real-time answers to prompts. Turning over these types of time-consuming tasks can free up time for human team members to dedicate themselves to the more creative and hands-on aspects of event planning.

While AI is excellent at brainstorming lists and drafting concepts, it also requires more oversight than the greenest intern. Human verification is a must because when an AI content generator doesn’t know the answer, it will simply make up a response. Yikes!

Additionally, getting what you want from the platform requires savvy prompting, and even then, the response may lack creativity and nuance. 

AI Content Generator Case Study

Here’s an example of AI creating a good skeleton but not an executable event. We prompted the presentation generator platform Tome to create a spooktacular Halloween party plan. Here are some of the ideas and images we got:

Clearly, human intervention is a must to make what AI provides presentable. Luckily, the WM Events team is expert at navigating this changing world of technology.

Here are some of the latest and greatest ways we have successfully added AI and other technology to our events, as well as a few newcomers we look forward to incorporating soon!

Social Media and Chatbots

Keeping up with the Jones’s is one thing, but keeping up with social media can be a major challenge, especially leading up to and during a huge event with thousands of invitees and lots of moving parts. With the assistance of AI-powered chatbots, many questions can be answered immediately, while staff stays focused on the on-site tasks. Of course, AI is not a complete replacement for human engagement on social media, but during crunch time, it is a big help!

   

Robot Bartenders

Waiting for a cocktail can make minutes feel like hours. Adding robo-bartenders to the mixology mix can speed up the process and let guests get in on the action. Event attendees can order drinks from their phone and pick them up quickly, then get back to enjoying the presentations, entertainment, and each other.  

Augmented Reality Filters

We’ve been using AR and VR (virtual reality) for several years now, and these technologies offer an ideal way to add customization to an event. Now driven by AI, these platforms can lead guests on individualized tours, assist them with floorplans and agendas, add pop-up images and experiences, and enhance branding in a non-physical way with unlimited options.  

   

Holographic Presenters

Not just for TV interviews and concerts, holograms are an innovation that can connect audiences near and far to corporate execs, speakers, celebrities, and more. Because these 3D light images can project virtually anything, you don’t need to limit your ideas to contemporary people or even humans at all. Company or team mascot? No problem!

Printed Pieces from Tiny Tattoos to Large-Scale Murals

People are fascinated by the process of how things get made, and you can bring that element to an event with today’s plethora of printers. We’ve used them to provide customized temporary tattoos – a company logo with the employee’s name creates a stronger connection than a logo alone – and larger items too. Massive large-format printers take this concept to another level as an event activation that allows attendees to get involved by making decisions about what will be represented, then watching it happen.

   

Data, Data, Data 

Following a social event, qualitative and anecdotal feedback from guests is usually plenty. But when we’ve just planned a high-ticket event or meeting for a corporate client, information is king. With AI assistance, the feedback loop on engagement can happen in real time, and the post-event reporting is faster and more robust.

When we plan events, we keep human connection top of mind – that is truly our raison d’être. But we’re thrilled when the latest “artificial friends” can help us enhance and deepen those connections.

* This blog was written without AI assistance. 🙂

WM Events is honored to have been recognized as one of 2023’s Healthiest Employers by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. To determine the city’s healthiest employers, the Atlanta Business Chronicle used an online assessment with 60 questions that included more than 600 data points. WM Events earned the ranking of 6th Healthiest Employer in the Small Company (2-99 employees) category.

To what do we credit this exciting honor? What is it that makes our company “healthy”? 

It starts with our intentional incorporation of wellness into our physical environment. From viewing our events, it’s clear that we spend time in some of the most beautiful places in town and beyond. We also believe strongly in the benefits of biophilia and have long been noted as completely floral obsessed. These types of settings offer a delightful way to spend a workday.

     

And while we offer health insurance, financial literacy programs, retirement plans, and the traditional necessities to ensure our team members’ security, we think our focus on team building and policy of inclusivity are what truly make WM Events a healthy place to work.

     

   

From off-site and out-of-town retreats to team lunches, group walks on the nature trail near our office, team volunteer days, and times where we dance the night away together, we put the focus on “us.” Closing in on 20 years in business, we have found that the biggest boost to well-being comes from a sense of community, and that is what we aim to create for our employees each day. In that way, the Healthiest Companies honor is one for the whole team to share. 

WM Events is thrilled for our Senior Event Planner + Designer Latoya Johnson, who recently earned a Certified Meeting Planner designation. Henceforth known as Latoya Johnson, CMP, she began working with our team in 2017 as a Design Assistant and Event Designer. In addition to her new certification in planning, Latoya holds a B.A. from Smith College and a Diplôme from Le Cordon Bleu. She also has lots of experience with nonprofits and previously operated her own catering company. Because she’s a total foodie, you can trust any culinary recommendations she makes. 

Get to know more about this highly accomplished event pro: 

• Hometown:Errwhere
• How long have you lived in Atlanta? 16 Years
• Favorite outdoor Sunday activity in Atlanta: Cruising around the city and exploring and Tea on the Beltline
• Favorite Atlanta date night spot: Anywhere new and exciting
• Best place to take out-of-town guests: The King Center, Ponce City Market, Chattahoochee Food Works

  

• Favorite Atlanta TV anchor: How about three? Fred Blankenship, Jennifer Bellamy and the late (great) Jovita Moore
• Favorite Atlanta rooftop: Ventanas
• Favorite hiking or walking spot near Atlanta: Silver Comet Trail
• Best local attraction for families: Children’s Museum of Atlanta
  
• One thing to change about Atlanta: Highway mergers and potholes

    

• Atlanta’s best ice cream: Make it gelato — from Honeysuckle
• Preferred nightlight environment: A nice lounge or on the dance floor
• Sit down or buffet? Sit down dinner
• Dancer or conversationalist: Both
• Favorite event trends right now: Neon signs and monochrome color schemes
• Favorite WM Events party: Leigh and Tigest’s Weddings – because I just had to get pretty and show up!