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When Deceuninck came to Atlanta to participate in GlassBuild America, the premier glass and fenestration trade show, the established window and door manufacturer wanted to mark the occasion in a big way. In fact, it was the 50th time the brand had participated in the trade show, which gave us the perfect theme for styling the event. Because the 50th anniversary is traditionally gold, we used that as the jumping off point and combined it with Deceuninck’s signature blue to design an event that was both celebratory and on brand.

Held high above the city at Ventanas, the event welcomed 200+ guests who were greeted by a gold carpet runner and gold stanchions as they entered the building. Graphic clings featured the 50th anniversary design on elevator fronts downstairs and on the 14th floor where the party took place. Downstairs, we incorporated artful floral arrangements of gold and blue décor pieces, while upstairs, we flanked the elevator with sets of silver urns and hollow gold spheres decorated with feathery blue blossoms and white berries. The registration table with blue linens doubled as a space to hand out takeaways at the end of the night.

Ventanas’ sweeping glass windows offered ideal spaces for additional subtle branding, which is one of our specialties with corporate events. We placed oversized DECEUNINCK letters along the top edge of the windows and added graphics to the windows. Slim interior columns were covered with Deceuninck branding, and we brought in 6-ft. tall “50” numbers for guests to use as a photo backdrop.  

Guests were able to relax within a variety of seating options, including two lounge groupings styled with blue velvet sofas and settees paired with gold loveseats. To these, we added custom pillows with the event logo, as well as blue and gold accent pillows. Gold lamps, coffee tables and end tables completed the lounge areas.

Throughout the space, we topped numerous highboys and cocktail tables with sumptuous specialty linens in gold and blue. Each held a modern centerpiece featuring white flowers in geometric containers surrounded by gold, black and blue votive candles. We placed gold Chiavari chairs and stools at the tables. Then we kept the look fresh with additional white communal tables featuring long, floral tablescapes. Tables extended to the adjacent patio, allowing guests to take advantage of the skyline view.  

But we can easily say that the view from the 14th floor was just as beautiful inside.

Photography: PWP Studio

March Madness is about to begin, and we couldn’t be more excited this year because the Final Four and the NCAA championship game are coming to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. We’ll be ready to “hoop” it up in April for the culmination of this year’s tournament.

In the meantime, all of this basketball madness has us reminiscing about some of our favorite décor based on that perfect basketball shape. Call it a sphere, an orb or a globe, the three-dimensional circle offers an ideal starting point for many decorative elements.

Here are six of our favorite ways we have incorporated orbs into our events:

 1. At a dinner for Google, we used 400 white balloons to create a sky of large, white clouds and suspended the installation above long tables. Some of the balloons included battery-operated LED lights so that they glowed from the inside. With this spherical ceiling treatment, we were able to provide an exciting embodiment of the brand’s virtual concept.

 2. To create the feeling of Southern Europe in any location, we craft globes from vines and entwine them with lights and leaves. They look amazing day or night, and we have used these orbs for numerous interior and exterior installations.

 3. For an old-school rave celebration, we took inspiration from glow sticks and outfitted the venue with decorative cubes and orbs that were lit from inside and branded with logos. We also worked with Balloonacy to install hundreds of neon balloons that appeared to drip from the ceiling.

 4. For a space-themed Super Bowl party, we crafted nine planets and a sun that hung from the ceiling. These were paired with glowing orbs throughout the space to keep up the out-of-this-world décor.

 5. Glowing spheres make a dramatic entrance to an evening celebration. At the Spark event for Usher’s New Look, we paired lanterns and glow orbs to guide attendees up the stairs towards the entrance and down a blue carpeted aisle. 

 6. Of course, sometimes a basketball is just a basketball, so we put a twist on court style by hanging glowing red orbs from the ceiling for an Atlanta Hawks event. We also filled the bar with a combination of basketballs and mylar balloons to elevate the sporty look. At another basketball event, the Grand Opening of the Hawks Concert Club at State Farm Arena, we perked up the staircase with a 20-ft. organic balloon garland in iridescent colors that directed guests to the party.

You’ve heard the question – what gift do you get for the person who has everything? When designing events, we occasionally encounter another version of that – what do you plan for the client who has seen everything?

This is the question that drove us when we designed, planned and executed the 20th Anniversary & Disruptivator Summit for Usher’s New Look. Held during three days at Emory University Student Life Center in Atlanta, this fun event with a serious purpose included a homecoming celebration, a VIP event, the two-day Camp New Look Summit, and the Disruptivators’ Ball: Sneaker Edition. Throughout the varied offerings, we maintained a level of consistency in the look, even when transitioning from an outdoor carnival to an indoor reception. We developed signage for the full schedule of events, which also helped maintain the overall aesthetic.

Homecoming Celebration
The Disruptivator Summit kicked off with a daytime outdoor, festival-style celebration. We marked the entrance with a suspended banner and colorful balloon clusters. Inside a 30-by-30-ft. VIP tent, seating included rounds with black linens, highboys with spandex linens, and a combination of chairs and benches. We added large fans to beat the summer Atlanta heat.

Six carnival games, cornhole, giant Jenga, and an inflatable obstacle course kept young guests active and engaged. Throughout the day, live entertainment included performers, hosts, and DJs, who took to the stage, which we decorated with teepee facades and a branded DJ booth. The festivities culminated in a giant water balloon fight – a perfect finish on a hot day. 

VIP Event
That evening, it was time for the VIP event, which was held at The Gathering Spot. We took things up a notch for this adult celebration and added ambiance to the restaurant reception with colorful linens for the venue’s highboys and fresh yellow and white centerpieces surrounded by votives. We created a photo gallery wall that served as the ideal setting to snap a selfie – or a photo op with Usher himself. In the main room, 200 blue chairs were set up theatre style and 10 metal tables with rope & stanchion indicated the VIP nature of the event. Nearby, a bright blue carpet runner and perimeter décor of 6-ft. 3D “UNL” letters led to the stage. In keeping with the clean but luxe aesthetic, the stage set featured a simple side table and two chairs – all with gold metal legs.

Camp New Look Summit
After the various opening festivities, it was time for the two-day summit. Outside the ballroom, we created a registration area with styled shelves of Usher’s New Look photos. The entrance included an overhanging “memory lane” featuring pennant flags and photos. Inside the large ballroom, we decorated the stage and perimeter to welcome the teens to “Camp New Look.”

The stage repeated the teepee façade from the day before and featured a pallet wood backdrop draped with lights and greenery. On stage, a chocolate sofa and highback chairs provided seating for speakers and panelists. Branded accent pillow were added, and two side tables flanked the sofa. Along the perimeter, a 10-by-8-ft. cardboard box wall asked, “What’s Your Story?” Composed of printed and stacked cardboard boxes, the wall included sticky notes and Sharpies so that the participants could add their personal stories to the wall. An on-theme market cart held waters. Before going into a day of speakers and panels, students started one morning learning about health and mindfulness with meditation and a sound bath! We also provided linens and signage for the onsite Career Fair.

Disruptivators’ Ball: Sneaker Edition
Considering the teenage audience, when it was time for the Disruptivators’ Ball, there was one clear possibility – sneakers. We set up a combination of communal highboy farm tables and large round tables with industrial Tolix stools. Then we turned sneakers into tablescapes and centerpieces and added a couple of styled lounge groupings with sofas, chairs, and a coffee table. Sneakers were also the focus of a massive chandelier we constructed, so that they hung from the ceiling and offered a great social media background. On the stage, we kept the same “Camp New Look” design from earlier events. Then, we brought in lots of fun activities and interactive features like an oversized Connect Four game, a limbo set, and a “Most UNL Memory” video booth. Entertainment included a surprise DJ set from Jermaine Dupri and performance from Domani Harris. Everyone enjoyed getting creative on the large-scale coloring canvas – a keepsake that will let Usher’s New Look remember the fab 20th anniversary for years to come.

With the NCAA Final Four coming to Atlanta this spring, we’ve noticed some basketball terms slipping into our everyday language. Our WM logistics team has been thanking each other for “assists” in the warehouse, and in the office, Leigh told Latoya that she would “see her on the court” when referring to the event that night. Even William was heard to say to the team that they needed to be on “full court press” during the busy week coming up.

This casual usage of sports terms got us thinking. Could many of our events be described in basketball terms? More importantly, is our affinity for basketball a subconscious athletic desire sparked by our numerous events with the Atlanta Hawks? To explore what could be happening here, we have reimagined some of our favorite go-to event features in basketball lingo.  

In the Paint
To basketball fans, this term refers to points made from the special area near the basket where offensive players can stay for just three seconds. But for our team of creative event planners, “in the paint” relates to the long list of live artists we have incorporated into events. They have added a splash of color, excitement and interactivity to functions attended by a variety of audiences.

Consider live artist Yoyo Ferro, who contour draws guests, or muralist Peter Ferrari who created custom art for the Taste of the Hawks event. We’ve also booked local artists like Matthew Evans and Angie Jerez. And our definition of “paint” goes beyond oils, acrylics and spray varieties. For example, in Phoenix, we brought in professional artist Kris Rhymes to paint a masterpiece in chocolate!

Traveling
Basketball players won’t get a high-five for traveling – it’s a penalty move that incurs a turnover.

But for our WM team, traveling is when we leave our Atlanta headquarters and descend on destinations like Chicago, Alabama and New Orleans to produce a big event. Consider our time in the Windy City planning two events for manufacturing giant Doosan, when we found ways to incorporate branding with lots of appeal. In Huntsville, Alabama, we brought purple passion to a centenary celebration fit for royalty. Our colorful carnival conference in New Orleans had alligators, fortune tellers and fanciful feathers. Once, we even produced an anniversary party on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands and an intergalactic one in Houston.

Fast Break
In basketball, a fast break means the offense moves as quickly as possible to try to score without giving the opponent time to put up a defense.

In the event world, we like to think of a fast break as switching out an environment with light speed – and we are pros at it! We quickly flipped the room from ceremony to reception during our own Sarah’s wedding while guests enjoyed cocktails on the patio. And when an event space was double booked, we perfectly placed 85 intricate, custom centerpieces at a seated dinner for 850 guests.

Overtime
In basketball, like many sports, a tied score can mean extra minutes of play called overtime. But when WM Events puts in overtime, it’s generally in the realm of a late-night party. Along with some of our favorite DJs, live bands and musicians, we make sure guests have the chance to keep it going until the wee hours, and we usually bring the flashy-blinky accessories to make it happen.

We’ll probably never forget BDR Partners’ 10th anniversary, a progressive event that culminated with an after-after party in a speakeasy with DJ Mike Zarin. Then there was the third act of a corporate party in the desert – with street scene décor, including a chain-link fence, colorful lighting and graffiti, the party welcomed High Energy Band, who kept the LED dancefloor occupied until midnight. With less dancing but just as much fun, the Weekend to Remember fundraiser ended with a low-stakes casino in a spacious tent outside the Delta Flight Museum and cigars for everyone!

Super Bowl LIV (or 54 to non-Romans) might be headed to Miami, but tropical tailgaters could learn a thing or two from Southern fans. In fact, there’s nothing like a little football rivalry to get us in the mood. That is, in the mood to start designing a party. So, when the UGA Alumni Association called on WM Events to gussy up its tailgate event for a matchup between the University of Georgia Bulldogs and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, we huddled up and pulled out our best plays.

Choosing the theme color was easy – we made the most out of UGA’s Bulldog Red and paired it with Chapel Bell White to make it pop and keep the atmosphere fresh and uplifting. Under massive tents set up on the front lawn of UGA’s Tate Center, we created a variety of seating areas, blending casual and high-end furniture in that special way Southern folks are known for.

The event kicked off with entrance signage and a perimeter created from double-sided hedge walls that offered privacy. Additional hedge walls were used to hide back-of-house areas for a seamless event atmosphere. We strung 300 feet of greenery garland from the tent structures and supports and created chandeliers from 4-foot diameter hoops using red spandex.

Wood Adirondack chairs met white leather banquettes with white oatmeal linen slipcovers. We added white ottomans and linen banquettes, providing plenty of comfortable seating options. All of these were decorated with bright accent pillows in red or those with bold red-and-white stripes.

We kept the bold theme in the table linens, which were either solid red or red and white striped, and included a variety of large and small rounds, as well as low rounds and highboys. Near lawn table seating, we added umbrellas to provide shade on the warm September afternoon. To the wooden cocktail bars, we added red, silhouetted UGA graphics to brand them in a fun way.

Next, we topped tables with a combination of centerpieces and table lamps. Buffet tables received oversized smilax centerpieces in large wine jugs, while floral centerpieces featured bursts of red in short, glass vases.

Nobody does tailgates like Southern schools, and we knew we could count on the UGA fans to enhance the décor with their spirit wear, which they did. We brought the red “Dawgs” and football helmet Krazy Straws to keep them motivated.

Final score – Bulldogs 23, Fighting Irish 17. WM Events for the win!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When it comes to designing, planning and executing memorable events, there is no greater challenge than doing so for those who are members of the hospitality industry. However, to put our own spin on Thomas Jefferson’s quote, with great challenge comes great reward. Plus, when working with members of our industry, creativity can be unleashed in ways we might not have envisioned otherwise.

Enough philosophy – here’s what happened when we were brought on board by Interstate Hotels & Resorts, a hotel management company, to spearhead the atmosphere, decor and entertainment for its three-day GM meeting near Phoenix. The event welcomed 450 guests to the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, and our team set the scene for registration, the general session seating, an evening reception, and a massive dinner and party with three distinct environments. The theme was “Engage,” and that’s exactly what we did by incorporating a plethora of interactive features and one super cute donkey.

Honoring the Southwest location of the conference, we created a rustic registration area with double-sided boxwood and slatted walls. Nametags were attached to the walls for a self-service entrance. We included plenty of welcome messages, partner logos and directional information to help arriving guests get oriented.

Our design on the first day focused on the 5 C’s of Arizona: copper, cattle, cotton, citrus and climate. This helped determine our color palette – bright – and context – rustic. These 5 C’s also informed the tablescapes on the break area food stations that offered refreshment throughout the general session. 

For the general session, which featured a conference setup with a stage and audience seating, we improved the standard atmosphere by bringing in special lounge seating. Our choice was white leather loveseats and white side tables, which added a more luxurious appeal to the meeting space.

With the informational portion of the day complete, guests enjoyed an evening reception, and we continued to honor the Southwest in both décor and entertainment offerings. A six-piece mariachi band greeted attendees before they entered the indoor-outdoor space, which offered us a gorgeous setting to work with. Surrounded by palm trees and dotted with cacti, the area took on a fiesta atmosphere with bright table linens and centerpieces. Food stations were placed along rustic wood tables, and seating featured firepit tables surrounded by outdoor lounge furniture.

The entertainment selection stayed right on theme. In addition to interactive activities like making dreamcatchers and watching a sand artisan demonstration, we brought in the Jaleo Latin Quartet and thrilling hoop dancers.

Our team is no stranger to animal encounters. We’ve already worked with alligators, after all. But this year, we thought we would find a furrier friend to welcome to the soiree. In keeping with the Southwest theme, the Beer Burro was the beau of the ball.

The following evening, we put together a progressive party with three entirely different environments and entertainment offerings that kept even our hospitality-expert guests engaged for hours on end. But you’ll have to read about that amazing night in the next blog! Stay tuned for Party in the Desert Pt. Dos.

We could easily call it an oasis. When the spectacular Atlanta Food & Wine Festival took place in the city earlier this year, the event attracted hundreds of chefs, sommeliers and cooking industry greats, as well as 10,000 attendees. With big names and big-name corporate sponsors, everyone wanted to look their best!

The WM Events team was brought on to create an inviting atmosphere for the #DeltaAmexPerks hospitality tent, offering guests the feel of an exotic getaway and a real-life escape from the famed Atlanta heat. (Our city definitely earned that moniker that shall not be named.) The lush tent featured cooling greenery and delightful florals, an eye-catching backdrop, ceiling installations and a variety of comfortable seating options. For a temporary setting, it offered long-lasting appeal.

We started the decor by designing a 30-by-10-ft. branded backdrop of white panels in a geometric lattice for the exterior of the tent. We added Polynesian-inspired plants, a mix of real and faux greenery, and faux florals in pink and green. A massive #DeltaAmexPerks logo was placed in front and on top of the greenery and floral accents so that it appeared to bloom from within. Finally, we used ferns to camouflage the base of the panels and create a cohesive look.

At the entrance, we added color with silver urns holding ferns and foliage accented with florals. These were repeated in the four corners of the space interior. 

Inside the tent, we crafted a vacation-like atmosphere with a similar backdrop – this one 35 feet long – which was hung directly on the tent walls. Everywhere, we placed more of the tropical plants with lush, green leaves. These were complemented by bright floral arrangements that adorned the highboys, lounge areas, bar and food stations. Faux tropical plants in colorful ceramic pots were also used to hide some equipment. 

From the ceiling, we suspended ten 24-in. faux ferns in upside down wicker baskets, paired with wicker and seagrass chandeliers and market lights.

Thinking back on this outdoor beauty, we are definitely ready for a tropical island vacation!

At WM Events, we stay busy throughout the year designing, planning and executing parties from large to small. But almost nothing puts cheer in our hearts like decking the halls of a holiday event that spreads comfort, joy, and maybe even a bit of peace on Earth. 

In order to get into the spirit of this season, let’s take a look back at some of the spectacular holiday parties we have been a part of throughout the years.                                                                                                           

Silver Bells
This chic company holiday party welcomed 250 guests to the Atlanta History Center. We fashioned a seasonal atmosphere with lush wintery florals, a cozy lounge and a twinkle-lit entrance. Through the use of illumination and sparkle, we designed a true festival of lights.

Five Golden Rings
At a black and gold corporate holiday event at the Fox Theatre, we used traditional furnishings to create luxurious lounges and tossed on metallic pillows. Gold accents were added throughout the room in votives, linens and vases. Striking feathered centerpieces kept up the holiday glam.

Let It Glow! Let It Glow! Let It Glow!
Our team loved turning Ventanas into a glowing club-like atmosphere for a corporate holiday party. We highlighted chic white furniture with modern geometric touches on a white background with pops of color, making the 180 guests happy to be up on the rooftop of this sky-high venue.  

Pinecones and Holly Berries
We embraced the rustic design trend in a magnificent holiday party for 800 revelers at SweetWater Brewing Company. This earthy take on the most wonderful time of the year included burlap table runners and linens, rustic lounges, pine-tree centerpieces and custom chalkboard art. Votives and lanterns added an old-fashioned glow to this event.

Winter Wonderland
By projecting custom snowflake gobo lights along the walls of 200 Peachtree, we created the ideal setting for 1,200 guests at an annual association holiday party. This elegant affair featured specialty linens, subtly glowing centerpieces and live entertainment.

Joy to the World
The Delta Flight Museum proved to be the perfect location for a mesmerizing holiday affair that transported guests to an international winter celebration. From Atlanta to London, Asia and the Middle East, 800 guests sampled the holiday season around the world. Keeping all décor and elements on-theme, we included flight attendant greeters, a snow machine, global vignettes and custom Christmas trees. Even Santa Claus could not have traveled as many miles in one night! 

With the Final Four NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament coming up in Atlanta next spring, we’re already having visions of swooshing basketballs running through our heads. We have plenty to draw from considering the multiple NBA Atlanta Hawks events we’ve been a part of, including a tasting event for super-premium ticketholders and a meet-and-greet extravaganza for 1,200 of the team’s biggest fans. So when the Hawks and State Farm Arena brought us on board to design the décor for the Grand Opening of the Hawks Concert Club, we shot and scored.

This premium seating area is part of the arena’s $200 million transformation and is tailored to guests who enjoy a high-end live music experience. The club was specifically designed to deliver optimal concert sound. We wanted to make the party atmosphere as special as the live music performances would be, so we brought in today’s version of bling – iridescence – added eye-catching signage and on-theme album cover art, plus a fun photo booth experience.

Putting a fresh spin on a red-carpet entrance, we used black, gray, blue purple and red hexagon carpet tiles to mark the access to the Concert Club. We perked up the staircase with silver LPs and a 20-ft. organic balloon garland in iridescent colors that directed guests to the party. We placed Concert Club-branded iridescent and silver records throughout the space as a nod to the live music aspect of the new area.

To add a splash of excitement to the club’s existing furniture, we tossed mauve, silver and green lamé and sequin pillows along the sofas. We placed 4-in. chrome vases with fresh, multi-colored flowers that mimic the tones of iridescence around the room and put oversized versions of these on top of the bars. One hundred frosted votives with LED lights surrounded the centerpieces, adding a warm glow throughout.

The perimeter décor mirrored the tablespaces with an iridescent and crystal theme that amped up the bar and lounge areas. This dose of otherworld magic reminded guests of the celebratory nature of the evening.

A specialty graphics package acknowledged the upcoming celebrity concerts and Hawks key players. We created 13 distinct 3-by-4-ft. graphic pieces celebrating musical names like Ariana Grande, the Jonas Brothers, Migos, Shawn Mendes and Elton John. Dual large graphics on chrome paper announced: “Concert Club Grand Opening.”

The colorful palette continued into the interactive photo booth with social media functions. Guests had the chance to take their photos in front of a white backdrop with graphic outlines flanked with potted palm fronds and decorated with giant palm leaves in various shades of purple and pink.

Bringing glam to this grand opening highlighted the benefits of having a team who enjoys sports as much as beauty. We’re looking forward to Atlanta’s ‘Year of Basketball’ and the Final Four events that will come with it!

Each year, the University of Georgia Alumni Association celebrates its top “Dawgs” at the Bulldog 100 event, when it recognizes the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni. WM Events had another opportunity to design this annual event, and for 2019, we created a sophisticated affair that welcomed 850 guests to the Hyatt Regency Atlanta’s Centennial Ballroom. For this grand affair, we topped 85 dinner rounds with bone velvet linens, placed 425 black votive candles, and created 55 centerpieces with lampshades and another 30 with glowing white cheer sticks in order to impress the roster of high-profile guests.

As any Dawgs fan knows, UGA colors are red, black and white, and this year, we opted to mostly forgo the red, which was already present in the carpet, in favor of a black-and-white décor. Pairing the neutral palette with a mixture of angles and white light, we created a striking atmosphere in the ballroom that elevated the event. And we needn’t have worried – the guests brought pops of red in the form of clothing, bow ties, handbags and more, so the room featured all of the necessary hues. It was enough UGA spirit to please even Hairy Dawg, the UGA mascot, who never misses a Bulldog 100.

While the reception and dinner are important elements, all eyes were on the stage as honorees are introduced. Many were already well-known people and businesses, so guests were excited to learn more about their success. To create a backdrop that matched the level of honorees without competing for attention, we printed 60-by-24-ft. and 24-by-24-ft. graphics in black with outlined geometric shapes in white. A GOBO light cast the Bulldog 100 logo in the center of the graphic, completing the subtle branding.

The geometric shapes had first appeared in the centerpieces in the reception area, where identical Bulldog 100 GOBO lights pointed at the floor had welcomed guests, showing the path toward check in. In the ballroom, similar shapes were created along the side walls with more lighting, tying the entire event space together.

Our color palette and décor choices were simple but compelling. Tables featured acrylic table numbers lit from below with LED light bases, providing a glowing effect throughout the room. We took it up a notch with three styles of creative centerpieces. The first design displayed geometric lampshade surrounds filled with a mossed container overflowing with carnations and orchids. A second centerpiece option featured large lampshades with the geometric leitmotif of the event situated atop a tall black vase that glowed from within. Our third design included white cheer sticks arranged in a style to mimic the geometric design. These were paired with white dendrobium orchid garlands with white carnations organically flowing around the lighted shapes. Black and white had never looked so good. Go Dawgs!  

Photography: The Decisive Moment

The brilliant man who started it all – designer, planner, consultant and fashion plate William Fogler founded WM Events in 2004 and believes that guest experience and intimate details are everything. He has made his punctuation mark on the events industry throughout the U.S. and even on a private island in the British Virgin Islands. When this well-traveled gent imagines his signature event, you know it’s going to be epic!

If I were an event, I would be … multiple events because one is not enough! The first would be a destination celebration of a big milestone or significant benchmark, such as a 50th birthday. The celebration would start in Atlanta and carry over to a remote tropical destination.

I would take place … in two exciting but contrasting locations – a glamorous Atlanta event space like the rooftop of Ventanas and a tropical island with gorgeous beaches and spectacular sunsets.

My theme would be … the Tribe. It would honor the kinship of my guests who have brought so much meaning to my life. Each location would offer a different expression of that theme. In Atlanta, the send-off party would be a more fashion-forward affair that would reflect my eclectic style and be indicative of a hip city event. On the island, I would bring out the sense of Tribe through branded elements that unify guests, such as jewelry and specific attire and styling requests. Additionally, outdoor adventures, group activities and lots of social time would serve to strengthen our bonds.

My décor would be … richly hued greens paired with white and metallics. These colors are reflected in our WM Events logo and have remained my preferred palette for many years.

My florals would …reflect the environment of the event. In Atlanta, I would focus on Objet d’Art enhanced with unique succulents, air plants and moss. A few orchid blooms would add softness and allude to the tropical destination to come. On La Isla Bonita, the lush surroundings will dictate the look with local floral to inspire exterior and interior settings. Native blooms would be mixed with lush greens to impart a feel of total botanical abundance.

My entertainment would be …  an embrace the urban vibe for the Atlanta celebration, which I would accomplish through unique presentations of hip hop performed in unusual ways like string quartets. Surprise flash mob-style acts, live artists and ambient performers will bring the city vibe to life. For the island affair, a variety of entertainment would include local historians, who would provide background and context of the island. Local musicians playing Afro-Caribbean and steelpan drums would partner with regional dancers to create an authentic vibe.

Guests would dine on … a tropically inspired cocktail-style menu in Atlanta. Fresh seafood and sushi dishes infused with exotic flavors would give a nod to the destination event to follow. Once upon the island, chef-prepared meals, made-to-order continental breakfasts and gourmet, curated and site-specific picnic lunches would provide festive nourishment for the Tribe. Whatever the location, the cuisine would be a fusion of my home and favorite destination.

Libations would include … rosé all day! Specialty cocktails would pay homage to local produce and spirits, but watermelon margaritas will get a spot on each drink menu.

My guest list at … the bon voyage party in Atlanta would be open to a few hundred of the people who make my larger community feel like home. In contrast, just 20 of my closest Tribe members would participate in the entire celebration tour, allowing for a more meaningful and intimate experience for all.

My invitation would … inform the guests about the incredible, multifaceted experiences to come. It would be crafted using a few specialty processes – letterpress, laser cutting and foil press. As a transformational piece, each aspect would inform the next with innovative design.

I would incorporate the latest technologies with … a dedicated website for RSVPs, event details and social media capabilities in advance of the event. In Atlanta, guests would be encouraged to snap and share. Upon arrival at the island, we would go more tech-free and focus on mindfulness and personal well-being. The time would be spent enjoying the company and beautiful setting.

My guests will go home with … special necklaces or bracelets that signify the bond of our Tribe. Additionally, plenty of branded items would act as a keepsake of the amazing experience each event offered.