Event Type: Pop-Up

Chicago, IL

Jodi Wolf of Paulette Wolf Events shares, “We have been using specialty lighting effects and projection mapping for events.”

This spring gala from the team featured a projection-mapped tent ceiling that shifted throughout the evening from snowy mountain views to starry skies, underscoring the nature-forward foundation being fêted.

Nashville, TN

Lucky attendees arrived at Nightscape in Nashville — only to find themselves in Italy. The venue transported guests of this dinner party to an Italian villa using their built-in 360° projection mapping. Projections even directed guests to their seats (click below to see how) for themed cocktails and menus at this immersive dining experience.

Los Angeles, CA

HBO celebrated the premiere of “Game of Thrones” with an icy blue event, photographed by Gabor Ekecs Photography. The party featured electric blue lighting and a wow-worthy projection design that helped the display of show costumes really stand out, while creating a moody vibe (fit for the show).

Dallas, TX

Michael Kuntz of Media West Events says, “Regardless of the event being virtual, in-person, or hybrid, companies need highly experienced event production partners who can support these hallmark events.” He also notes the importance of production quality to ensure that all participants can see and hear the presentations and performances.

We appreciate how an experienced audio-visual team can create a spectacle, like their team did at this corporate summit.

Chicago, IL

Tori Soper of Tori Soper Photography has photographed many corporate events, and shares what she’s seeing: “Many events use an app to help attendees navigate the conference or trade show. We’re also seeing the use of QR codes and digital business cards that allow attendees to connect easily.”

The pictured conference was filled with educational and networking opportunities, augmented by digital connections and information.

Chicago, IL

1440 Event Design collaborated with Chicago Casino Suppliers to curate a themed “What’s the Password” corporate event where guests donned their gangster-best to gamble and mingle with Al Capone and their coworkers.

Chicago, IL

This 007-themed holiday party from the expert corporate planners, Ladidadi Events & Incentives, offered several special-ops photo ops, interactive opportunities, and loads of Bond-themed décor and entertainment.

San Francisco, CA

Foxtail Catering & Events curated the perfect gathering for a medical board advisory summit. The on-point catering team brought cheeky flair to themed fare such as a medical clipboard tray and sushi served with soy sauce in syringes instead of the usual pipettes.

New York, NY

“Many of my clients place culinary experiences at the top of their priority list, and they want their guests to be wowed by the flavors and the presentation. Incorporating catering into the flow and theme is important to them,” says Tracie Simon of experienced planning firm, LeFeast.

She adds, “For example, one of my clients hosted a ‘Through the Looking Glass’ tasting event where soup was served from tea pots. Food and beverage is art, and more and more, I see it being incorporated into the design and overall feel of the event.”

New York, NY

“Neutral color stories and single color stories are back in a big way!” shares Patrick Clayton of Patrick J Clayton Productions. His team produced this vision in white, transforming 74Wythe into a frozen winter wonderland.

New York, NY

This Smirnoff Pink Lemonade launch from Rose Gold Collective has us tickled hot-pink. Magenta-hued palm fronds added a tropical vibe as did a lush fern-filled photo spot and flamingo-print linen.

San Francisco, CA

Chambers Eat + Drink provided a spectacular space for this corporate event that was lit in red hues. The bright color was carried onto tabletop linen, seating, and florals for a dramatic monochromatic vision.

Washington, D.C.

Tori Soper of Tori Soper Photography shares, “The trend that stands out to us the most is that many of our event clients are transitioning their keynote and plenary session seating from rows of chairs with tables to a set-up that resembles a living room, with comfortable lounge chairs and couches. This may only work for small to mid-size events, but for attendees, it surely seems like a more comfortable and appealing experience.”

Austin, TX

Anna Crelia of Loot Rentals, who supplies corporate and social events with signature style, shares, “We have seen a rise in clients requesting more lounge areas with a focus on allowing more space for the guests to breathe. Long gone are the days of cramming hundreds of people into a room at boring tables. Large corporate events and parties are moving outside; and for the ballroom-type events, they make sure to have plenty of seating and tables so that people have ample room to move around and stretch out.”

New York, NY

When it comes to making a memorable brand statement, B Floral Event Design and Production never disappoints. The team evoked Victoria’s Secret’s new scent in larger-than-life installations at every turn at this immersive pop-up. Guests enjoyed peony bouquet giveaways, perfume bottle engraving, digital photo booths, and more.

Miami, FL

Daughter of Design evoked the chic brand, Beautyblender, at every turn (literally as the event included a roller rink) with this experiential activation. The 80s disco-glam party featured immersive projection mapping that kept the brand front and center all evening for the celebrity make-up bloggers and influencer guests. Partygoers danced, rollerskated, and tested new products while 80s retro music and dance performances kept them entertained.

Emma Roberts of Capers Catering says, “Signature custom bars and lounge furniture are hot right now. Branded, vinyl-wrapped dance floors are an effective, and popular, way to stand out.”

Our very own recent PartySlate Boston gathering included creative fare from the Capers team, as well as branded moments galore — from the custom napkins by MY DRAP to the custom dance floor wrap from PEAK Event Services — all in the breathtaking rooftop space at 9OFS.

Washington, D.C.

“I love a subtle nod to a company logo. Muddling Memories is a company that specializes in beverage experiences, and I love working with them on unique drinks where logos can be incorporated. We recently did an event where they branded a company logo into ice cubes, onto a lemon peel, and through a stencil with cinnamon,” shares Tracie Simon of LeFeast.

Chicago, IL

“In addition to more grab-and-go options, including food trucks, catering has also upscaled with more diverse options that appeal to vegetarians/vegans and those with dietary restrictions,” says Tori Soper of Tori Soper Photography. 

Hyatt Regency Chicago hosted their annual management meeting (pictured here) with well-considered menu options to please all palates.

Irvington, NY

It’s fitting that this wellness luncheon featured thoughtful, healthy catering options from the talented team at ONTHEMARC Events. Guests were delighted by the chef’s market table, green smoothies, and gazpacho bar with fresh toppings that proved that good-for-you can also be really good.

San Francisco, CA

Just as curated signature cocktails have been trending for a while, now mocktails are too. We’re not talking about a glass of juice, but rather a thoughtful experience created by a team of talented mixologists like those at Tonic Beverage Catering. They combine flavors and accoutrement for the perfect non-alcoholic sip.

Dallas, TX

“Unique and interactive beverage services are on point these days with aerial bartenders and mixologists,” shares Debbie Meyers of creative performance company, BRAVO Entertainment.

At this corporate event, the BRAVO team provided on-theme performers, from aerial and pole acts to pop dancers and a ballerina in a bubble. One suspended performer served wine to guests for a fun photographable moment.

Chicago, IL

At one of PartySlate’s Chicago corporate events, NewMoon Chicago engaged guests with creative food and beverage service devices. An acrobat suspended on silks poured wine, a “kegway” (a segway with a craft beer keg) glided throughout serving beer, and floating trays featuring TAO’s signature cocktails surprised and delighted guests.

New York, NY

Frederique Henriot of The Altman Building shares that his team is seeing, “cocktail receptions with fun stations, where food is being made in front of clients. They are ‘food activations’ rather than just buffets.”

The venue plays hosts to corporate gatherings of all kinds, including PartySlate’s own seasons-themed celebration, at which Thomas Preti Events to Savor wowed with delectable handmade corn and mushroom tortelloni. The team prepared the savory bites in front of guests against a display of fresh mushrooms which underscored their commitment to quality ingredients.

New York, NY

Rhubarb Hospitality Collection hosted a launch party for the beautiful new venue, Chelsea Square, located in the heart of Manhattan. The catering company brought attention-getting fare with live activations like a homemade mozzarella station where chefs pulled mozzarella for the freshest possible dish — and buzzed-about station.

Washington, D.C.

Tori Soper of Tori Soper Photography shares, “Our corporate event clients are doing their best to deliver offerings from which all attendees can benefit. We’ve seen increased interest in and bookings of our Headshot Lounge, where we offer high-volume, corporate headshots with instant image delivery.” 

At this National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC) conference, Soper’s team provided headshots for 450 attendees, complete with hair and make-up styling, white and grey backdrops, a lead capture database, and a sponsor-branded slideshow with the best headshots from each day.

Dallas, TX

PartySlate’s own most recent Dallas gathering featured a unique “Back to School” theme from Pop Parties. The event included learning panels followed by a party with a “teacher’s lounge” and “yearbook photos.” The “Picture Day” station from the photography team at Grant Daniels provided direction and encouragement to event professionals looking to refresh their headshots against a styled backdrop.

Nashville, TN

Navarre Beach, a relaxing vacation spot in Florida that’s far from the theme parks, hosted their Nashville activation at Nightscape to encourage residents to visit their beautiful city. The venue’s projection mapping allowed for use of real-life content from the destination to immerse guests in the experience while they participated in rejuvenating activities like yoga and “paddle-boarding.”

Kahuku, HI

Noelle McInerney of Ladidadi Events & Incentives shares of a recent client offsite in Oahu, “We offered multiple activities including yoga, shark cage diving, stargazing, and even make-your-own bleach dye t-shirt station.” Attendees appreciated the opportunity to learn as well as unwind.

New York, NY

Patrick Clayton of Patrick J Clayton Productions says, “I think experiences over more traditional meeting content are preferred. There are more things to take pictures and especially video with. These interactive elements that incorporate the educational message are a home run — and they’re more fun than a traditional meeting.”

New York, NY

Ryan Hill of Apotheosis Events shares, “The goal of corporate entertainment, I find, is to reinforce the feeling of the brand through activity and entertainment. Clients want alignment across the board.”

Las Vegas, NV

“There is much more of a focus on big name entertainment than ever before,” says Jodi Wolf of Paulette Wolf Events.

The team planned a jaw-dropping experience for a Mercer-hosted event for 800 people. The party included special performances by the Village People & Salt-N-Pepa. Exciting lights, fog, and confetti added to the unforgettable night.

Alexandria, VA

“I recently had a client that launched a new publication of The Secret Garden; and while thinking through the flow of the event, we concluded that we needed a host — someone outside of the executives to guide our guests through the night. We created “Lord Frances” who greeted and joked with guests during cocktail hour, invited them to dinner, and gave an opening speech before introducing the CEO. His enthusiasm and character organically encouraged guests to explore and purchase the product,” says Tracie Simon of LeFeast.

Houston, TX

“We did a grand opening event for a new Porsche Dealership and featured our new Sway Poles highlighting the company’s brand on the outside of the building! Sway Poles tower 20′ in the air and are completely customizable. They offer a great ground-supported alternative to typical aerial acts,” says Debbie Meyers of BRAVO Entertainment. We appreciate this option for stunning outdoor entertainment.

Newport, RI

“This year I have performed with bands more than ever before. Corporate entertainment has definitely upped their game by including services they never considered. Aside from a band/DJ combo, there are stilt walkers, performers, talented musicians on lollipop stands, and more!” says Valentina Marianetti of DJ Valentina. 

Miami, FL

Remy Connor of Inked Magician says, “I believe the trend is curving towards those who are providing interactive entertainment. It’s not enough to just see something anymore, people actively want to be involved. That’s where I thrive as a magician: creating illusions that require guest participation.”

At this employee event, The Inked Magician performed everything from magic and illusions to mind reading and the infamous straitjacket escape.

Playa Flamingo, Provincia de Guanacaste

Noelle McInerney of Ladidadi Events & Incentives shares, “Entertainment doesn’t have to live on a stage!  We’re seeing clients divvy up their entertainment budgets in order to have multiple (often surprise) entertaining experiences.”

Live event painting has been popular at weddings for a while now, but this twist has us excited about this unique entertainment at corporate events: a picture-perfect neon logo.

Columbia, MD

Heidi Hiller of Innovative Party Planners says of their corporate clients, “They are using their own spaces and transforming them with lighting, themed backdrops, draping, and even a fireworks show. This allows their guests to see their operations and host the event at home.”

Ambre Vailes-Macarie of Deborah Miller Catering & Events says, “Corporations are using venues less and less and using their own spaces to allow for more high-end décor and catering.” 

New York, NY

Frederique Henriot of The Altman Building shares, “Several of our corporate clients are planning to come back to NYC for their event, and we are very excited about it! But with inflation, the cost of traveling, and a forecasted economic slowdown, most companies will plan to keep a digital component in their conferences and plan for ‘hybrid’ events.

“Broadcasting and Livestreaming will be incorporated into event budgets. For event venues, it means smaller-sized corporate events that are tightly curated with rigorous programing. We are certainly prepared to answer this demand as over 30% of our 2022 corporate events fell into this format.”

Los Angeles, CA

Fluffy cloud-like 3-D projections transformed the epic space at Candela La Brea into a party dreamscape. Vibrant purple lighting and gobo shadows set the stage for a night of dancing.

New York, NY

New-York Historical Society provided an artistic and historic backdrop for Google’s Ad Partner Summit. A perk of a venue with multiple spaces is the ability to combine spaces. See how this event featured separate chic spots for meals, breaks, meetings, and a networking cocktail reception.

New York, NY

Frederique Henriot of The Altman Building says, “Companies are looking for authenticity by sourcing landmarks, cultural venues, and unconventional industrial spaces with a lot of character and personality.”

This corporate cocktail party had it all: unique entertainment, stunning décor, rich and textured lighting, memorable fare, and one gorgeous venue.

New York, NY

San Francisco, CA

Pier 27 hosted a showcase that featured how its open and flexible spaces, located on the iconic Embarcadero, might be utilized. When we talk about usability, this is what we mean: towering industrial ceilings, large roll-up doors, and an open space comprised of steel, concrete, and glass.

Chicago, IL

Jodi Wolf of top planning team, Paulette Wolf Events, says, “Our clients are always looking to use unique spaces that feature a blank canvas to best showcase their theme and design.”

Their team completely transformed the sport courts at the Windy City Fieldhouse into a NASCAR-themed corporate anniversary for 600 people, featuring authentic and on-point activities, racing-motif décor by KEHOE DESIGNS, and playful food stations from J&L Catering.

Chicago, IL

Kristin Atlas of Live Nation says, “Many clients are looking for larger spaces for guests to flow throughout: different rooms for guests to explore that may be quieter so they can network or be a part of the main event where the dancing and entertainment is.”

Charleston, SC

Guests were invited to PartySlate’s Charleston celebration via a luxe digital invitation, custom-designed for the gathering by The Luxe & Co.. The rental company offered a nod to the gathering’s theme with a beautifully understated chic composition that included the pale blue accent hue as well as botanical line prints that hinted at the garden inspiration.

New York, NY

Keren Precel Events produced this inspired womenswear collection launch for Black Iris. The planning team connected the product to the select list of style-forward attendees with illustrations of each guest, wearing one of the dresses in the collection, by talented illustrator Katherine Moffett. The custom art acted as place cards and delightful take-home gifts.

Miami Beach, FL

Noelle McInerney of Ladidadi Events & Incentives says that experiential gifting is popular. She shares, “We recently helped a client with a custom branded shoe experience at their sales incentive trip in Miami.  Guests could visit the brand’s hospitality lounge anytime during the program to choose between custom Converse or All Birds!”