Transforming Spaces: Before and After

By Julie Scheff

Photos courtesy of: Infinity Park Event Center & Steve Crecelius; Detail Special Event Production Company Inc; The Given Institute.

The transformation of static spaces to extravagant displays is one of the most sure-fire ways to impress clients. Whether the event is at a hotel, restaurant, golf course or museum, the makeover must wow the guests as well. From outstanding props to statuesque centerpieces, venues can go from generic to spectacular with the right approach.

(Photos at right: The International Ballroom at Infinity Park event center, before and after)

Color + Light = Distinct
Color and light can truly set the mood and earn that extra pizzazz for clients. At a recent event held in the new International Ballroom at Infinity Park Event Center in Glendale, Alisa Zapiler, owner of Creative Events & Occasions, had nearly a blank slate to work with. "The space had only a black floor, neutral brown walls and screens surrounding the room," Zapiler says. She was tasked with setting up a dining and dancing extravaganza for 300-plus guests using sports themes. Choosing to assign each sport a different color and breaking the room into color quadrants resulted in an eye-popping presentation.

Wall washers and up lights were used to illuminate the room. Pin spotting was applied to each table in order to produce dark and light spots for high drama. "There was a challenge with this space; the foyer was not large enough to accommodate all the guests for cocktails, so I divided the room into sections with the use of color drapes," explains Zapiler. "The added punch of color combined with stretched linens made of spandex and patent leather tabletops anchored the high-shine factor."

High-column centerpieces also infused reds, greens, yellows and blues with colored gel lit from beneath and pin spotted. A true spectacle of color was formed with the blending of all the elements.

(Photo at left: Before and after of the Black Bear Golf Club Ballroom.)

Combinations of color and light meld together in any space, even golf course venues, which sometimes have event spaces that are drab and lifeless. Michelle Bokone, president of Details Special Event Production Company Inc., needed to create a Christmas-themed party that was both lively and elegant at the Black Bear Golf Club in Parker. Bokone's team chose "Fire & Ice" as the motif and used fabric and lighting to alter the space from neutral to colorful and warm.

"Guests stepped into a sparkling entrance of icy winter hues. White draping and uplighting in cool, blue tones created the background for white barebranch trees adorned with blue-and-white flower balls and white mini-lights," she explains.

A curtain of ice crystal beads welcomed guests into the main ballroom, where the color palette transformed from icy blue to fiery red. Tables were draped with luxurious, red lamour linens with chair covers and ties to match. Dramatic arrangements of seasonal florals anchored the center of each table, incorporating the elements of fire and water and adding height and dimension throughout the room. "Rich, festive decorations and lots of candlelight danced around the fireplace creating a classic holiday focal point in the room," adds Bokone. The finishing touch was an impressive ice sculpture, featuring a martini luge and the client's logo.

Adding Extra Elements
Integrating props to help tie in a theme can be the secret to converting rooms. Brian Harris, conference and event manager of the Given Institute in Aspen, worked with Leslie Schramer of Event Marketing Solutions to reconfigure the organization's United Nations-style auditorium into a Miami nightclub. The party for an A-List Hollywood celebrity needed to rival that of Tinseltown's most grandiose gathering. This event took one week of setup, more than 15 people on site at times and 20-hour shifts on New Year's Eve for the final presentation.

(Photos at right: Before and after of The Given Institute's United Nations-style auditorium, which was transformed into a Miami nightclub.)

"The desks secured to the flooring had to be uninstalled and removed and a circular dance floor was constructed to raise the lowest level of the room," explains Harris. To recreate the popular B.E.D. nightclub called for a bit more wizardry. "Six extrafirm, king-size beds draped in white chiffon were set up around the perimeter of the main room and lights were installed underneath to add a glowing effect," he adds.

The entire building was decorated in white to reflect the changing colors of the event lighting throughout the evening. Clear, inflatable furniture accented the main dance area, professional lighting and sound systems were installed, a pool table placed in the lobby and various video game systems made available to guests in the breakout rooms. From the heat of Miami to the chill of Aspen's en vogue New Year's nightclub, the auditorium was truly transformed. The following year, the same client booked the space and the Given Institute was the setting for an Arabian Night-themed New Year.

An outdoor setting is sometimes on the docket for events, especially during Colorado's majestic summer. Pulling off a metamorphosis of Mother Nature requires extra attention to detail. Last September, The Park-Hyatt Beaver Creek's indoor and outdoor spaces were transformed into a Bavarian Village, complete with authentic entertainment for a conference.

"Alpine horns greeted guests, as did ladies and gents in lederhosen and dirndl to complete the charm of the evening," notes Ashley Robertson, sales and marketing coordinator for DSC, a destination management company. The meeting space was adorned with colorful and festive centerpieces, blue checkered linens and barrels filled with white and red flowers. After dinner, guests enjoyed the sounds of a fivepiece polka band.

DSC worked closely with its client to be sure the event customization catered to the demographics of the group and the goals of the meeting planner. "We worked with their budget and specific requests to make this event a success, truly altering the space and adding those extra-special props," Robertson shares. A highlight of the event was Tyler, a local Bernese Mountain Dog who greeted guests. He was probably the most talked about event accessory and the perfect complement to the Bavarian-themed event.

No Budget Breaker Here
Going from static hotel conference space to colorful extravaganza required Jessica Adler, owner of JA Special Events, to call upon the community. "Each year my company helps put together a fundraiser for ovarian cancer awareness in September. Since this is for a nonprofit, we ask for donations from local vendors and individuals to decorate the space due to our limited budget," notes Adler.

The resources are pooled from generous contributors, and the atmosphere of the space is completely overhauled. Each table has its own unique theme for the evening accommodating the varying donations of flowers and centerpieces-anything from Asian flair, winter wonderland, an apple a day, an evening in Paris, Zen garden or even autumn harvest. "Last year's event at the Marriott City Center was by far the most spectacular; we had more than 200 attendees and the décor was like nothing we had put together before," Adler says.

Galas and parties for the community can be pulled off on limited budgets with the help of ingenuity. "A Toast to Prevention" allowed Trisha Hunt, hospitality and marketing coordinator for Two Rivers Winery in Grand Junction, to get creative. She relied on her own talents and resources to provide the centerpieces and décor for the charity event. "I made paper mache high heel shoes that were painted pink, black and white and attached a light pink breast cancer ribbon to each one. We then filled the shoes with pink M&M's and Tootsie Rolls and tied black, pink and white balloons on the heels," Hunt describes.

The food was served at buffet stations-adorably decorated with different girly pieces such as boas, lipstick, candy and purses. The event demanded a mingling atmosphere, so cocktail tables were scattered throughout the space and a live band played classic rock.

The original room had no furniture or décor. "I went to extremes to pull this event off with a highclass and enjoyable setting for the nonprofit. Two Rivers Winery hosts many events, and we understand that some clients need that extra oomph and punch to impress the attendees," she says.

Whether the event preparation starts with a color scheme and ends with lighting touches or requires a pooch to pull off a sensational experience, most event spaces require a playful imagination to impress. Utilize the mood and layout to your benefit and add your own touches. The end goal should be to dazzle your client with the creation.

Event Spaces:

Black Bear Golf Club // Parker / 303.840.3100 / www.blackbeargc.com

Denver Marriott City Center // Denver / 303.297.1300 / www.marriott.com

Given Institute of the University of Colorado Denver, School of Medicine // Aspen / 970.925.1057 / www.giveninstitute.org

Infinity Park Event
Center // Glendale / 303.248.7100 / www.infinityparkeventcenter.com

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa // Avon / 970.949.1234 / beavercreek.hyatt.com

Two Rivers Winery // Grand Junction / 970.241.3155 / www.tworiverswinery.com

Planners:

Creative Events & Occasions // Denver / 720.231.8999

DSC // Avon / 970.476.6565 / www.dsc-co.com

Details Special Event Production Company Inc. // Conifer / 303.697.9400 / www.detailsproduction.com

JA Special Events // Westminster / 720.394.0282 / www.jaspecialeventsandweddings.com