For this project, our client asked us to transport 800 guests to “Old Florida” for their annual partner retreat. This program took place in Boca Raton and included 32 distinct events over 6 days. Our team was responsible to fulfill the overall creative vision for the event, plus the procurement and onsite execution of all decor and entertainment. External factors introduced their own set of hurdles. The Florida weather, with its crushing 94% humidity, unpredictable wind, and intermittent rain, forced us to become adept at contingency planning.
Embracing the Old Florida aesthetic, the poolside anchored the Havana Nights themed Welcome Party, featuring lush florals, custom-made Panama hat wall, a 5-piece Cuban band complete with rum tasting and a flair bartender. The incorporation of unique decor pieces such as a shipwreck floral wall photo booth, the client’s name in custom floating pool letters, and a shipwreck entrance piece added an extra layer of personalization, charm and sophistication. For the Afterglow party, guests were invited to the “Old Florida” inspired Casino in the resort’s Cathedral. The theme was enhanced by elemental decor pieces such as authentic spanish tiles, towering white canvas palm trees at the entrance, candlelit centerpieces and completed with intricate wooden and cognac furniture vignettes.
Moving indoors the following night, decadent linens and opulent florals adorned the Recognition and Awards Reception and Dinner. Embracing the resort’s teal and terracotta accents in the space we leaned into this for our custom tablescapes to be complemented by warm candlelight and lush green accents. Once the formalities concluded, guests headed next door to the Bourbon Bar-inspired venue for an evening performance by the company’s band. This space was transformed with dark woods, dark leather, and gun-metal infused sophistication creating a bourbon-lover’s paradise for their Rock Concert (consisting of company partners as musicians), complemented by a seven-foot-tall marquee signage casting a warm glow over the celebration.
After a wonderful day of activities and meals the group prepped for a private Sheryl Crow concert! Due to inclimate weather, seamless transitions from outdoor to indoor setups ensured the events remained unmarred by nature’s whims. With nimble precision, we orchestrated the relocation of essential elements from an outdoor setting to indoors, ensuring the concert’s energy remained high despite the unexpected change of venue. The custom-built stage, designed to complement the outdoor atmosphere, needed to be adapted to an indoor setting without losing its edgy allure. Bars and stage barricades were strategically repositioned, maintaining the concert’s dynamic essence while adhering to the constraints of the indoor space while crafting an edgy concert vibe and ensuring that every guest had a front-row seat to the magic.
