Corporate Milestone Event: Experience Design At Work
When a client comes to us with an event they want our help on we start with strategy. Then we move to experience design, planning, and finally, production.
We wrote the following event experience overview to show the client what they could expect from their event BEFORE it even happened. Describing what the guests will see, hear, feel, and taste helps our clients not only envision their event coming to life but also share it with their stakeholders and create a united buy-in.
We map out the event based on the KPIs and ROI (tangible and intangible) that the client defines in our strategy session.
We’re proud to report that this event we produced to help a company celebrate a milestone achievement and look to an even brighter future was even more magical than we could imagine.
For privacy reasons, we’ve changed some of the confidential details.
CELEBRATING A DECADE OF CARE
Celebrating a decade of revolutionary contributions to over six million lives, our company hosted an enchanting soirée at the elegantly restored Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts in Oakland, CA. The event, aptly themed ALL THE LIGHT, was a tribute to the luminous achievements of its dedicated team and partners.
Upon arrival, the scene was set with a dramatic flourish: guests were greeted by a whimsical performer, perched high atop a 15-foot pole, her long, flowing yellow skirt billowing like a beacon in the soft evening breeze. This was just the first hint of the night's magic.
A fabulous custom yellow carpet led attendees up the grand staircase, where they were swiftly checked in via QR codes by a welcoming registration team. The invitation to immortalize the moment at a bespoke photo step and repeat was eagerly accepted by many, with photos ready for collection in elegant folios as a parting gift
Stepping through the threshold, guests were dazzled by a procession of LED-lit abstract arches, guiding them into the opulent main hall. Here, the air was alive with the melodious blend of an LED grand piano and an electric violin duo, creating a captivating sonic backdrop. The welcome continued with a selection of signature cocktails and sparkling wine, setting the stage for an evening of indulgence.
The delectable culinary offerings were a spectacle in themselves: chilled oysters, sumptuous shrimp platters, and a myriad of exquisite hors d'oeuvres circulated including halibut ceviche, Treviso spring roll, grilled kofta with grape brochettes, and smoked duck breast. The ambiance was further enriched by a roaming LED poi performer, tray servers, mobile ring light photographers, and the intriguing antics of mentalist David Gerard, who mingled with the crowd, weaving spells of wonder and delight.
The concourse served as a dynamic landscape of interactive experiences. Fashion sketches, aura readings, and a Glam Bot photo booth offered playful escapades. At the same time, the altruistic could craft superhero masks at the Boom Pow booth, a heartwarming initiative for children in hospital care for diabetes treatment.
Dazzling from the specialty round performance stage, a ballet performance popped up with dancers dressed in classical costumes then absconding into the crowd to continue to dazzle (and possibly pose for selfies with the guests).
The evening was marked by a stunning aerial performance, unfolding above the crowd to reveal custom costuming. This spectacle seamlessly transitioned into an inspirational address by the CEO underscored by awe-inspiring lighting projections on the ‘Paraluna’ artwork by Christopher Schardt—a moment that earned a thunderous ovation and a toast to all that got them there and will take the company into the future.
Culinary delights awaited at various chef’s stations, from rich paella, a mouth-watering taco offering to vibrant Mediterranean and Thai dishes, each bite a testament to global flavors. The terrace, overlooking tranquil Lake Merritt encircled by string lights, offered a serene escape with the sounds of a gypsy jazz quartet, reminiscent of a Parisian night. Here, guests savored a Scotch-tasting experience, their spirits as elevated as their surroundings.
As twilight deepened into the velvety night, desserts such as freshly made mini donuts, fruit skewers, and espressos were enjoyed under the stars.
The evening culminated with the vibrant performance of The (415)s- a 10-piece band, inviting everyone to the dance floor, where break dancers infused the crowd with energy, their moves as effervescent as the confetti that later showered the revelers.
As guests departed, they were wished a good night by the swaying performer atop the 15’ pole, this time dressed in an LED-lit costume- pulling through the theme of Illuminat10n.
In every detail, the experience was not just an event but a vivid tapestry of celebration, innovation, and connection—a night that those fortunate enough to attend would not soon forget.
