Into the Wild 2023: 1200 RSVPs, 55 Vendors, 2 Hours to Load In
In March 2020, as the world grappled with the challenges of the pandemic, the event planning industry was brought to a standstill. The uncertainties of the time forced us, along with countless others, to cancel our highly anticipated event, scheduled for March 17, 2020.
However, despite the setbacks, we persevered, and fast forward to 2023, we proudly present the remarkable revival of our event—Into the Wild 2023.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
With 95% of our event planned before the pandemic struck, the sudden lockdowns presented a significant blow. Yet, we were determined to overcome this setback. Recognizing the difficulties faced by our vendors, we made the proactive decision to cancel the event two weeks prior. It was a difficult choice, but it spared our partners from unnecessary investments in catering, floral arrangements, and more.
The Long Journey to Revival
Over the course of two years, we weathered the storm of an event industry that had been brought to its knees. Some businesses were unable to survive these challenging times, but we forged ahead, fueled by our unwavering dedication. As we embarked on the journey to resurrect our event in 2023, we sought to retain the essence of our original vision while expanding and improving upon it.
Experience Design as Our Guiding Principle
At the core of our event planning philosophy lies experience design—the art of creating memorable and impactful moments for guests. We believe that every event, including corporate gatherings, requires careful thought and planning to deliver an exceptional experience. With this in mind, we meticulously curated four distinct biomes within the sprawling museum, each offering a unique ambiance and carefully selected elements to engage and captivate attendees.
Doing the Impossible
A miracle was about to take place. We expertly and easily got all of our vendors loaded into the building and were set up and ready to go with just a 2-hour window for load-in. Why such a short window? Well, our venue- The Cal Academy of Sciences- was open to the public until 5:00 pm, Our event extravaganza was to begin at 7:00 pm. This is event management and planning fine-tuned. It was nearly impossible- but we did it!
There were over 100 guests gathered on the patio by 6:45p eagerly waiting and entertained by the Blue Devils drumline and sipping on hot drinks from the airstream bar placed perfectly outside on the promenade.
Immersed in Wonder
Our Arctic, Rainforest, Savannah, and Everglades biomes transported guests into captivating worlds, complete with bespoke decor, culinary delights, enchanting lighting, exquisite floral designs, and captivating entertainment. From the moment guests first learned about our event, through every inflection point of awe and delight, we meticulously orchestrated a seamless and unforgettable experience.
A Miraculous Revival
Despite the challenges faced by the event industry during the pandemic, the word quickly spread about Into the Wild 2023. Against all odds, we received an astonishing RSVP count of over 1200 attendees. It was a testament to the resilience and unwavering spirit of the event community, as well as a reflection of the anticipation and excitement surrounding our highly anticipated gathering.
A Race Against the Elements
As the day of our event arrived, stormy weather threatened to dampen our plans. The gusting winds from the atmospheric river tested the resilience of our tents, threatening to disrupt the proceedings. However, through sheer determination, we managed to complete the hushed and focused load-in process, ensuring all vendors were safely set up within the narrow two-hour window we had been allotted. It was a minor miracle that set the stage for an extraordinary evening.
A Night of Splendor
As guests began to pour into the venue, an electric atmosphere of excitement permeated the air. The collective "oohs" and "ahhs" resonated throughout the building, as attendees reveled in the immersive, interactive, and imaginative experience we had painstakingly crafted. Mouth-watering bites, artisanal cocktails, and costumed vendors delighted the senses, while break dancers, head-to-toe-painted models, and even violinists performing acrobatically (hanging upside down from a lyra apparatus) added an exhilarating touch to the festivities. Our event design came to life even more dramatically and more impactful than we had anticipated!
Unforgettable Moments
From the enchanting Savannah activation, where the kora performer provided a delightful accompaniment to the terrarium-making station, to the presence of live penguins amidst henna tattoo sessions, every moment was carefully curated to captivate and engage. Even as the event drew to a close, the memories forged that night would remain etched in the minds of all who participated and attended.
A Revitalized Industry
As the night came to an end, a sense of triumph filled the air. Into the Wild 2023 not only marked the successful revival of our event but also signified the resurgence of the event industry as a whole. It was a celebration of the resilience and indomitable spirit of event professionals and a reminder that extraordinary experiences have the power to bring people together and reignite our collective joy.
Into the Wild 2023 was more than just an event; it was a testament to human resilience, determination, and the power of immersive experiences. Despite the challenges faced along the way, we emerged stronger, revitalizing an industry and creating lasting memories for all those fortunate enough to participate. As we look toward the future, we remain committed to pushing boundaries, crafting extraordinary experiences, and shaping the landscape of corporate events with thoughtfulness and ingenuity.