Into the Wild
Entire Productions designs an annual showcase experience for clients and those in the event planning industry to highlight our best talent. The collaboration brought the best of what all of us could ever imagine!
Explore the WILD on social media!
#EntireGetsWild #entireproductions #calacademy
To see all of the photos click here. Thank you to Jim Vetter and Misti Layne.
1200 RSVPs, 55 Vendors, 2 Hours to Load In: Into the Wild 2023
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.
OUR EVENT SPONSORS
Food and Beverage
Constellation Culinary Group
Silvia Williams @byconstellation
McCalls Catering
Kirsty Gumina @mccallssf
Taste Catering Melissa Panico @tastecateringsf
Carrie Dove Catering Adam Dove @carriedovecateringandevents
Melons Catering
Sheldon Sloan @melons_catering
Global Gourmet
Laura Bachmann @globalgourmetcatering
Componere
Katie Silverstein @componerefinecatering
Knights Catering
Molly Kelly @knightscatering
Betty Zlatchin
Jose Vega @bettyzlatchincatering
Culinary Eye
Madison Melton @culinaryeyecatering
Foxtail
Ally Grubb @FoxtailCatering
Juice Shop
Jake Gulick @juiceshopsf
Ritual Coffee Roasters
Eileen Rinaldi @ritualcoffee
SF Cocktail Club
Rebecca Lanham @sfcocktail.club
Tonic
Jeff Barney @Tonic_bev_catering
PRODUCER
Entire Productions
Natasha Miller @entireproductions
VENUE
California Academy of Sciences
Christophe Ley @calacademy
DECOR RENTAL
Standard Events and Rentals
Parker Farrow @standardeventrentals
BBJ La Tavola
Tanya Lopez @bbjlatavola
AUDIO/VISUAL
The Lux Productions
Billy Nettles @theluxproductions
JL Imagination
Patty Pedreschi @jlimagination
FLORAL
Garden Party
Amy Vassar @gardenpartysf
The Bloom Generation
Gina Baiamonte @bloomgeneration
Flower Casita
Tali Bouskila @eventsbyflowercasita
PHOTOGRAPHY
Misti Layne Photography
Misti Layne @mistilayne.weddings
What was your favorite experience at the event?
“Besides eating yummy food, I loved the interactive experiences,
especially the Henna Artist.”
- Kimberly Carfi, So Eventful
“Hard to pick just one but the roaming dancers added an exotic touch.
Themed cocktails were yummy, the DJ was fabulous.”
- Dianne Newton-Shaw, Placemaking Group
“Seeing a live event at its finest! Seeing industry friends!”
- Chelsea Bowman Wonnell, The Seminary at Strawberry
“Entire Productions Annual Experience is the BEST EVENT OF THE YEAR and very well attended.” -Christophe Ley, California Academy of Sciences
"Always great working with the Entire team. Their clear communications, positive attitudes, and flexibility result in perfect events, every time!" Austin- The Bar Car
"Load in/out was much smoother than I anticipated given that 11 other caterers were competing for space." Laura- Global Gourmet Catering
"Thank you for letting us shine on your behalf." The Lux Productions
"This event was spectacular. Entire Productions really organized this well considering all the vendors involved! You were extremely detailed. The theme, decor, and overall effect of this event was one of the best industry events I have seen!" David Nemoyten, Senior Event Sales Manager, California Academy of Sciences
"The Entire Productions team is amazing to work with!" JL Imagination
"Entire Productions is a go-big and have-fun production company! We loved working with their talented, professional, and creative-minded team. This is the event of the year with new ideas and networking within our industry." -Tali from Flower Casita Events