Albrecht Events - 2016 ILEA Award Winners
A Tale of Two Events: One Brilliant Plan - BEST EVENT FOR A CORPORATE OR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
We're proud to announce that Albrecht Events received 2016 ILEA awared for 'Best Event for a Corporate or Non-Profit' and 'Best Team Event.'
Challenged for nine consecutive years by the CEO of a leading consumer products equity organization to produce a holiday party that is more memorable than the previous celebrations, we were hired as the general contractor and overall event designer for this weekend of events. Our event designers drew inspiration from the twinkle of the holiday light show, Electrical Spectacle, at the venue Franklin Square and expanded the concept of illumination to dazzle attendees throughout the evening. From the moment of arrival and throughout the event on Saturday December 5, 2015 from 6 to 11 p.m., guests experienced one magical illumination after the next. From being greeted by illuminated butterflies fluttering overhead and guiding them to the tent draped in gold metallic and sparkling décor to an evening of entertainment programming that included a lighted drum kit and a performance by iLuminate, the evening was literally brilliant from start to finish. Following the dinner, the event space was also immediately transformed into a Willy Wonka themed event for a family brunch the following morning on December 6, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also, important to note, the entire plan for both events, including the location and theme, is a surprise to guests until their moment of arrival.
Situated in the heart of Historic Philadelphia, Franklin Square was selected as the ideal location to host this magnificent 2-day event. With the spectacular Electrical Spectacle light show featuring more than 50,000 lights as the inspiration, our event designers weaved illumination throughout the entire experience leaving more than 200 guests with a cheerful holiday glow.
A tent with a partial clear ceiling was constructed to allow the exterior light show and stars to add to the ambiance and shine through the cocktail space. The event kicked off with holiday spirits and appetizers surrounded by glittering brilliance. The metallic backdrop enhanced the guests’ attire as they were asked to wear gold, silver or black. The glittery look was further enhanced with shimmering gold sequined linens highlighted with gold vases of lush amaryllis, calla lilies, berries and other seasonal blooms. Positioned atop a raised platform, a Mirror Man contortionist in a costume featuring head to toe circular mirrors entertained guests and provided further illumination from the reflection of his costume, along with the glowing roving butterflies.
From cocktails to dinner, the gold drape was opened for a dramatic reveal of the dinner space. In contrast to the cocktail space, our team designed a theatrical black box. Everything was black – draped walls, carpet, dance floor, linens, chairs, plates, goblets, and the ceiling. Using a fiber optic curtain with programmable twinkle lights for the ceiling treatment, guests dined under the stars and our team had the opportunity to truly black out the room for the iLuminate performance. Guests were completely in awe of the atmosphere. Floral centerpieces reflected the dark, black look and some tables were enhanced with black structural elements for height along with glowing votive candles.
As guests finished the second course, a Voice of God requested that guests remain safely seated as all lighting would be turned down for a special performance. The tent went completely dark and quiet until the music started and dancers from iLuminate entered the stage. This was a surprise performance to guests. As seen on America’s Got Talent, these electrifying entertainers wearing glow-in the-dark-suits had jaw-dropping dance moves. The glowing colors of their costumes moved and rotated based on their songs and musical tempos as the dancers told several stories in a completely blacked out room giving their costume impact and creating a big wow. After dessert, guests were treated to another performance curated by our team. Go Go Gadjet, a band with a cutting edge musical experience and unique lighting choreography and production attracted guests to the dance floor to experience a light show that pulsated with the beat of the music. As guests danced the night away, their light up accessories continued the theme of illumination. The fiber optic ceiling above also coordinated with the band’s light choreography and changed colors to match the mood of each song. Connecting with the audience, corporate associates even joined arm in arm revealing the success of the overall event before being transported back to their hotel.
While asleep, visions of sugar plums danced in their heads as they planned to return the next morning with their families for brunch. Bright and festive décor including brightly colored cushions and linens, as well as oversized colorful candies and lollipops, were brought in overnight to provide a contrast to the black backdrop from the night before.
It was an unusually warm sunny day in December which allowed 240 guests to experience the fun Franklin Square attractions, which were exclusive to the party-goers. Centered around it’s beautiful fountain, Franklin Square features the Liberty Carousel, a one-of-a-kind Philly Mini Golf course, as well as a playground, one of Philly’s best play spaces.
Inside the tent many activities entertained children – a giant coloring wall, play areas with mini cardboard ice cream trucks, arts and crafts project to create a lollipop man, photo booth with coordinating themed props and unlimited sweet treats including a branded hot chocolate bar and a branded cotton candy station. Children were delighted with all the fun and sat on a couch decorated with giant lollipops to receive gifts from the company. Willy Wonka characters engaged with guests and led a bubble gum blowing contest. The atmosphere was festive with family favorite holiday tunes piped in.