Event production company Funktionality was tasked with taking a conference after-party to new heights with a show-stopping Alice in Wonderland Theme, and they delivered.
Here, the team shares how they pulled off the event and left a lasting impression on delegates.
FAST FACTS
What: Annual conference after party for a large international recruitment agency
Who: Approximately 800 national staff members
Where: Grand Ballroom at Luna Park, Sydney
The brief
For the last six years, we have been engaged to bring to life the styling and entertainment for what is always a fun and creative event.
This year, they came to us with an Alice in Wonderland theme and a desire to create a really immersive experience.
With this in mind, we came up with some key entertainment and elaborate theming and décor to transform the grand ballroom.
The execution
We took into account all aspects of the space from the ceiling and walls to the entry and exit points, as well as the outdoor areas and stage.
Working with some exciting technology provided by Ultra Vision, we divided up the space, creating pockets of activity such as a fully draped virtual reality activation on the mezzanine floor (accessed via a drape tunnel), as well as a chill-out area encased in walls of hanging foliage for a more intimate space.
The entry into the space was lined with foliage and multiple draped walkways, lights and shapes roamed the floors, while dramatic burgundy draping and whimsical backdrops lined every wall. From large clocks and flamingos to teacups and candles no detail was spared!
To finish off the space, we installed a large Alice in Wonderland inspired gate backdrop on stage, as well as ivy-draped props that hung from the ceiling.
Entertainment played a key role in the experience for the duration of the event. The Mad Hatter himself interrupted the end of the conference by appearing on stage at the Big Top, asking guests to follow him “down the rabbit hole” into the Grand Ballroom.
There, guests were greeted by five-piece act ‘Sweet As’ who provided high energy tunes throughout the night only interrupted for the main show of the evening, an incredible combination of fire, music and acrobatics provided by the talented and kooky duo Velvet Royale.
The exhilarating entertainment and elaborate theming would not have had the same impact without the incredible imagination and technical talent of our dedicated team, to whom we are immensely grateful to work with each year on this event.
The result
After nine years working with our client and suppliers, we received great feedback, with both the client and guests being extremely happy with the outcome, labelling it the best year yet!
Plans are underway for this year’s event, it’s just a matter of when with the coronavirus. With the downtime to plan something extra special, it’s going to be bigger and better – watch this space!
Get in touch with the team at Funktionality here.
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