Inspired by artistic expression, the event tipped its hat to Oatlands Estate’s new Grand Ballroom and the guestlist included many big players in the MICE industry.
What was the event? Navarra’s Whimsical Wonderland Secret Party at Oatlands Estate. The night explored all the senses of taste, sight, sound and touch in celebration of Oatlands Estate’s Grand Ballroom and Navarra’s 50 years in the industry.
How many guests attended? The evening of enchantment welcomed more than 700 people from Sydney FC, Four Seasons Hotels, Coca-Cola, Woolworths and Endemol Shine. Guests included the biggest names and companies in the events industry such as Melissa D Cruz, Leah Da Gloria, Wedded Wonderland, Jay Productions and Steven Khalil, as well as influencers, TV personalities and Navarra clients and suppliers.
Where and when was it held? Oatlands Estate by Navarra on 21 November, 2023.
How was your company involved in the event? The event concept was inspired by artistic expression. Vivid Sydney had just finished and we wanted to recreate an experience that would be just as immersive to the public.
The idea was to envelop our clients and guests in a new world through sight, touch, feel and taste. What better way to create a new experience then by stepping into a Whimsical Wonderland.
The concept flourished in brainstorming sessions at Navarra, which included research and online inspiration forums. To maintain the sensory experience theme, the event’s location was kept secret, with the reveal being a gift to attendees.
Planning involved building the guest list and creating assets to promote it. Special invitations, social media content, EDMs and collateral and design elements were created internally.
We collaborated with our preferred suppliers, chefs and operations team about ideas, logistics and how the night would be executed. A special shout out goes to LUXE by Navarra, which transformed the rooms into styled sensations, and Jay Productions for lighting and interactive elements.
What were the highlights of the event?
The reveal of the Grand Ballroom, which can host more than 500 people for a seated dinner and in excess of 1000 people for a cocktail event. The ballroom showcased innovation and creativity with four floating tables featuring food from around the world, prepared in-house, and high ceilings with stunning chandeliers.
Also amazing were glow-in-the-dark dance performances, with a DJ, on a black floor that illuminated cascading lights decorating the ceiling.
The event concept was designed to make food an integral feature. There were 19 food and drink stations with cuisine varieties from around the world that gave guests the opportunity to experience what Navarra is capable of.
Other elements across the venue included suites adorned with cherry blossom trees and Wagasa umbrellas, “Tiffany’s after dark” blue floral arrangements, and rose petals; dancing Geishas; oriental music; a live sushi train station; an Enchanted Garden with glow-in-the-dark games, video booth and kissing booth; and a spectacular dessert station.
What was the feedback from guests/clients? Overwhelmingly positive!
