Idea Book. ACE finalist 2018 RH Event Group

The Achievement in Catering & Events (ACE) awards honor those who have worked tirelessly to keep their clients thrilled and their companies on the cutting edge. Each year, caterers and event planners from around the globe submit their best work from the past year in hopes of being recognized as the best in the industry. Catersource’s annual awards show, also including the ICA CATIE awards, took place in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace on February 19, 2018.

Each company submitted two events for ACE consideration. Here is a look at the two events that elevated RH Event Group in the category of finalist, Events West under $2 Million in revenue.

ONE: Transforming the Gaslamp District into The Big Easy

A global software company has hosting its international sales conference in San Diego and wanted to send their global guests back to their home offices with great memories on the final night of the gathering. Because Mardi Gras was the following week, the company asked the RH Event Group to transform the historic Gaslamp District into an authentic New Orleans street experience.

Although the District’s historic architecture and trendy bars and eateries were great “bones” for the project, RH Events amped it up with high-tech lighting and video and live street décor. Although they made this feat seem like “the big easy,” it was far from it – a rainstorm rolled in and the team only had four hours to make final adjustments before the evening start time. Thankfully, the skies cleared and the event went off without a hitch.

Mardi Gras was recreated down to the last detail. Photo courtesy RH Event Group

A giant gateway structure lit-up and morphed to different colors throughout the evening and custom-branded kiosks helped guests find their way. Food and beverage from local eateries added a varied and unique food experience—just like NOLA.

When revelers’ feet got tired, they could easily find a tufted vinyl sofa, chair, or ottoman in green, purple or gold. The metallic pieces added glamour and dimension as they caught the light, which was a creative wink to Mardi Gras beads.

This dazzling area was a great place to chat or watch the festivities. Photo courtesy RH Event Group

What is New Orleans without a great parade? Guests danced from the Convention Center to the party, accompanied by stilt walkers and, a range of dancers, and other costumed characters. The parade grew along the path, as performers dressed as a giant flamingo and jester joined the festivities. Guests could tip their arms in a paint tattoo station, adding even more color to the event.

Just two of the many themed performers who got the party started. Photo courtesy RH Event Group

Says Russell Harris, President of RH Events, “Our client and all of the guests were absolutely thrilled.  This was truly a Fat Tuesday experience to rival all others – well, except one of course! 

TWO: Nothing Prehistoric About This Holiday Party…Except the Theme!

A giant player in the Quick Serve Restaurant (QSR) industry decided to super-size their annual holiday party, and RH Events brought another era back to life, with dinosaurs, a rain forest, and even hot lava dance floors.

Inspired by Universal Studios, RH Events brought in a film industry art director to add realism to the “set.” The décor for the rain forest filled 15 semis and the environment wasn’t just visually captivated, it fed all the senses. With only two days for the installation, the team had to move quickly and efficiently. They engaged local nurseries to supply the greenery and gardeners to keep it looking fresh, because SoCal was in the middle of a drought at the time. Respectful of the environment, the producers recirculated the water in the faux waterfall throughout the evening.

Guests felt as if they welcomed to the jungle with this dramatic yet warm décor. Photo courtesy danscott.pics

The DJ made a dramatic entrance via a vine cage and RH Events was mindful of “safety first” as elements of the décor flew through the night air. Fog drifted off the two dance floors, one of which was “lava” and the other “water,” connected by a bridge.

The hot lava dance floor contributed to the vibe. Photo courtesy danscott.pics

The tables were also prehistoric-themed, with custom-made tops to simulate alligator and snakeskin. Centerpieces included tropical fauna.

RH Event’s cinematic and dramatic eye and client focus has garnered them big brand clients like LinkedIn, Fandango, Intel, and Disney Media Distribution. “They return time and again for our edgy style, professionalism and creativity,” says Harris. Not all of RH Event Group’s productions are as large as the dinosaurs, however. “Whether it’s an intimate event for 50 or large-scale event for thousands, clients find that any project we take on is produced with professionalism and an unforgettable touch of style,” he asserts.

How cool is this? An ice dinosaur and his big green companion! Photo courtesy danscott.pics