Carnival Cavort & Hoop Dreams

Late in 2015, Eventworks Inc., Los Angeles, CA, orchestrated a carnival reception followed by a basketball dinner party for a private family celebration and fundraiser. Here’s a look:
A 90-minute reception took place in two large red-and-white tents that were erected in the patio area of the venue. Eventworks provided eight interactive carnival games and five booths, stocked with authentic carnival prizes. An iPad caricaturist and a British iPad magician provided entertainment.
Said executive producer Kristen Rensch, “The client had created an event name and logo and all 250 guests were recognized in a very personal manner. Everyone received customized party favors.
“At check-in all guests received a branded cloth bag with handmade name tags so that they could store their carnival prizes. Our booths were stacked with a large variety of colorful plush animals including 300 event-branded and custom produced teddy bears.
“Branded coat check tags were handed out to winners of the jumbo-sized plush animals so they could pick them up easily just before leaving the party. Additionally, all young guests received branded and customized basketball team socks to take home.”

“We served a variety of locally sourced and popular snacks,” said Rensch, “all packaged and presented on customized displays. Children could create their own custom flavored beverage at a soda bar. A wood-fire pizza truck served mini pizzas in custom boxes. A dim sum cart and a variety of passed hors d'oeuvres completed the reception offerings. All cups were custom designed with the event branding.”

As the reception concluded, guests were ushered toward the customized ‘Hall of Mirrors’ that was designed to disguise the ballroom interior. As the passageway was opened and guests entered, the 5,000 square-foot basketball-themed ballroom was revealed. “We had created a 90' x 90' wooden dance floor with custom graphics that looked like a basketball court,” said Rensch.

“We displayed custom basketball jerseys with the Guest of Honor's name and favorite number, decorated tables with basketball center pieces and hired the Harlem Hoopster Trio for entertainment. Seating arrangements featured custom throw pillows,” said Rensch.

Dinner consisted of a fully customized menu displayed on five buffets that all received sports-themed treatments. Lighting and signage matched. Cookies for dessert were branded and table numbers were displayed on foam fingers.
All wait and event staffers wore custom t-shirt uniforms.
All guests received more party favors: custom t-shirts, branded rubber bracelets, LED glow sticks, sun glasses, and a take-out box of mini-donuts.

“It was a lot of fun to help bring together such a fun, colorful event,” said Rensch. “We were especially touched by the fact that the private family celebration also served as a fundraiser for disadvantaged local children and youth. Collection bins were stationed throughout the event and guests were asked to bring a donation in lieu of gifts. All the branded items and furnishings will be repurposed in the future for the family's foundation fundraising events.”

Get Fresh February 2016
eNews February 2016