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 Kristin Banta Events in the category of Winner, Events West under $2 Million in revenue.
All photos courtesy Kristin Banta Events
ONE: Let it Snow at Coachella! Building Bumbleland in the Desert
Bumble found the perfect match when they engaged Kristin Banta Events to create an upscale 20,000 square foot ski resort set amidst the dust, heat, and palm trees of the Coachella Valley. The activation for 1,000 guests —called Bumbleland—needed to hold up during an 80-degree day.
The promotional event appeared throughout social networks, touting the event as bringing together a cool crowd during a hot music festival.
An igloo has never felt so warm and welcoming. Photo courtesy Kristin Banta Events
The location, in the middle of a residential neighborhood, required tight planning, security, and cooperation from the neighbors (who were invited to a pre-party on the estate). Real and artificial snow, an air-conditioned igloo, and an ice bar with four ice lounges contributed to the cool factor. The set also contained gondolas, a tubing run, a snow angel garden, a ski chairlift photo booth, a swim-up ice bar, a chalet-inspired DJ booth, and leather hair wrapping and braiding stations.
Like snowflakes, every aspect of the event was unique, including a completely customized step-and-repeat created out of stacked logs and a winter “fauxidermy” bar.
Another creative touch of winter in the desert. We’re swiping right on this branded gondola! Photo courtesy Kristin Banta Events
Guests might actually have thought they were in Aspen rather than the Colorado desert, thanks to the imagination and resourcefulness of Kristin Banta Events, who received warm kudos from the team at Bumble.
Photo opps abounded at this creative entrance and the Snow Angel Garden. Photo courtesy Kristin Banta Events
The entry point to Winter Bumble Land. Photo courtesy Kristin Banta Events
TWO: Saying “I Do” Amidst 3,000 Butterflies
The bride had a basic vision for her dream wedding: An emerald, cream, and gold palette with a path of white petals down the aisle, which was in Ojai, California. But other than that direction and a limited budget (as is the case with many events), the couple did not provide many specifics to Kristin Banta.
Real sunflowers adorned the altar. Photo courtesy Kristin Banta Events
But the planners fluttered into action, creating an event that reflected the personalities of the bride and groom, with a free-spirited environment of 3,000 faux butterflies and an outcropping of real sunflowers, planted on the golf course where the ceremony was held. The butterflies were even engineered to move with the wind, delighting and mesmerizing guests.
Butterflies, butterflies everywhere! Photo courtesy Kristin Banta Events
Because the groom loves country-western music, the cocktail hour was held in a rustic Americana setting with American flags, cowhide rugs, burlap pillows and wildflower arrangements. The escort cards were crafted from feathery fly-fishing hooks.
Through these two events, Kristin Banta has proven their versatility in working both with companies and individuals. They have helped design the ballroom for Lotte World’s 6-Star Hotel in Seoul, Korea, applying their knowledge of weddings to hotel design. “We look forward to strengthening our partnerships and continued growth in all areas of design, consulting, and full event production, pushing the limits of our design capabilities with innovation at the helm,” says Kristin Banta, Creative Director.
A cozy touch of Nashville in Ojai. Photo courtesy Kristin Banta Events
Applications for the 2019 ACE Awards have closed, but you can cheer on the winners at the Spark! Awards Gala on February 25, 2019 in New Orleans, LA, featuring the culinary skills of Chef Curtis Stone and his team from Curtis Stone Events. Click here for more information!
