The Place: Ice Palace Film Studios
The Scoop: At 145,000 square feet, including a coconut-palm-dappled 30,000-square-foot lawn, 4,860-square-foot lobby and five fully equipped production stages, Ice Palace Studios is an event pro's dream for gigs with guests counts of up to 10,000.
The Buzz: A mixture of 1920s theatrical charm and 21st century technology makes Ice Palace Studios a favorite for major-studio film shoots and a great bet for events that require the glamour of lush draping and the convenience of dedicated phone, fax and modem lines. Additional touches such as strip skylights and hammock-accented grounds take advantage of Miami's magnificent sunshine and balmy breezes.
The Fans: Hewlett-Packard; Tanqueray; Gloria Estefan
The Quote: “Ice Palace Film Studios offers a versatile range of production options in an elegant, inspiring environment. The Ice Palace is the centerpiece of the Old Town production district, which continues to revitalize numerous historic properties in the vicinity of 14th Street and North Miami Avenue.”
— Juan Carlos Piedrahita, manager
The 411: Ice Palace Film Studios
1400 N. Miami Ave.
Miami, Fl 33136
305/672-5117
www.big-time.com
The Place: Mansion
The Scoop: A dedicated production team, a 20-by-30-foot stage with theatrical rigging and multiple green rooms, a full-scale lighting rig and control desk outfitted with more than 100 intelligent lighting fixtures, not to mention a reputation as one of the hottest clubs on Miami Beach's scorching nightlife scene — what more could you ask for in an event venue?
The Buzz: A series of dazzling, distinct spaces draws event guests ever deeper into Mansion's majesty. Among event-friendly options, there's the Lobby with its opulent 1936 chandelier and LED-lit archways, Mansion's famed dance floor and an overlooking mezzanine decked out with luxurious lounging beds, suede and leather sofas, and high-walled booths for privacy-hungry VIPs.
The Fans: Paris Hilton; Moet & Chandon; VH1; NASCAR
The Quote: “Mansion's heralded design elements include sweeping staircases, ornate fireplaces, Venetian glass mirrors, dramatic crystal chandeliers, exposed brick walls, towering keystone arches and cozy seating areas that mix modern Lucite pieces with luxurious banquettes.”
— Paula Walker, director of corporate events
The 411: Mansion
1235 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305/531-5535
www.theopiumgroup.com
The Face: David E. Johnson
The Biz: A Basket Affair
The Scoop: Johnson, a former exporter of baskets from the Philippines, eventually took up floral design, then full-service event planning. While he handles corporate and social with equal aplomb, the Fort Lauderdale-based decor whiz has a special place in his heart, and busy 50-events-per-year schedule, for charitable and community organizations that benefit from his budget-conscious planning.
The Buzz: A businessman and philanthropist both, Johnson's dedication to good causes wins him gigs and gratitude from such prominent national nonprofits as the Lupus Foundation of America, for which he produced February's exquisite Butterfly Ball at the sprawling Mar-a-Lago country club in Palm Beach. Of course, his sheer talent also scores him corporate contracts, such as this spring's million-dollar Hatteras Yacht Expo in New Bern, N.C.
The Fans: Boys & Girls Club of America; Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation; Canadian National Railway
The Quote: “Whether it is artistic floral, menu design, custom linen or cutting-edge entertainment, A Basket Affair strives to make all events, with large or small budgets, so memorable that guests talk about them for days.” — David Johnson
The 411: A Basket Affair
830 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334
954/567-2052
www.basketaffairftl.com
NEW IN TOWN
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