To rein in the space--a convention center in Milwaukee--the event team turns to draping to cover walls and entrances. Swagged and illuminated, the drape adds softness to the space.
To further soften the convention center venue, the event team brings in 350 trees, shrubs and plants, including 16-foot ficus trees surrounded by textural foliage uplit with amber illumimation.
The pre-function space is set with lounge seating vignettes for guests to enjoy while taking in a collection of six double-sided mahogany illuminated panels featuring famous speakers who had addressed the company.
A panel with a quote from an address by Olympic gold medal skater Bonnie Blair.
A quote from an address by British prime minister Margaret Thatcher.
A view of the welcoming lounge seating ...
Another view of the lounge; note the elegant seating.
Another floral arrangement.
Four walk-through buffets break up the massive room. Here, the "spring" theme event keys on a "Hollywood glamour" theme.
Rises on the buffet table showcase images from past Oscar events.
A second walk-through buffet keys on the circus, a particular love of the company' s CEO. The company had hosted an annual Summer Circus fun day for employees and their families.
Vintage posters add to the mood ...
Here, a buffet gives a nod to the company's longtime "fall kickoff" event, with a structure decorated with birch branches, fall leaves and hanging lanterns with twinkling lights.
A detail of the fall buffet.
At the "fall" buffet, food is presented on oak rounds as risers.
The family behind the company had hosted a holiday party every year, at which each child of every employee received a gift. Here, that event is saluted at a buffet.
A detail from the "holiday party" buffet.
A charming riser at the "holiday party" buffet.
An interactive, double-sided dessert buffet stands at the center of the room, presenting highlights from the company's history.
A detail from the dessert buffet.
A pair of 25- by 18-foot mahogany-finished oval bars host 12 bartenders each. In the center were four Prairie-style columns that upheld a chiffon lampshade, which functioned as a back bar.
Defining the performance area are 20 custom zebra wood Delano tables with fruitwood bar stools.
The stage is backed by a water wall that cascades in front of a Prairie-style pattern of a wheat field motif that was a feature of the company's headquarters building.
A lounge area for guests to enjoy the entertainment.
A cherished quilt from the CEO's wife holds a place of honor.
Guest tables feature lamps with shades decorated with vintage photos from the company's history.
An elegant floral arrangement in a wooden box.
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