The Place: The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
The Scoop: Located in Fort Worth's Cultural District, the museum is the go-to venue for planners designing sophisticated, elegant events. Private groups can arrange access to the museum's galleries, which house impressive collections of modern and contemporary art; guided tours are also available for special events. Event areas include an oval dining room overlooking the museum's reflecting pond, the Grand Lobby and a 250-seat auditorium; the sculpture garden is ideal for standing receptions. Cafe Modern, the museum's on-site dining facility and exclusive caterer, accommodates up to 250 guests; its outdoor terrace can host 72 guests seated or 150 standing.
The Buzz: Cafe Modern offers seasonal and made-to-order menus. Event planners can choose from dishes including risotto cakes with smoked mozzarella and marinara dipping sauce, duck tacos with tropical fruit salsa, and Asian lettuce wraps; both seated dinners and buffets are available.
The Quote: “Set in the spectacular, enchanting backdrop of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, special events promise to be a huge success. This unique environment offers what no other can — your guests surrounded by masterpieces of art and architecture.” — Kendal Smith Lake, manager of communications
The 411: Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
3200 Darnell St.
Fort Worth, TX 76107
817/738-9215
www.themodern.org
The Place: Billy Bob's Texas
The Scoop: Nestled in the Fort Worth Stockyards historic district, the self-proclaimed “World's Largest Honky-Tonk” is a 100,000-square-foot entertainment center offering classic Western style. Featuring more than 30 bar stations, a “Texas-sized” dance floor, and a capacity of 6,000 guests, the venue specializes in hosting large groups. Event-goers can test their bull-riding prowess in Billy Bob's Texas Arena or challenge each other to a midway game in the arcade.
The Buzz: The saloon-style Texas Club can accommodate up to 125 guests while the Guitar Bar, which glows with neon lighting and features a collection of autographed guitars, can host up to 140 people. Billy Bob's Showroom accommodates 1,900 guests for seated dinners, trade shows, seminars and private events.
The Quote: “I think Billy Bob's has two things very special and unique going for it — it is surrounded by the Fort Worth Stockyards, which is a great historic part of Fort Worth with lots to see and do, and it's a turnkey operation. We handle the catering, the AV, the room setup, entertainment — all of it. All you have to do is show up and have a good time!” — Sharri Wilson, group sales manager
The 411: Billy Bob's Texas
2520 Rodeo Plaza
Fort Worth, TX 76164
817/624-7117
www.billybobstexas.com
The Face: Natalie Kennedy
The Biz: Kennedy Creative
The Scoop: With 13 years' experience producing fundraising galas, team-building sessions, product launches and other special events under her belt, Kennedy founded Austin, Texas-based Kennedy Creative in 2003. Since its inception, the DMC has blossomed into a multimillion dollar business.
The Buzz: Kennedy has produced high-profile events for Microsoft and the W Hotel Austin; she is also the planner of choice for Four Seasons Hotel Austin, Barton Creek Resort and Spa, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, and Horseshoe Bay Resort Marriott. After launching the “Weddings by Kennedy” division this year, Kennedy was chosen to produce the 2008 Annual Market Party for “The Knot” magazine.
The Quote: “As an event designer living in Austin, my daily challenge is to deliver fresh ideas and exciting concepts that keep Austin climbing the charts as one of the country's top destinations. Creating that perfect party atmosphere or a statement-making theme is just as thrilling for my team to develop as it is for each of our clients to enjoy.” — Natalie Kennedy
The 411: Kennedy Creative
2111 Dickson, Suite 33
Austin, TX 78704
512/899-8991
www.kennedycreative.com
Event rental company Prop Rock's new “Glow Rock” line features wireless, battery-operated furniture that stays lit for six hours; seven colors are available for events.
281/412-7625
www.proprock.com
R. Fox Designs, a decor and rental company, offers new hologram highboy tables featuring highly polished chrome bases and hydraulic lifts for adjusting height. The tables can be customized with the clients' graphics.
214/634-3778
www.rfoxdesigns.com
Event and rental company Fauxcades has added black and white bordello sofas and chairs to its furniture lineup. The oversized pieces feature 5-foot-tall arms, which play both functional and aesthetic roles.
214/350-5082
www.fauxcades.com
