Another view.

Serpentine tables add drama.

In this scene's second room, a riot of color takes over. Hussain advises, "Simplicity is key" in design. "In this design, I used drapery and custom furniture to create an eclectic look that is different and memorable."

J and M Events uses a layered LED screen and DJ facade to create the feel of a California club.

Juli Miller of J and M explains, "The 16-foot LED screen and DJ façade can really wow a client and their guests.The screens can be configured in so many ways, allowing room for flexibility and creativity. The video content on the screens was created specifically for TSE 2015 and designed to reflect the California experience with images and video of Southern California landmarks. Again, the content can match the theme or mood of any event. With the layered effect of the screens, the DJ seems to be floating in a 3D experience. It is a very powerful effect and one that leaves many guests asking, 'How is it done?'”

"Any event is only as good as the elements that make it up," Miller adds. "Integrating casino games, lounge furniture and themed decor together with the stunning logo'd dance floor and striking LED layered screens, created an ambiance of style and energy. Don’t be afraid to mix elements that don’t usually have the opportunity to share the same space. When working with layered LED screens, be sure your content is top-notch and that the technicians you work with understand the importance of aspect ratio and sight lines."

With California facing its worst drought in a century, the team from OC Brides works to design an environment that blends outdoor and indoor elements, all with an eye toward conservation and sustainability.

An elegant table. Eco elements in the design include LED lighting and a succulent wall (at left).

"This complete design can be duplicated indoors or out by using battery operated LED lighting as we did in most of our room," says Cindy Leiber of OC Brides. "It provides beauty while being environmentally conscious."

A charming buffet.

"We really tried to capture the So Cal Style with the contrast of materials bringing warmth and texture to the room," explains Connie Slykas of Big 4 Party Rental. "The reclaimed white washed wood brings out the laid-back eco-friendly attitude while the streamlined white dance floor with organza fabric really brings out the glamour. The use of the orchid colors in the lighting brings a soft sunset like feel to the room while still keeping the cool edgy feel of winter."

"Lighting really made the biggest impact in our final product," Slykas says. "Small uplights in the subtle orchid tones really enhanced the overall 'winter; feel of the room. The snow generated by the snow machine was the 'wow' factor as you walked into the room, and as you continued on to the dance floor area, the snowflake gobo carried that theme through without overwhelming the space."

A pretty lounge area. Photo by Jaeson Lokatys.

"We took the equipment we owned and make it what we needed it to be for this specific theme," Slykas says. "As a rental company, we are passionate about taking our equipment and turning it into our client's vision."

"I was inspired to merge creative elements from high fashion and floral artistry into one space, enhanced with specific lighting, intentional mood music and the right ambiance setting," explains Brenda Lee Monteiro of Fiore Dorato. "It became an exhibition reception event as guests feasted their eyes on luscious floral forms on every wall panel and iconic fashion wearables transformed by floral design accents."

"The entryway is flanked by Ikebana structures adorned with pinwheel flora and rich greens for that important first impression as you set your eyes on the center piece of the exhibition--a landscaped floral wall drizzled with cactuses and iconic pieces of Californian inspirations to the fashion world," Monteiro says.

"The vibrancy of colors and liveliness coincides with the glamour and distinct elegant forms of Californian high fashion--handbags, bracelets, head dress, hats, chokers and shoes by inspired by SoCal designers and a lavishly designed gown just for this event," Monteiro explains.

What to watch: "The transformed fashion elements accentuated by floral artistry would be the attention-seeker amidst the surrounding ambiance, designed to enhance that message of merging beautiful high fashion inspirations with the beauty of natural colors and floristry," Monteiro says.

Monteiro recommends that designers "pour attention to detail in the focal point of the exhibition or the main design elements. Creative detailing, if you would done right, strongly engages the viewer. And the use of lighting, sight and sound is meant to enhance that experience and not take away from it. The flow of space, noting how the viewer's eyes would travel across the room or from point to point is also intentional."

The Design Gallery committee takes over the lobby area to install its "Come Play in So Cal" vignette. Carol Dixon of California State University San Bernardino explains: "The Design Gallery Chairs brought in the experts to assist with the lobby design. The goal was to choose a theme that was generic enough to accommodate all of the designers and to work with the color palette and sleek contemporary space allocated by the Anaheim Convention Center. Pegy Rizzuto from Premiere Events Group Inc. put together the design which focused on the seasons of So Cal, and she used the monochromatic tones to draw the eye from the gateway all the way through to the back of the hall. This allowed guests to enjoy the variety presented in the galleries, thus: 'Spark your imagination … come play in So Cal.'"

Dixon and team also credit vendors RWB, Backdrops Beautiful, Balloon Sound Great, Qualatex/The Very Best Balloons, A Special Event Decor, Lattes on Location, Fun 4 Events and Dalmarko Designs. Photo by Jaeson Lokatys.

"Our inspiration was adapting the decor to the current space and trying to serve as a neutral yet interesting area for folks to mingle between galleries," Dixon explains. "We’ve never had the opportunity to put together so many great vendors in one place, so it was exciting to see everyone working together." Photo by Jaeson Lokatys.

"Be sure to use the space in a way that works for the design," Dixon advises. "Make the color scheme, carpet and other architectural elements work for you." Photo by Jaeson Lokatys.