Party Reflections Clients Inspiration Event: Charlotte
Throughout the month of April, we have been focusing on our recent Client Inspiration events in each market. The foundation of each event is to invite industry professionals to join our team for a night of networking and inspiration. The common thread of these events is showcasing new rental products and service capabilities while building relationships within each market. As this month comes to a close, we will take a closer look at the Charlotte Client Inspiration event that was held on Wednesday, March 21st.
As mentioned in previous blogs, although there are similar event components at each of the location’s events, this format is adaptable to meet the needs of each specific market’s needs. The focus of the Charlotte event was to educate our clients about our capabilities, showcase new rental product and build relationships with members of our team. The overall format was different from the other markets however tailored to the Charlotte location’s needs.
Upon arrival, guests were escorted through a draped showroom into the warehouse for cocktail hour. Using the warehouse as a backdrop for the first portion of the night served multiple purposes. On one hand, the warehouse is the central hub of our business. In Charlotte, the warehouse accounts for over 120,000 square feet of space to hold equipment that is utilized at all locations. The average client would normally never see the back of house operation while interacting with our team. With this in mind, the cocktail hour was set up in the loading area and allowed for an unexpected backdrop for the event. Throughout the approximate 40′ x 60′ area, guests walked into a space designed as an outdoor evening event under market lights and enjoyed personalized Charcuterie plates and wine before a brief program. From green AstroTurf covering the floor to rattan lounge furniture flanking the stage, every turn showcased a new rental item or a custom capability. The new linen Steel Blue Rococo debuted in this area to much fanfare with its vintage damask print on a faux burlap linen. The steel blue shade was carried throughout the space on the raised tables and custom pillows and complimented with the faux linen look of the White Panama at the seated tables.
At the front of the space, our operations team constructed a multi-tiered stage to facilitate a brief program discussing flooring and tenting options. Dan Hooks, Party Reflections’ President & CEO, greeted the crowd and shared his insight related to the different types and uses of flooring and tents for events. The four types of flooring on display for the presentation were Surloc, Biljax, a portable indoor stage and a ring floor. Dan briefly shared the specific use in the field for each floor type and gave examples to provide context. Flooring and tenting typically go hand in hand for events. Dan also discussed four varieties of tents, including Pole tents, Frame tents, Structure tents and Sailcloth tents. He described the basic uses for each type of tent as well as things to consider when planning a tented event. Party Reflections custom flooring and tenting capabilities is one of the many ways we differentiate ourselves in each market. The opportunity to share this rental focused knowledge with special event professionals elevates the entire industry.
Following the brief program, guests were instructed to move to the showroom for a family style dinner. For this evening, the showroom vignettes were designed to feature new linen, china, flatware and furniture. Three spaces with unique styles became the backdrop for a delightful dinner amongst peers. The modern table design featured the new Citron Prentice, Citron Boomerang, Pewter Prentice linens and as well as the Marble Charger, Dinner and Salad plates. The use of the metal Truman Chairs and black accents from the Fenton Flatware and new Hudson Charcoal Salad plate brought the look together. The metallic table design featured the new Bronze Mirage, Silver and Champagne Velvet linens and the mirror top Metropolitan table at cocktail height. Specialty china options including Glass Beaded chargers, the Gold Medallion charges, Queens Gold and Westminster China patterns completed this more formal design. The Geometric table featured two bold prints in preppy hues of navy and green. We sourced samples of these linens to get feedback from our clients about the use of bold geometric prints at their events and the applications they would rent them for their clients.
Family style dinner service provides an excellent opportunity for people to interact with each other and have meaningful conversations in an intimate setting. Table Top cards were also provided as conversation starters and for our sales team to gain insight into our client’s needs and thoughts concerning current trends. Guests enjoyed a delicious three course meal prepared by the talented team at Reid’s Fine Foods Catering. The menu featured a Kale and Fruit salad, followed by Pork Tenderloin Roulade and Salmon with Brussel Sprouts and Potatoes and finished with delectable desserts.
The talented Charlotte vendor team that we worked with on this event include catering services provided by Reid’s Fine Foods Catering, sound system provided by Z Brothers Entertainment and beautiful images captured by Tommy McCart Photography.