Category Archives: Event Design

Celebrate 80’s Style

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Neon Colors + Queen + Back to the Future + Skittles = The 80’s.  A client decided they wanted their annual awards banquet 80’s style.  So Lewis Events waved the magic wand and transformed the Newport Hyatt ballroom into a new wave, fluorescent bowl of hip nostalgia.  

While carefully cradling cocktails, guests left their mark on one of the graffiti walls that invited their signature works of art.

Guests had plenty of time to solve the rubik’s cube puzzle and to consume the pile of carbs placed on their table.

The main stage was adorned with plenty of neon and pop culture reminders of attendees younger days.

Roaring Nights @ LA Zoo

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“Roaring Nights goes Country” was one of the after hours themed events held last summer at the LA Zoo.  Lewis Events was invited to assist the zoo in making the tranformation to the wild west.  We brought in a variety of theme decorations, a western show and a unique collection of guest activities.  A quick set up had to take place while the daytime crowd transitioned to the Roaring Nights crowd.Colorful vignettes were set up at key locations within the zoo.

The western roping and variety show was staged directly in front of the elephant exhibit.  Before the show, we did a run through to make sure that the elephants were ok with the cracking of the bullwhip and the acts in general.  Then some pre-show filming. . . . Finally the crowds gathered and the show began. Definitely a first for Lewis Events.  Between shows we were able to have a behind the scenes tour of the zoo.

The elephants went on grass munching and wandering during the show and stunts . . . didn’t seem to mind all the lively western action and sounds one bit.

The crowd gathered as the show began and progressed. 

One of the event’s focal points was an activity area we created where Roaring Nights guests had the opportunity to try a selection of hands-on old west activities. Prospectors tried their hand at the gold panning station.  Fancy roping was taught in the trick roping area.  Cowhands had the chance to throw a lariat around one of the virtual longhorn steers.  A fun night in a truly unique venue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Up, Up and Away-An Airport Fairy Tale

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Airport hangars are traditionally used for storing and working on aircraft.  They are filled with planes, tools, trucks, oil, spare parts and lots of mechanical stuff.  So when the call came from a couple that wanted to hold their wedding at an airport, with the reception in a hanger, we were up to the challenge.  The pre-tour revealed a typical hanger filled wall-to-wall with vintage and modern aircraft.  Day before the wedding-With the hanger empty, the work began on our blank canvas.  Lewis Event’s primary role consisted of designing and installing the event lighting . . . as the overhead fluorescent lighting wasn’t wedding friendly.  In fact, overhead fluorescent lighting isn’t really friendly to any kind of a party or celebration.

The advantage of using an airport hangar for a party is that the props and decorations can be very large.  Rolling in the vintage airplane.Before the lights could be installed, it was necessary to fabricate a frame to suspend all the lights an using tall steel poles, heavy bases and lots of steel cable.   And yes, even weddings are hard work!  We aren’t afraid to get our hands dirty.It all came together quite nicely.  The focal point besides the bride and groom of course, was the beautifully restored vintage airplane in which the couple had their first date.
The wedding was held in a park like setting on a lawn surrounded by lush trees.  A variety of amazing airplanes were parked on the tarmac and created the perfect backdrop for the ceremony.  
Another view.
The groomsmen boarded a luxury helecopter for a short flight before they returned for their grand entrance at the ceremony.
Each of the guest tables were designated with a unique name from the pilot alphabet letter names.  In place of throwing rice, guests threw miniature toy gliders at the married couple as they journeyed on their way.  The perfect day for a pilot and his bride.

Lights, Camera, Universal!

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Universal studios and a select few of the amazing, nearby, culinary establishments were gracious enough to once again host a Club PIHRA special event.  Human Resource professionals from around southern Califonia gathered for another unforgettable evening at the entertainment captol of LA.  The afternoon and  evening featured a wide array of activities, beginning in the Globe theater, with time for networking between HR practitioners and recreational and entertainment destinations and services.  A wide array of amusement parks, event planners, and benefit services featured displays and the latest promotions.   Professional relationships were established over scrumptious tray passed hors d’oeuvres and ice cold beverages.

Following networking, guests benefitted from a legal education session that brought practitioners up to date on the latest myriad of regulations and resulted in continuing education credits for attendees.

With the serious agenda items behind us it was time to relax and enjoy what Universal had to offer.  Guests enjoyed a private Universal tram tour of the studio backlot and special attractions.

We went from hot . . . . 

To wet . . . . 

To frightening . . . 

And then it was time to eat!  And not just at one fine food establishment.  We had the opportunity taste selections at four amazing and lively, mouth watering destinations.  Come and join us for our pictorial tour.

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#3 . . . . . . . hungry yet?

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Good night LA!

Game Show Madness!

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What do you do when you want to get your employees and guests out of their seats and and really make them part of the party?  You fill the event with games and end with a bunch of prizes.  Lewis events was invited to create an event that would do just that!  Enjoy our selection of pre-event shots, because once the party started it got crazy busy and there was no time for photos.

We created a variety of minute-to-win-it style games for the perimeter of the event.  We gave each game a different theme, decorated the booths and dressed in costumes to go with each theme.  The games included cookie face, chopstick challenge, cup stacking, pirate treasure dig, and the great spoon race.  Raffle tickets were awarded for each game guests played.

Outside in the patio, along with the bar and food service, guests participated in an intense competition on the largest foosball table ever.  Guests also took advantage of the cornhole games that were spread around the outside lounge.

In the center of the party, guests enjoyed gaming on light up casino tables.  Guests stayed to the very end so they would not miss the mountain of prizes that were awarded.

Lunar New Year with USC

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Happy Lunar New Year!  Year number five for Lewis Events assisting USC Pacific Asia Museum with their Lunar New Year celebration.  A full day of cultural stage performances, activities and museum experiences for guests.  This year the event was held on the beautiful campus of Fuller Theological Seminary, as the Pacific Asia Museum is carrying out renovations at the museum complex.

Emily made some new friends at the celebration.

Jackpot!

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For some reason, casinos were the rage this fall.  Three different, important clients all felt “lucky” and went the way of Monte Carlo and Las Vegas.  So we brought out the feathers, the shimmer and the bright lights for the extravaganzas.costco-casino-screen-rs-10-16

It all began with the grand entrance.casino-entrance-newport-11-16-rs

Tables were all adorned in fashionable attire for the unforgettable evening.casino-centerpiece-cu-rs-10-16casino-centerpiece-feathers-rs11-16The stage was set for a mesmerizing mind reading show and other acts that followed.

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