Objective
The Northern Lights Gala was the final night of our clients’ 5-day, award-winning program. Our objective was to achieve alignment among a diverse group of stakeholders on an event concept that required the inclusion of several ideas, which at the outset didn’t necessarily jive.
Challenges
- Our clients’ vision included several ideas that didn’t naturally align: capture Vancouver’s unique culinary scene, authentic First Nations elements, a legendary headline performer, local entertainment, a casual after-party and a Canadian ‘elegant but not overdone’ seated dinner party for 900+.
- The venue, a long exhibition space, required a considerable amount of creativity to bring it to life.
Strategy
- We divided the large venue into three separate and uniquely themed areas: reception, dinner and after-party.
- Each area was designed to represent the magic of the Canadian wilderness, including a rainforest, woodland cabin scene and a glittering, frozen landscape.
- Impressive transitions and smart wayfinding lights guided guests between each area, creating one seamless event.
- We incorporated unexpected moments throughout the evening, including a band of LED drummers, sliding barn doors, twinkling ballet dancers and rollerblading hockey players.
- Our technical experts cleverly illuminated a massive, existing sail-like roof structure, to evoke the colours of the Northern Lights.
- During dessert, guests were treated to performance by Canadian music legend Sarah McLachlan, accompanied by artists from the Sarah McLachlan School of Music.
Award Winning Results
We realized that infusing a bit of fun was the way to win the hearts of this savvy group. With a cleverly designed schedule, a magical setting and authentic Canadian influences scattered throughout, we delivered a seamless, never-been-done-before event dotted with intentional moments of the unexpected. The result was an immersive, custom crafted, Canadian celebration that left guests spellbound.
