Event: With Love From Paris
Objective: Create an event design that transports guests to an iconic destination
Result: Guests explored Parisian monuments, savoured French cuisine, and mingled around the cafes soaking up the Parisan life
Why Paris?
Our client desired to infuse the spirit of travel into the event design of their annual event and create a sense of unity among employees who have been confined to their homes for two years due to the pandemic. As a result, it became evident that this year’s event theme should capture the thrill and adventure of travelling overseas. Above all, our primary goal was to prioritize and foster a familial sense of togetherness during the holidays.
Inspiration of the Event Design
We found inspiration for our Paris-themed event in a postcard of the city. Its historic monuments and exotic feel fit perfectly with our vision. We even named our theme ‘With Love From Paris’ after the signature on the postcard.
We planned to use postcards as a key feature of our event but decided to transform the venue into Paris streets with historic monuments instead. This immersive experience allowed us to incorporate street-side café facades and food stations, making it an unforgettable realistic-themed event. Guests enjoyed the best of French cuisine while sitting at iconic Parisian cafés with breathtaking views of historic architecture.
The Event
On December 10, 2022, the “With Love From Paris” event was held at an empty train station in Vancouver, BC. The venue was transformed into a Parisian setting with 20,000 sq. ft. of space. With our event design, guests experienced magical Paris, with the Eiffel Tower, historic sites, quaint cafes, and a snowy park. As a result, guests enjoyed French cuisine and the relaxed Parisian way of life.
Our Event Design Strategy
We fulfilled employees’ yearning for travel, which had been put on hold. To create an authentic Parisian experience, our event design resembles the ambiance of the city’s charming streets.
To foster a familial sense of togetherness, we designed a Snow-Covered Park with a working fountain and placed monuments in four distinct areas with different activities. We created an atmosphere that provided employees with a much-needed sense of escape and connection. The event was a resounding success, with guests enjoying French cuisine and activities, and stopping to chat with colleagues.
We recreated Paris with cafes and guests painted murals while admiring iconic monuments like the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre, giving them a true Parisian experience minus the jet lag.
Our French actors led tours around the venue and shared historical facts about each monument, entertaining guests with their unique personalities and sense of humor. The event aimed to provide guests with a complete evening of Parisian cuisine and beverages, featuring classic dishes like Boeuf Bourguignon and Lamb au Pistou, paired with French wines.
Realistic Aesthetic Event Design
1. Realism of Parisian Monuments
It was the realism of the Parisian monuments and the French Cafés that really made this design so remarkable. Monuments included: Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre (with plaza), French Casino, and Gare du Nord. Standout 3D structures due to detailed prints and layering. We told our supplier that we wanted to create Paris at night in the winter, and they understood the assignment.
Each monument had detail down to the shadows and reflections. Also, we added snow on lampposts and awnings, so that it truly felt like winter.
2. French Cafés as Showstoppers
The French Cafés were the other showstopper at this event. We did not just have any café built; we built cafés to resemble real existing cafés in Paris. The cafés we included were the Café de Magots, Café de Flore, Café de Paris and a Boulangerie. The cafés were meticulously designed with unique details including snow-covered ledges and awnings. Large windows invite guests to step inside and enjoy a cozy dining experience.
The Boulangerie showcased its impressive selection of baked goods through its windows. In which, the shopkeeper inside restocked the shelves diligently, while the top floor windows added to the overall charm of the store by appearing occupied. The décor effect was show-stopping!
3. Decorative Lighting in Venue
In addition, Lighting was another key aspect to our event’s overall design. We simulated a nighttime Parisian street by using warm and cool lighting to emulate the sun setting. Clearly, warm light illuminated cafes and monuments while blue light lit up the streets. Cobblestone patterns were projected on the floor using gobos, replicating the streets of Paris.
We decorated the venue with LED-lit trees, street lamps, and string lights to recreate the festive Parisian holiday atmosphere. The immersive event achieved our travel goal and made guests feel like they were in Paris without trying!
Endless Creativity and Innovation
In the end, it was truly an immersive experience like no other! A myriad of uniquely, engaging activities were provided for guests to enjoy. Guests joined forces to complete a Parisian mural, which now hangs in the client’s office. The French Casino façade led into a buzzing casino tent with gambling tables and entertainment.
The trip of a Lifetime!
Undoubtedly, our event team showcased their creativity and ingenuity in designing an unforgettable experience that transported guests to an iconic destination. Every detail, from the intricate façade designs to the carefully curated activities, kept guests entertained throughout the night. The event was a true celebration of travel and the joy of the holiday season, and it will be fondly remembered for years to come.
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