Organise it!
...where RedKarpet challenges event/party organisers to create our event
The organiser - Theme Traders
Theme Traders' reputation for creating lavish, memorable events is matched by its comprehensive prop hire service. This allows event planners and creative party designers the flexibility to stage their own events in true DIY style. "The service now also appeals to many private clients on a smaller budget where they wish to have personal control over the whole event," says Theme Traders MD, Kim Einhorn. "With over 4,000 of our online images to choose from any theme goes - but then the big question is where does it go?"
RedKarpet asked Kim Einhorn to organise a product launch within our specified budget. This is how she got on...
The brief -
To organise a product launch for gaming company, Wintendo Ltd. Wintendo is launching its much-vaunted interactive game, Presidente Evil, onto the market. The game is rated an "18" certificate and features broody, gothic graphics.
No of guests - 100.
The budget - £35k
Kim's tips -
Red carpet treatment and "wow" factor are the universal requirements for launch events. For the launch of Presidente Evil, Theme Traders proposes an interactive cocktail party event.
The brief for the budget is the starting point for every event. RedKarpet has fixed our budget at £35k and now that we've obtained this, the backward sum begins.
Styling and decoration -
Its importance is often relegated but this is a crucial part of the celebration. "Wow" is red carpets and flaming torches, fabulous replica ice bars glowing in cool blues and frosty whites.
Huge champagne glasses filled with red and black glass beads lit by tiny "p" lights. Picture also, a beautiful basque-clad girl swathed in red feather boas, sipping champagne from her elevated position.
Such effects inject a drama that will get the party talked about.
Catering - Can be adapted to allow for decorative "wow". A fabulously set out character- rich buffet is often more fun, and offers more choice, than a traditional sit down affair. It also helps guests to mix and mingle; key in the organiser's aims.
Entertainment -
Remember that a good disco can easily take the place of a second rate cover band and the price differential allows more budget for creating the atmospheric wow factor mentioned earlier.
Audience - Largely press and Wintendo senior employees. Journalists are a discerning breed who are constantly invited to launches. They can afford to be choosy and won't attend unless you have a great reputation for throwing amazing parties or can give them something special to write about. Remember that the theming and atmosphere of the party can generate articles worth millions to your client.
Venue - For our client, Wintendo, we would opt for a blank canvas where Theme Traders can paint our own stylised picture. Will's Art Warehouse, the Music Room and Il Bottaccio would be strong possibilities.
The delivery -
Theme the room to match the game. The game is called Presidente Evil which invokes a French gothic style. We would therefore set it in a 18th Century chateaux setting to reflect its period Cluedo ‘whodunnit’ style.
Split the venue into three interactive sections, each encompassing an important feature of the game with a series of backdrops and curtains creating the divide. The library, an area where butlered catering staff serve canapés on wooden baize trays. A wooden bar dispenses straight shots and a large pool table is featured. Huge chesterfields and a roaring fireplace warm the room.
Throughout the venue are massive plasma screens in ornate gold Venetian frames. Here guests can participate in the game and see Presidente Evil in action . Performers adopt the costume and characteristics of the game's characters and interact to script with the guests on an ongoing basis.
The boudoir is a place for rest and recreation. Elegant chaise and low tables, tall candelabra with flickering lights create the atmosphere. Imposing statues of Venus de Milo and huge glass vessels filled with lilies and twisted stems form the backdrop to this chillout area. Each table bears small giveaways, miniature puzzles of the room, each logoed to give a reminder of the event.
The conservatory is the guests' reception room where they arrive to be met by liveried footmen who present a glass of bubbly from a traditional French saucer. A huge champagne fountain is the central feature and visitors can top themselves up at will. This area is about decadence. It has topiary trees and a magnificent Piazza style fountain filled with floating roses and candles which drift gently to the motion of the water. Here, stone-effect classical ornaments intermix with live statues in a touch of the film, The Draughtsman’s Contract.
The bill - £33k
Installation- design set up and take down (by Theme Traders)
Venue – £3-£7k
Drinks and canapés – £4-£5k
Décor –£8-£12k
Lighting – £1-£3k
Entertainment/rehearsals and scripting – £3k-£5k
Staffing – from £1k 
Props only (Theme Traders) :
Gold frames for plasma screens – £75.00 each Life size champagne glass for girl – £750.00
Champagne fountain – £375.00 each
Garden Fountain - £275.00
Chaise lounge - from £125.00 each
Classical statues – from £125.00 each
Chandeliers – £125.00 each
Flaming torches – £125.00 each
Red carpet – from £75.00
Livery costumes – from £50.00 each
Event organisers - fancy RedKarpet's "Organise It" challenge? email editorial@redkarpet.co.uk
RK