Regency Lighting Trade Show at HELEN MILLS

When the team at Regency Lighting brought their trade show to the HELEN MILLS Event Space, we knew they would put together a fun event focused around lighting. While the back of the space remained neutral to show off the vendors' different lighting equipment, the front of the space was awash with a warm amber and contrasting blue uplights.

The energy of both the Regency team and their exhibitors shone (pun intended) throughout the evening as they hosted a variety of guests.

Warm amber lighting greeted guests as they entered the Event Space.

The bar fully stocked and ready for service.

Exhibitors put the final touches on their displays as they await guests' arrival.

The HELEN MILLS space, complete with modern cocktail furniture and hors d'ouevres provided by Between the Bread catering.

Thank you, Regency Lighting! It was a pleasure hosting you in our Event Space!

Planning an Event? Contact Us to learn more about events at HELEN MILLS, or check out more recent events here.

Thomson Reuter's Roadshow Brings Life to Taxes

Thomson Reuter's recently held the East coast portion of their cross-country software roadshow at HELEN MILLS. The event included a number of different activations in both the theater and event space and showcased their ONESOURCE tax software to key stakeholders.

The agenda featured talks from leaders in the organization as well as an indoor dome, stations for attendees to test out software, plenty of swag, and even a professional headshot photo station. The event was rounded out with cocktails and passed appetizers. 

The event provided an excellent example of how to create a unique, unexpected, and fresh experience while maintaining a strong focus on having attendees leave with key takeaways and new knowledge. Below are a few photos from the event. To learn more about ONESOURCE and the roadshow, see here.

Above: The event featured an indoor dome which housed the terminals from which guests could preview the software and get one-on-one training from experts. The dome was an unexpected and dramatic element for one of the core educational activations.

Below: Additional views of the dome with user stations inside.

Guests speak to ONESOURCE coaches during the event. Photo credit: 3D Media Group

Below: The event featured a professional headshot studio, providing attendees with extra value and a memorable event takeaway.

Below: As guests entered the space, they were greeted by by branding on the exterior of the space. Once inside, an LED check-in booth awaited. The space was lit with a wall wash in the Thomson Reuter's brand color.

Guests enjoy cocktail hour and networking. Photo credit: 3D Media Group

Planning an Event? Contact Us to learn more about events at HELEN MILLS or check out more recent events here and below.

Planning from afar? Virtual Tours of HELEN MILLS Are Here!

Our clients come from across the world to host events at HELEN MILLS, traveling from places as far as England, Bulgaria, and Los Angeles, to places so close that we can (literally) wave to them.  This means for some that they can't easily stop in to see the space, envision how their guests will spend their day, or plan for decor and signage to make their event that much more special. 

To help make the planning process seamless for our current and future clients alike, we've just released our very first Google Inside Street View Virtual Tour!

The virtual tour features:

• A close-up view of each part of the venue

• A selection from of our in-house furniture inventory

• One of three curtains we provide that add intimacy to the space (hung at the entry table)

• Sample floral arrangements designed by the very talented Merriel Weston

• A peek into the theater greenroom and backstage area

You'll see the tours both below and here, here, here as well as when you search for us on Google...of course, the invitation always stands for in-person tours! Please contact us to get in touch :).

Tip Tuesday: Mitzvahs

Tip: Don’t forget to rent cubbies for your son or daughter’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

Most kids love to take their shoes off when they’re on the dance floor, so to prevent a large pile of shoes, bags and jackets on the floor, rent or purchase some cubbies to put along a wall in the event space. Most entertainment companies can provide these rentals for you, but you can also purchase your own and make use of them for your home after the event.

Here are two of our recommended entertainment companies that could help you with renting cubbies:

The Entertainment Company
Brian Rosenbaum
brian@theentertainmentcompany.net
201 650 5729

Nelson Cruz Entertainment
Nelson Cruz
nelson@cruzevents.com
212 289 0843

You can also purchase your own shoe cubbies from The Container Store.

To learn more about hosting your son or daughter’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah at HELEN MILLS, email us at info@helenmills.com or contact us HERE.

Event Floor Plans - 4 Tips to Get Yours Right

There is one thing that is new for everyone planning an event - choosing the venue floor plan in a new venue or for a new event. The space layout is an essential component both in how things look on event day and how your guests' experience's play out. When making decisions about where your guests will meet, mingle, learn and celebrate, remember to consider the following items.

1. First, ask the venue what layouts they recommend. 

Experienced venues should have plenty of recommended floor plans to share with you. The more specific you are in speaking about your event needs and goals, the better they will be able to recommend layouts that will suit your particular objectives and guests. Below are just a few of the floor plans we offer, depending on the type of event, guest count, and event objectives. Looking at past ideas may bring inspiration and new ideas of event configurations and elements.

2. Ask yourself: What experiences would you like your guests to focus on?

All events present guests with competing choices such as what activities to partake in, what companies to speak to at networking fairs, or whether to spend the night on the dance floor or by the bar and photo booth. Setting the room up in specific configurations can make these choices easier for guests. Before you decorate and design your event, know what you want your audience to do. Maybe they will be listening to speakers without much time for socializing. Maybe there will be time for networking and socializing before speakers. Or maybe you do not have presentations. All of these situations should factor into your decision of how to arrange the furnishings.

3. Remember, food and bar areas are natural focal points.

Food and drink are not just the domain of the caterer, consider the location of the bar and catering stations when thinking of how people will move through the venue on event day. Placing catering stations in separate areas of the space will reduce lines, meaning less time waiting and more time enjoying the event for your guests. The furniture you place in the space should always reflect the food you're serving. If the menu involves small plates or hors d'oeuvres, a mix of high tops, lounge furniture, and small low cocktail tables will likely provide adequate seating. Buffets and plated meals require more traditional seating with rounds.

4. Consider the furniture and design elements that will enhance your guest's experiences.

Remember that floor plans should take into account not only the furniture in the space but also elements like branding installations such as hanging art or signs, entertainment areas (e.g. performers, dance floors), and visual separators like curtains. Design is just as much about the aesthetics of the space and furniture as the event 'flow' or how guests move throughout the space.

“Event furniture can contribute significantly to the feeling and flow of an event and completely transform a venue. Using a variety of unique and comfortable pieces will impress your guests and allow them to circulate effortlessly through the event experience.”

— Essential Event Tips You Can't Forget eBook [link below]

Want to Learn More about Planning Your Next Event?

Download our eBook - Essential Event Tips You Can't Forget or Contact Us for an event consultation.