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Industry professionals mention “seeing a lot of pastel green paired with crisp whites for that fresh, clean feel.” Don’t forget about the metallics. Shimmered Gold, Silver, Copper, and Bronze are predicted to play a role in 2010. “Color combinations will also be popular, with monochromatic setups continuing to reign. On the flip side, odd combinations like purple and yellow or green and ivory may excite the next table set. “Neutral colors like cocoa, taupe, and Sahara velour are in high demand.” Wildflower Linens, a leading linen provider agrees that “a softer look will remain in season for many. Rustic colors, beiges, olive greens and sages are popular for corporate clientele.”Don’t forget about cost conscience events. Runners are a great way to save a little money while adding slight color, décor, and layer to the table.
This December 4th, a local insurance company hosted their Holiday Celebration at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa located in Scottsdale, Arizona. The amazing menu, entertainment, and games truly thrilled each guest and they were welcomed by the fantastic property.
The very next day, AZA Events coordinated the Holiday Party for a local solar-energy manufacturer here in Phoenix. Approximately 250 guests were welcomed at the modern, chic Phoenix Art Museum with a cocktail reception in the beautiful lobby. Located in Downtown Phoenix, the museum has a diverse and stimulating permanent art collection which serves as the focal point of art and culture in Arizona. This was one of our main décor features to the event. At nearly 7:00pm, the dinner and dancing area was opened where guests had the opportunity to listen to live music from the amazing Groove Merchants 10-Piece Band, take pictures in the Photo Booth, peruse the Raffle Gift Table, and choose from an array of delicious, mouth-watering food and drinks. The room was completed with high and low cocktail tables throughout the Great Hall with lounge furniture groupings outlining the white dance floor. Beautiful buffet stations were situated throughout the perimeter of the room, with access to the dessert lounge where we had a scrumptious Caramel Fountain with a Hot Chocolate and Coffee Bar and assorted desserts. Talk about yummy! The guests danced all night, conversed in the lounge, meandered throughout the museum, and had an overall fantastic evening to round their night out.
We are not over yet! The very next week, a residential mortgage company hosted 500 guests at the Arizona Biltmore to celebrate the holidays and their successful year. Out of town guests arrived in the day of the event and attended the evening, set in the Arizona Ballroom. Through coordinating over 200 arrivals, setting the décor in the foyer and ballroom, and producing all registration material we had ourselves busy. Iridescent Crushed Linens were atop each table in the ballroom with specialty floral centerpieces produced by a local florist. With a full casino night setup, raffle prizes, and a DJ delivering sounds of our favorites the guests were entertained all night!
It was an eventful December for AZA Events and we are looking forward to keeping up the pace in 2010.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year and a preposterous year to come…
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We always look forward to the final night gala because of the phenomenal entertainment and beautiful table treatments. We dazzled the Hyatt’s turquoise linen with a sparkling Silver Organza runner. The tables were had alternating centerpieces; with a glowing bowl of orchids and a tall glass vase complete with bear grass flowing out the top. This year we selected “The Water Coolers” as the headline entertainment, who were Ensemble Entertainers of the Year in 2009. We worked closely with the group to customize a portion of the performance to touch on the audience’s industry. The singing comedy troupe had a fantastic performance and received a standing ovation.
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of the program, the guests entered their own Wizarding World of Honeywell. We transformed the resort pool into a mystifying encounter with the magical life of Harry Potter and the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As the “muggles” entered the event, they were welcomed by Platform 9 ¾ Station and the Hogwarts Train. With the sounds of train whistles in the background, the guests traveled into the village of fun! Greeted by Harry Potter and Dumbledore Look-a-Likes they were each given a custom-made Marauder’s Map. Throughout the space, loads of entertainment was arranged such as Magic 
Lesson Stations, a Make-Your-Own-Wizard-Hat-and-Cape Station with talking Sorting Hat, HP Themed Interactive and Video Games, Green Screen Photography, Potion Bars, Caricaturists, Face Painters, and Magicians. This fantasy land of Harry Potter came to life right before their very eyes with broomsticks and enlarged spiders hung from existing palms, elongated tables decorated with wizard hats and HP decor, custom tree creations, traveling vignettes, and themed facades. 
This Wizarding World of Honeywell was created from the ground up and truly came to life with the mystical characters, eye-catching décor, and an evening full of fun for everyone!
and accompanied with Merlot Lamour Napkins. The centerpiece designs were hand-crafted with numerous white vases, assorted florals, black Zen-inspired pieces, and assorted white and black rock. The Dinner Entertainment kicked off with the titled performance, “A Tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John” performed by Philip Myers Band. “Our Song” by Elton John launched the show, entertaining guests throughout the course of their plated dinner. Vignettes of both Billy and Elton vamped the crowd, rounding out the evening with a combined performance and Dueling Pianos set. The guests were dancing singing, dancing and congaing throughout the ballroom. Lynard Skynard’s old favorite “Sweet Home Alabama” began playing and guests had 
no idea what was in store next. Midway through the song, the curtains flanking the side of the room dropped and our After Hours Club 6-piece Band combined with the tune, rounding out the rest of the song. Guests then transitioned into the After Hours Club, set with vibrant and electric colored lighting, bouncing off all sections of the walls and combined with stage up lit décor. White lounge furniture sections, retro circular designs, and lava lamps dressed the room for a party to last all night.
The month of May ended with a BANG as we completed another successful and spectacular program. One of Canada’s leading communication companies held an incentive retreat for their top sales managers along with company sponsors in the majestic red rocks of Sedona. They hosted their stay at the stunning and secluded Enchantment Resort, nested in the sacred Boynton Canyon.Upon arrival to the resort, guests were escorted to the check-in area where we had a Cowboy Gift Market set up. Guests were personally fitted with a hat and their choice of boots. Western décor, music, and passed wine completed the experience and welcomed them to our unique destination.
Later that evening, we transformed the same check-in ballroom into an upscale Native American themed evening to pay tribute to the ancient cultures and tribes still live in our state today. Guests were welcomed and blessed by a Native greeter, dressed in authentic regalia, handing out corn bead necklaces. The room was adorned with Native décor and guests mingled while observing the three Native American artisans; including a Kachina Doll Carver, Rug W
eaver, and Sand Painter. A Southwestern trio played while guests enjoyed their meals. Before the evening came to an end, we brought out a World Champion Native Hoop Dancer who mesmerized the crowd with his outstanding talent and Native dances. The evening was an impressive beginning and set the tone for the rest of their stay.
Day two was also a fun filled day. Each guest pre-registered for their choice of excursions including: Ancient Ruins Helicopter Tour, Hot Air Balloon Ride, Mountain Biking, Golf, Spa, or Jeep Tour. The tours all ran seamlessly and the guests returned with rave reviews.
That evening gave the group an opportunity to dress in the western wear and travel off-property to nearby ranch situated on a small lake. Al fresco lighting draped over the picnic-style seating and dance floor. Cowboy games included a Bungee Bull and Calf Roping. One of our favorite 5-piece bands, along with a line dancing couple, kept the group dancing and singing throughout the night. This evening’s surprise was an entertaining, Award-Winning Trick Rope performance.
The third day was a day of leisure. We organized a shopping shuttle throughout the day so guests were able to leave the property and shop the local galleries. That evening guests enjoyed a cocktail reception surrounded by the grand Red Rocks then were off to dinner; the Great Restaurant Dine Around. We reserved reservations at 5 of the best restaurants in town. Each group had an amazing and unique dining experience and fancied the local fare.
Their last day consisted of a morning meeting, spouse excursions, and their final Awards Evening. Spouses had the choice of participating in a cooking class or a Vortex hike at Bell Rock. That evening was the Celestial Evening and Awards Gala. A cocktail reception on the patio was the perfect beginning to this magical evening. Guests arrived to passed wine and the warm kiva fireplace as dusk took on the night. The towering Red Canyon walls surround the property and were the finest backdrop. The glass patio doors opened and welcomed the party to the chic awards setting, complete with an acoustic guitar duo. The tables were adorned in violet pintuck linens with complimenting platinum lamour napkins, ice chiavari chairs, and a silver beaded charger. Orchids encased a glowing candle in the middle of the bubble bowl centerpieces. Intelligent lighting, white leather lounge furniture and the glowin
g backdrop of the stage truly came together in creating a delightful evening. The President announced the award winners and the night moved on. After the closing presentation, our favorite 6-piece variety band took the stage and beckoned the guests to the white dance floor with custom vinyl logo. In the foyer, guests could meet with one of the 6 psychics or one of the 2 Aura Photographers present. They may also choose to enjoy the fresh air on the patio and stargaze from our knowledgeable Astronomer and oversized Telescope. Between the earth and sky, this Celestial Evening was a truly memorable occasion.
“Dear April, You are amazing! I know how challenging this
program was & how hard you worked to make this such an amazing trip. Thanks so much for putting your heart & soul into this program!”
- Account Executive
Once again, sleeping was not an option. If the girls where tired they didn’t show it as they were ready, willing and able for the biggest golf tournament. AZA and The Golf Event Company hosted these lovely ladies at the Grayhawk Golf course, one of Scottsdale premier courses in the valley. They weren’t quit prepared for the triple digit heat conditions but nothing that a few beers and adult beverages couldn’t cure. Some of the PGA rules we are pretty certain were tossed aside but who never heard of a do-over.
This past May we had the pleasure of partnering with one of the leading Health Insurance Companies, hosting 100 incentive winners and guests at the new Intercontinental Montelucia Resort and Spa. Their Four (4) day program consisted of a Moroccan Inspired Welcome Reception, Charity Event, ½ Day
Welcome Reception and Dinner –
A Moroccan Love Affair
Guests strolled down a path lined with wrought iron candles amongst beautiful greenery. As they reached the corner hundreds of floating Moroccan Glass Lanterns hung over tables draped in hand beaded silk linens in moss, teal, and blackberry. Tables were set with Gold Leaf Chargers, matching Napkins and Beaded Rings. Centerpieces with bright and festive purples and pink. The smell of authentic Paella filed the air.
Awards Reception and Dinner
– Understated Elegance
Starting at 7:00am, the transition began. Watching a blank ballroom evolve over Eight (8) hours into a room that captures every human sense, is a true pleasure for any event planner. Steel beaded curtains draped amongst Champagne Velvet Drape took you away from the ballroom and into a VIP private “Club.” As you look around, your lost in intelligent lighting that moves and brings this whole room together. The center of attention and detail was certainly the immaculate tables. Designed with a beautiful Brown linen with Smoked Glass charger, complimenting napkin with Brushed Nickle Ring, Silver Rimmed glassware, and Silver Fanfare Chair…a must! At the heart of this was an intricate centerpiece consisting of Nine (9) various shaped candle vessels brushed with metallic paint, Five (5) stainless steel spheres, moss, and indigenous succulents.
As if that wasn’t enough, once the awards concluded, a hidden door appeared and the music started. Guests quickly moved to an after hours party complimented in color, and design. A eye catcher was certainly the zebra link seating arrangement in the center of the room.
