Event Recap: La Roche Posay "Pride in Dermatology" – An Electric Night Celebrating Love

Pride month 2022 has come and gone, but we would be remised not to share more about how RGI celebrated love through an incredible event we had the honor to plan, produced, and thoroughly enjoy ourselves! If you know anything about trends, you know the 90s are back baby – so it was a fitting theme for our long-time client, a leader in dermatological beauty, La Roche Posay’s “Pride in Dermatology” celebration. From the venue, rainbow accents, totally 90’s costume contest and iconic 90’s chart-topping popstars….the night was fit for queens – not to mention the tens of thousands of dollars LRP raised for two incredible nonprofits!

Venue: Chelsea Music Hall, New York, NY

Located in New York’s Meatpacking District, Chelsea Music Hall was the perfect venue to host this retro and eccentric night! From the underground stage and moody ambiance to the neon signs and fully stocked bar full of on-brand and on-trend treats, guests were immediately transported back the 90s decadence of NYC!

Entertainment: Miss Peppermint, DJ Cazwell, Cece Peniston, Real McCoy and PAULA ABDUL

Here’s the 411 on the event’s live entertainment! RGI’s Principal and Creative Director actually got her start in the music industry working for superstar talent agencies in Los Angeles and touring with major label artists and festivals before landing as the Talent Buyer for iconic BB  King’s Blues Club. This is where she’s always felt most at home! So from scouting the perfect talent for the event to talent buying, negotiating contracts, organizing travel and accommodations, to ultimately producing the stage show – it's all in a day's work.

The event was emceed by La Roche Posay’s Director of Medical Affairs Tyler Steele (who we are pretty sure has a second career waiting for him on Broadway!) and the incredible Miss Peppermint from Ru Paul’s Drag Race and Drag Race All Stars, guests were majorly entertained from the start!

Getting jiggy with it, CeCe Peniston, one of the Top 100 Dance Club Artists and who scored five number one hits on the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play, kicked off the show with her electric energy and killer dance moves, followed by a virtual performance by non-other than 90s icon Paula Abdul.

Abdul was unable to make the show in person, so RGI worked closely with her camp to plan and produce a virtual concert designed exclusively for the Pride in Dermatology guests. Closing out the elaborate program was the German Eurodance and pop music group Real McCoy. The group was only contracted to perform three songs but had so much fun on stage, that they added another three to their set – the crowd LOVED it, and so did we! As if we wouldn’t!

From stage design to lights and production we had our work cut out for us, but when working with incredible performers and an awesome venue, the show went off without a hitch! RGI also produced a simultaneous live stream virtual event for those who did not feel comfortable attending such a large event in person. Guests had the option to enjoy the show from the comfort and safety of their own homes, while not missing out on all the excitement!

Details: Bling, Bling!

The 90s loved their bling, bling! As guests arrived, they walked under a stunning and massive rainbow balloon arch before walking the red carpet at check-in. For our VIP guests, rainbow wristbands were given out, complementing their perfectly styled 90s-themed costumes! At the end of the night, each guest was given a blue metallic swag bag filled with lots of full-size La Roche Posay products and other fun Pride-inspired goodies.

Money Raised: $100,000 for non-profits

While the concert was pretty fly if we do say so ourselves, the event was also extremely successful on another front! Throughout the show, La Roche Posay donated $100,000 to two featured non-profits, OutCare and Homeward. Outcare is the nation's first comprehensive resource for LGBTQ+ healthcare offering provider and healthcare resource directories, mentorship, medical education reform and cultural competency training. At Homeward NYC, LGBTQ young adults with a history of trauma gain access to affordable housing in a supportive setting where they collaborate as active participants in their own care, goal-setting and achievement.

 We were honored to be a part of and celebrate the LGBTQ community through this event! The night was a phat success and like totally rad!

Unpopular opinion - We are not falling for Fall.

A note from Commander in Chic, Rachael Glaws:

Unpopular opinion time - I am not a fan of Fall.

Whether I truly don't like Fall or I've become so engrossed in the endorphin hangover experience as my favorite season – summer -- fades away, I can't say for certain. But I do know that many things that typically inspire one about the season are the same things I would rather lock back up in a cupboard. I find them anything but inspiring. The color palette, the cold weather, say nothing of pumpkin spice – none of it works for me. Apples, though, I do like apples!

So how does one remain seasonally inspired, as it is a core pillar of the planning and design priorities for us here at RGI when there is nothing one finds inspiring about the season?

As with any challenge, I find the solution is to break it down into manageable pieces. While Fall as a whole may be more reason for me to curl up under my covers than jump out of them, I do like exploring the materiality and texture that comes with a changing season. If a particular seasonal color palette is not your cup of tea, perhaps seasonal textures serve as a motivation to create. Leaning into the crisp fallen leaves, crunchy dried summer florals, wood as it emerges from behind fallen leaves, or the puffed wool of a chunky knit throw, Fall is an excellent time for naturally inspired materials to take center stage.

Suppose your seasonal depression is already upon you and you can't bring yourself to lean in quite that deep; in that case, you could always throw an end-of-the-summer bash and hold on to those warm temperatures just a tiny bit longer -- celebrating this glorious season as another long summer day fades into a rosé sunset…but that's a story for another time!

Cheers,

RG

Event Essentials: RGI's Journey to Embracing Balloons

If you were at an RGI event ten years ago, there is very little chance you would have seen a balloon installation of any kind. In fact, there was a time when we would hang up the phone at the mention of balloons. There was no amount of money you could pay for us to incorporate air-filled latex into any event. However, balloons have evolved over the past decade, and so have our feelings towards them.

Balloon installation at an RGI produced event for beauty brand product celebration in NYC!

The idea of taking a simple balloon arch and manipulating it into a focal point has really blown up (see what we did there?) into something kind of amazing. What was once a cheesy decoration has transformed into works of art. 

“It's remarkable the changes we’ve seen over the last four years to the options and artistry around something as simple as balloons! Where it used to be the last thing I would ever suggest to a client, now, it’s frequently one of the first - especially when a client needs a big impact on a tight budget!” -Rachael Glaws, RGI Principal

Here are our top 3 reasons why you, too, should embrace balloons.

1. Entryway wow moment. We are sure you have seen a traditional balloon arch, but this is RGI, and we seldom do anything traditionally. We amp up a classic silhouette by going with a garland. Balloon garlands are an easy and simple way to decorate the entrance of a space if you really want your guest to know where the party is. We love a big, full and grand balloon garland, especially when dressed up with florals.

2. Space filler. At RGI we love a fully decorated room – from floor to ceiling! A favorite balloon install of ours was from a recent store opening event for our clients in New York City. It was simple yet stunning. The store was not very big, so we didn’t have much room to work with, and we certainly did not have floor space for a grand balloon set up. So naturally, we did what RGI always does, and we went up. Hundreds of white and gold balloons filled the ceiling with beautifully curled ribbons dangling down, creating a beautiful display.

3. Branding. Organizational identity and messaging is easy and elegant through creative additions to any balloon display. This can take the shape of balloons branded with a company logo, company tagline or event hashtag. We also love rigging a laser-cut sign either into the ballon installation or on a frame. Whether they are scattered around your event or a focal point photo moment, we love incorporating these touches to further #MaterializeTheMessage.

From shapes and sizes, to colors and finishes and even the ability to brand, balloons have made it possible for us to create big, exciting moments at minimal costs.

A colorful balloon garland was the first things guest saw when they arrive at an RGI produced Pride event for a beauty brand client in NYC!

When you run out of room on the ground, you go up! Photo from an RGI store opening event in NYC!

Branded balloons at an RGI event store opening in Miami!

Party guest taking a nail-fie in front of branded balloon install at RGI event in NYC!

It's All in the (Rose-Colored) Details

If you’ve been following along with us here at RGI, we’re sure you have heard it a thousand times by now…. #materializethemessage. We know, we know…we sound like a broken record….in the BEST way!

Materializing the message is RGI’s philosophy that EVERY detail in our designs for our clients should elevate and illustrate the purpose of an event – and push the client’s agenda consistently to the forefront for the attendee - often in an unexpected way. This goal informs SO much of how we make an event come together for a client.

In June, we had the opportunity to put this philosophy squarely in focus for a client at their product celebration in New York City. When beauty brand KISS approached RGI to put together a memorable party celebrating the 10th anniversary of one product and the official website launch of another, we were elated. We knew the significance of this endeavor for the brand and we were ready to tackle the assignment head-on.

One of the biggest challenges we faced was how to throw essentially two different parties in the same room while keeping them cohesive and complementary to each other. A favorite venue of ours to work at in the Big Apple, Midtown Loft and Terrace, has a long rectangular space on the 11th floor that would fit the mold perfectly for the big press and influencer-filled bash! Because of the room's shape, we could easily dedicate the left side of the room to the 10-year celebration of KISS's imPress press on nails and the right to the launch of the Falscara website.

Now, all we had to do was figure out a way to mold the two parties into one – with only space for one bar. How did we do that? Well, we met in the middle – literally.

Through the most stunning white circular bar set up in the middle of the room, we took the two brands and wove them together. Not only was the physical bar branded with logos and product displays from each brand, but that back bar was the real moment!

The merging of the two sub-brands was brought to life through an oversized, lush floral display. On one side, flowers in the pink, purple and blue hues of Falscara climbed up a stunning gold and marble 4-tiered shelf, while on the other, roses, peonies and hydrangeas in imPress pinks cascaded down. Each floral display depicting individual products intertwined in the middle – representing the two stemming from the same parent company. Among the flourishing flowers, products from both were displayed artfully on trendy acrylic stands and boxes – really driving home the message. We absolutely loved the way this vision bloomed into reality!

Event Recap: RGI Presents "Cornerstone Live!", A Celebration of a Government Affairs' 20th Anniversary"

Party's not quite the word to describe this particular evening; it was a celebration in every sense. Crowds were entertained by D.J. 2-Tone Jones on the main stage and later by headliner and local party band Go-Go Gadget, who kept the party going late into the evening with hits from over the last 20 years -- honoring the 20th-anniversary theme. The festivities continued on the second-level terrace with a jazz band serenade in "Cloakroom," a bespoke cocktail bar complete with custom concoctions mixed up by our mixologist and appropriately named by the lobbying firm "Unanimous Consent" and "Majority Rules."

This event was the culmination of twenty years of hard work and growth, which we highlighted at every level. RGI worked closely with longtime collaborators and "friendor" RSVP Catering to curate a menu by which each catering option was inspired by the flavors and dishes from each of their 17 office locations around the country. Guests enjoyed local delights like lobster rolls from Maine, flatbread tacos from Oklahoma City, fried chicken from Kentucky, and barbecue stations from Austin. 

 And we did not stop at food. No detail was too small, and no installation was too big for CGA. A 20-foot road map leading the way to each office Cornerstone opened across the nation over the last 20 years was placed on the floor in the center of the venue, anchoring the event. And one of our favorite details, tailored concert posters with the locations and dates of each office opening, flashed throughout the venue. The overall inspiration for the event was formed largely by the spectacular venue in which the party took place.

 And speaking of the venue, how could we write this post without highlighting the main inspiration behind "Cornerstone Live!": The Anthem – D.C.'s newest, and premier concert venue. The theme "Cornerstone Live!" meant to evoke the feeling of a command performance by the client in one of D.C.'s elite performance venues. As we went back in time (and all over the U.S.), it became clear there was no better way to reflect on how Washington, D.C., the home of Cornerstone Government Affairs, has changed and evolved over the last 20 years, than by hosting the biggest party of the year at the Anthem, at the Wharf, in S.W. D.C. Twenty years ago, unthinkable, but today, it was the perfect choice in this vibrant and ever-evolving city we call home. 

Rachael Glaws Named to BizBash's Top 500 Event Professionals 2020!

For the second year in a row Principal and Founder of RGI events – Rachael Glaws – has been named to The BizBash 500 Most Influential Event Professionals list for 2020. This annual feature is compiled from the meeting and event industry’s “trailblazers, trendsetters, and up-and-comers”. The list spans every section of the industry – from catering and entertainment, to audiovisual & lighting design and event technology – and honors designers, creators, producers, executives, and managers for their visionary work.

Rachael is listed among the top Special Event Consultants and, as BizBash puts it, “as the industry’s multitaskers, these noteworthy namesakes can do it all, from production to event marketing to brand strategies and more.”

The BizBash 500 is one of the industry’s most prestigious accolades and Rachael has been a consistent feature of the list because of RGI’s commitment to pushing the boundaries on what’s possible.  The ability to anticipate client’s needs, creativity to work within any budget, and extensive experience spanning over a decade is how RGI consistently exceeds clients’ goals. And as the events industry navigates this tumultuous year, Rachael has proven to be a pioneer in producing cutting-edge virtual experiences for corporate, policy, and non-profit clients. 

In her own words, here a snapshot of what Rachael loves about working in this industry:

The most memorable event I've produced was... The Atlantic Council's Gala at the Plaza honoring Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate on her first trip after release from her 15 year house arrest - once in a lifetime moment.

One thing I love most about my job is... Being a meaningful part of our client's missions to inspire, educate and create change in our world.

My favorite event to attend is/was... Ball for the Mall, Washington DC, it's not my party, but it's always a blast!

My signature touch/style is... Hanging installations from the ceiling! “How many rig points” is likely the first question you'll hear me ask when walking through a venue.

My go-to decor for a wow-factor is... ANYTHING oversized! If you are going for impact, MAKE IT BIG!

Rachael is honored and humbled to be featured among industry giants and RGI is excited to keep making memorable experiences for our 2020 and 2021 clients! Stay tuned for an event we are particularly excited about next spring: Steve Harvey’s Vault Empowers Summit 2021. This annual conference will pack together two days of networking and professional development at The Anthem, one of D.C.’s largest live event venues. We have big design dreams for Vault Empower and we can’t wait to watch them come to fruition!

Event Recap: Winter Wonderland Resort Style

You think you do holidays to the extreme? Bet you never used over 300,000 ornaments! You know holiday prep in the RGI atelier starts before summer even begins. Our various retail mixed use, corporate, and resort clients begin the planning process for holiday overhauls many months in advance to make sure to capitalize on this revenue and revelry driven season. Here at RGI, we tend to have a no task is too big mentality. Let us tell you- sometimes we take this very literally. 60 feet of Christmas Tree in a resort lobby big! We love new challenges and letting our creativity expand, so when we were asked to transform a 4 diamond resort in Loudon County Virginia into a Winter Wonderland we let our minds run wild.

Our brief: to transform the resort into a holiday atmosphere that would attract both out of town holiday guests and entice locals to come and join in on the activities. This involved our team creating multiple visually stunning focal points in the hotel, as well as creating engaging programing from Thanksgiving through Christmas that entertained all age groups and guests! RGI worked to make it a destination that not only looked visually stunning and to increase their overall holiday rooms revenue, food and beverage revenue, but we wanted to establish this location as a source of activity and engagement for the local community.

What does this end up looking like? Let’s just say it wasn’t all two turtle doves and partridge in a pear tree.

• A 6 day build in the freezing cold and rain

• 64 trees including a 60ft sequoia with over 40,000 ornaments

• 263 wreaths

• 600 individual bows

• 6,101 snowflakes

• 100,000ft of garland

• 250,000 ft of tree lights

  AND… 

• Yes we weren’t kidding, over 300,000 ornaments. 200+ in every tree, 1000s to get every wreath decorated, and then think of all the shinny spheres we needed to get every foot of garland adorned! It doesn’t stop there. RGI included an out of this world instillation dreamt up by our genius Commander in Chic Rachael Glaws. 8,000 ornaments suspended from the ceiling by a fishing wire grid, made them look like they were floating in air-think Harry Potter and the floating candles in the great hall...Yeah, I know AMAZING!  

I mean go big or go home, am I right?

We know that every holiday project is unique, RGI wants to be driven by the strengths and goals of the particular location and client while creating a festive holiday atmosphere.

While this client has champagne taste, everyone's on a budget at the end of the day. With over 60,000 square feet to be transformed, the RGI team had to strategically approach the project to make sure that we were still making everything cohesive and intentionally filled while adhering to a very strict budget.

In order to do that, our design revolved around creating intentional larger than life moments in high traffic areas for instance making an impactful impression upon guests when they first arrived. Focusing on registration, the main elevator bank, the principle restaurant, and other places that we knew attendees would be walking through return to again and again and had to walk through on the way to programming, while we filled in the gaps with a take on seasonal decor elements.

It’s greatly important to us as a company, for our Principle Rachael, and for the type of clients that we work with that everything serves a purpose it's not just there to be there. This is why we focus so much on the larger than life moments that truly made an impact.

Here are some of those Larger Than Life Moments:

• Of course our 60ft stunner with a full tree lighting celebration

• A snowflake insulation in the registration area with the resort logo that made guests feel immersed in the snow while checking in

• By the elevators, those thousands upon thousands of ornaments hung from a methodically designed with a fishing wire grid instillation

• For a little nod to resort and recreational life- a custom golf cart strung-up with tree lights

• In the restaurant, giant replicas of ornaments and 5ft snowflakes amazed guests as they dinned

It doesn’t stop there, RGI  also was tasked with creating over 6 weeks of holiday programing for the resort. This brought over 400 guests a day for 12 hours of holiday fun everyday! Multiple activations were thoughtfully curated for the guests to enjoy.

Continuing with our mission to try and always source locally, RGI created a Holiday Pop-up Market and brought in various local vendors and seasonal food and beverage options. The Loudon County area is known to some as the “Napa of the East Coast” so of course we had to incorporate local vineyards too! We hunted out artisans and small batch providers knowing that we were not only supporting the local community, but that this would make the activities even more enticing for locals to attend and see what they could discover in their own backyard! It was a win win!

No one ever got bored, with activations to keep everyone entertained. A mini-polar express, petting zoo with all the northern creatures you could think of (yes, we heard Rudolph even made an appearance),  as well as children’s activities like cookie making and ornament decorating classes. Santa also came to say hi and take pictures of course!

Lemons into Clean Water Lemonade

As we round the corner into fall, the Fourth of July feels like ages ago. Our aches and pains have subsided and we’ve caught up on sleep from our epic efforts supporting the National Fourth of July Celebration on the National Mall…. but the work has hardly stopped for us. And since the celebration, RGI has been working tirelessly behind the scenes in a hurculean effort to support our city, donating linventory that went unsold at the event to providing clean drinking water and supplement food pantries across town for the D.C. community in this unprecedented time of income, housing, and food insecurity.

 This purpose of our work here at RGI is to support and strategize for our clients as they advance their organizational agendas through planning and executing mission-oriented events. There is immense satisfaction we gain through this work. After months, and sometimes years, of planning, we deliver an end product that serves a purpose greater than beautiful tablescapes or quality production (although we love those things too). The events we produce always have an end goal that benefits the community at large; this is where we find our motivation.

In November of last year, RGI won an unprecedented 10-year contract for Food + Beverage and Event Services for the National Park Service (NPS). Since initiation of the contract in January, we have created a first-of-its-kind food truck program for the parks in the National Capital Region - and are also tasked with coordination, support and execution services for marquee programing in these parks including nationally facing festivals such as the Cherry Blossom Festival, the Fourth of July, and Inauguration. In a typical year, these iconic events bring visitors from around the globe and can draw crowds in the hundreds of thousands.

At the start of the year, when “coronavirus” was not yet in our everyday vocabulary, the RGI team was deep in planning for the Fourth of July. RGI’s m.o. is pushing the status quo so we had big plans for a complete modernazation overhaul of the food and beverage service at the event - one that would add to the attendee experience while highlighting local artisan restaurants, breweries, vineyards and food trucks. In the works were a myriad of high flying plans including a full-scale beer garden and wine tasting picnic area in Constitution Gardens and a partnerships for the creation of an outdoor marketplace serviced by D.C.’s most loved restaurants and food trucks.

Three months later, plans had drastically changed. With the country in quarantine and the events industry shuttered, our Fourth of July plans ground to a halt. Come June, when the Administration announced they would move forward with fireworks on the Mall, we found ourselves in a difficult position.

RGI had not produced a live event since February, and had already sustained heavy losses to the tune of upwards of $2 million in expected revenue (which is still climbing as of today). We had begun to lay off staff and the Fourth of July had potential to be a desperately needed source of revenue. But our challenge was: how do we protect the financial security of the company while keeping our guests safe, AND living up to the expectations of NPS and the commitments in our contract?

We got to work with NPS and estimated, as conservatively as possible, how many people would attend the celebration, trying to limit the amount of inventory RGI would need to front load. Opting for open air, grab and go kiosks, stocked with the bare essentials, which would limit crowding - and of course LOTS of PPE.

Ultimately, many D.C. residents – and tourists who usually flock to the District at that time of year – decided to stay home. While this was certainly a win for public safety, one we whole heartedly support, RGI was left with thousands of unsold water bottles in a time when the company cannot afford excess expenditures.

Months of preparation and excitement turned to disappointment through what was a devastating blow. Yet, we knew we were not alone in our worry and frustration. While the events industry has struggled en mass, unemployment and homelessness have reached scary highs, and non-profits have withered amidst funding shortages and layoffs. As company born and built in the District, helmed by a woman fiercely proud to have been brought up in this area, RGI felt a responsibility to step up to the plate and give back to the city we love.

With 6 16x8 storage containers filled with 22 palettes water now on our hands, we realized we had an opportunity to help tens of thousands of our District’s residents. We mobilized staff to begin outreach to organizations we knew would best benefit from this surplus. Since July, RGI has partnered with nearly a dozen organizations including So Others Might Eat, Thrive DC, Capital Area Food Bank, Pope Francis Outreach Center, DC Central Kitchen and DC Public Library to bring water to over 30,000 people.

In more normal times, water is an essential need and a high priority for food banks, donation centers, and non-profit organizations, but now more than ever – as D.C. residents face a pandemic that has taken many out of work or out of their homes – these water donations are vital to keep our community safe.

“The donation will make a big difference to our center. Think how appreciative they will be, especially receiving bottles of water. They will be grateful for the extra item. You have been a blessing... - Pope Francis Outreach Center”

The organizations we have partnered with are down on funds and volunteer staff which has caused a widespread shortage of supplies and resources. Without donations, the burden to purchase water would fall to the organizations themselves. So Others Might Eat, for example, normally keeps free water sources open to the public. But with contamination concerns ever present, they now rely on donations like ours to keep fulfilling their mission.

 Some are hauling water by the truck load, while others are grabbing only what can fit in their car, but every single bottle is going to a person in need in the District. One volunteer from the Pope Frances Outreach Center was near tears when we saw how much water we were able to provide. After a large pick up, we received this note, “The donation will make a big difference to our center. Your donation[…]allows us to include these items in the food bags the guests receive. Think how appreciative they will be, especially receiving bottles of water. My guests will be grateful for the extra item. You have been a ‘blessing in disguise’.”

As we continue in these efforts, we are so grateful to have the opportunity to gain the same type of satisfaction we are so blessed to receive from the core of our work which we soon hope we will return to. It is a feeling of contribution, a satisfaction of purpose accomplished, from using our resources and talents to imp\rove the world around us. What started as a disappointment for our business has become a blessing for organizations around the city - through clean water for thousands of Washington, D.C. residents. RGI is proud to have partnered with these vital organizations and will continue to provide water to any organization in need while our supplies remain.

If your organization is in need of water, please don’t hesitate to reach out to RGI Event Services Coordinator, Christine Humbach: via email, christine@rgievents.com.

Stay safe D.C.!

Hybrid Events

In early March, the events industry was moving full steam ahead, prepped and ready for a jam-packed spring season. It was to be filled with grand stages, dazzling lights, stunning tablescapes, impactful décor, and most importantly great gatherings.

In 1 week - that all changed.

The past months have been a challenge to say the least. For the events industry, which still has nearly 12 million people out of work and trillions of dollars lost, to our business, and for our clients who rely on events for their missions and success.

We’ve spent those months supporting our clients as they pivot to virtual models to keep their agendas moving forward-

Check out our blog from a few weeks back detailing those efforts!

- and now, finally, 6 months in to this Pandemic, we have finally started to started to see the light of hope for in person events returning creeping slowly through the darkness….

We may not be able to return to the way it used to be quite yet , but we are also not trapped within the computer screen any longer. As we emerge from this darkness we are able to offer clients new and safe formats to bring their events back online , recapturing the majic of our collective gathering, slowly, but surely….through the Hybrid Event.

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A Hybrid Event combines live, in-person content with an online audience similar to a broadcast. This allows event hosts to create programing in one common location, presenting taping in real time, and creating interactive components for virtual attendees.

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 What is the Format of a Hybrid Event? 

Hybrid events can closely mirror your intended programming for your in-person event. The key is that all of the program participants are together (speakers, honorees, etc) and your audience is virtual. Keeping the group small that is gathered in person - but allowing for a mo0re impactful delivery of programming.

RGI recommends opening a hybrid event as you would your live event. Whether your audience is sitting in a ballroom or sitting in their living room you want to grab their attention. Live tapings of opening remarks, presentations, and videos kickstart the event. You can then create opportunities for audience interaction through Q&A sessions, deliverable swag, breakout sessions or platform specific self-guided development. As a host you want attendees to feel engaged. Bring everyone back together, we encourage hosts to direct presentations back to the live filming location, showcasing keynote speakers and closing remarks.

 Hybrid Vs. Virtual?

 Going hybrid takes guests one step closer to experiencing a live event. It transports attendees outside of their homes and into a beautiful theater or extraordinary venue. There is an element of elevation and unity that occurs when presenters are taken out of a typical virtual environment and brought safely together.

Having all the presenters in a common venue also allows for higher production quality at a controlled cost. Rather than spreading your valuable budget on high-end equipment and production staff at various locations, focus into one venue, creating an immersive backdrop for participants. 

 How Can We Make Our Event Unique?

While you may not be able to serve a themed duo plate or color branded cocktail, you can let your guests know how special they are by sending out gift boxes or interactive swag options.

Don’t want your sponsors to feel left out? Use a personalized virtual platform to integrate games or imagery showcasing and highlighting branding and sponsors. 

 We may not be ready to gather round the table but we can safely look towards getting back in the spotlight.

Event Essentials: Colored Glassware

We love a tabletop (obviously). There is ABSOLUTELY nothing we love more than setting an elevated table for even the most everyday events. The mixture of colors, patterns, textures…its an essential to entertaining..no…LIVING glamorously. And we are girls who love some glamor. Our Commander in Chic, Rachael Glaws, is often asked for her tips and tricks of setting the perfect table. So today as we wanted to touch on an easy element for elevation of any tablescape that is often overlooked in event design (“and you guys I’m currently OBSESSED with it!” -Rachael) …… colored glassware!

When looking for a pop of color at an event, florals, chargers, linens, or even lighting are the usual options, but the trend of using colored or textured glassware has seen a resurgence and we are loving it! While you never want your table to appear gaudy or overwhelming, we think the right use of colored glassware can really make a statement. We have some tips to make sure you’re using this trend to make your table truly fabulous.

1. Functionality – make sure your glassware is appropriate to the style of your event and can serve it’s purpose. Of course we want the tablescape to look fantastic, but your guests also need to be able to use their glasses. If you have colored mason jars but are serving champagne, that simply won’t work.

2. Don’t be afraid of contrast- mix a colored wine glass with clear drinking glasses or try multiple colors within your event’s color palette. We always love an eclectic table setting!

3. Don’t stop at color- texture, shape, sizes, play with them all! Try using milk glassware or antique cranberry glass to your table setting.

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Always the Mise en place Curateur extraordinaire, Rachael, likes to do a trial run and mockup of her planned place settings before the big event. This allows her to see where she’s going creatively and work out any kinks, so she can make sure it all works together before the show. We HIGHLY recommend doing the same for your events. While colors and textures may work together in your mind, playing with them all in front of you takes the stress of having to rearranged on event day if everything doesn’t work quite how you imagined it.

MOST of all - have fun with it - it’s a party after all! and If we inspired you to do some entertaining this holiday weekend - tag us on the ‘Gram @rgievents #eventessentials - happy partying!

Photo credits:

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In-Person in COVID: How RGI Gets It Done

The events industry may be a long way off from a full pandemic recovery, but glimmers of hope are beginning to surface. In late July, longtime client L’Oréal Skinceuticals was slated to hold a 200 person cocktail hour in celebration of their newly opened SkinLab brick and mortar location in Connecticut. As the state entered Phase 2 of their reopening plan, and gatherings of up to 25 people were once again allowed, RGI jumped in with the L’Oréal team to rework plans.

Instead of a single, four hour cocktail party, the celebration was split into four, two hour gatherings over a two day span. Capacity was capped at 25 guests at any given time, allowing L’Oréal’s entire guest list to experience the fun while adhering to appropriate social distancing guidelines.

A staple activation at every L’Oréal event is demonstrations on the latest skincare lines. This time, brand ambassadors showcased product safely behind a transparent treatment room with sound piped out for guests to hear.

Besides this structural overhaul, what does attending an in-person event look like these days? Every touch point, every interaction, and every detail were reimagined.

The first sign of a changed event experience: prominent COVID signage baring reminders for guests to remain 6 feet apart and wear a mask at all times.

Instead of table numbers and escort cards, branded hand sanitizer was available for guests upon arrival. And the hot new swag for guests? Custom disposable face masks, ensuring an extra layer of protection while keeping everyone fashionably on brand. Even our handmade cookies were individually wrapped to take home and enjoy later.

Our bar – typically crowded with guests bellied up for libations - was now self-serve. Not only did this protect our bar staff from the guests, but also eliminated the mingling and lingering that often accompanies a wait for a drink.

Though changes were necessary to create an impactful yet safe event, the elevated atmosphere you can expect from an RGI production remained. Lux matte black balloons anchored the room’s decor, branded tote bags were offered to guests and will no doubt be used long after this event, and our DJ hit all the right notes to create a light and sophisticated vibe.

Oh - and of course we had to bring in a champagne cart.

Is planning a safe, in-person event in the midst a pandemic challenging? You bet. But is it possible? Absolutely. And with RGI’s creativity and ingenuity, new rules that have the potential to dampen the mood, or even bring an event to a halt, are transformed into fun, statement making elements. Think of our special sauce as the spoon full of sugar that helps the medicine go down.

The Empty Event

On August 5th Live Events Coalition with DC Events Coalition hosted an event on the National Mall - The Empty Event.

Typically buzzing with energy and tourism, the Mall was hushed, as it has been for the past 5 months. The sporadic runners and walkers craned their necks to try to find out what could possibly be going on. The breeze rustled the elegantly laid table linens and rushed through the light towers on the empty stage. The speakers announced, “Guests, Please Make Your Way To Your Seats”. The tables, the seats, the stage remained empty.    

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“[An Event] doesn’t magically appear. [...] there are these extremely talented and highly skilled and trained professionals that build this.”

— Nancy Shaffer, President of Live Events Coalition

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Rather than to celebrate, this event was staged to shine a light on an industry that has been demolished by COVID-19. 48 tables were set, each symbolizing 250,000 live event workers, totaling 12 million workers who have lost their jobs during the current pandemic.

The live events industry was one of the first to be shuttered by the pandemic’s effects and it will be the last to return.

According to DC Live Events Coalition, the US meeting industry had over $845 billion in sales in 2016, concert and events promotion had around $35 billion in revenue. The US professional AV industry had $89 billion in revenue in 2018 and the US wedding/social industry came in around $ 74 billion in 2019. Each previously booming branch of live events has been hit with the same devastation of COVID-19 and has come together and to demand attention and relief.  

“The health and safety of our clients, their guests, our vendors, our employees, and the global community is our number one priority.”

— DC Events Coalition

Live events workers are known for their anonymity. Typically donning ‘all blacks’, we are the one’s behind the scenes – planning, setting, decorating, building, producing, cooking, serving, cleaning, trouble-shooting - creating the magic for guests to revel in. It’s what we do and it’s what we love.

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“We rely on person-to-person networking and energy. Our business is exactly the opposite of social distancing”

— DC Events Coalition

The DC Events Coalition quickly came together as event leaders in the DC area sought to find support and resources within the industry.

Through their webinars, RGI events has stood with the DC Events Coalition to discuss and identify critical resources, create awareness of the suffering within our industry, working to bring relief by means of federal aid, and addressing the lasting impacts we will have to navigate both during and after the pandemic.

RGI continues to stand together with DC events coalition and all our industry partners in our hope and our fight for this beautiful industry filled with countless hours of hard work and plenty of magic.

Photo credit to Pepe Gomez, Daniel Swartz, and Michael Kress

Back in Action, Virtually

After a five-month hiatus that felt more like five years, the RGI team was thrilled to get back in the saddle last week and produce an event with a new client: The Climate Reality Project.

The Climate Reality Project was founded by Vice President Al Gore with the goal of creating “a global network of activists committed to spreading awareness of the climate crisis and working for solutions to the greatest challenge of our time.”

Since the organization’s founding, the CRP team has held 43 in-person trainings across the US - and around the world - bringing together thousands of people at a time for a week of inspiring keynote speakers, networking with fellow Climate Leaders, and developing plans for the requisite “Acts of Leadership” all participants must complete by the end of their first year as a Climate Leader.

If this program sounds like a massive undertaking, that’s because it is.

At the beginning of the year, RGI events came on board the CRP team to help produce the next five in-person trainings through 2021. But as we now know, 2020 had other plans.

When it became clear in-person events of this scale were no longer possible for the foreseeable future, a pivot was needed. The climate crisis – rooted in causes and challenges undeniably linked to those of the current pandemic – is all too important to put on hold, so the team decided to take things virtual.

From Saturday, July 18 to Sunday, July 26, thousands of participants logged onto the CRP training website, accessed highly anticipated speeches (available real time, and later on-demand), networked with fellow trainees via the remote conferencing platform we are all too familiar with these days (Zoom), and strengthened their leadership skills through online learning exercises.

This conference was by far the largest virtual event RGI has produced to date: over 5,000 participants logging in from every time zone, 9 hours of live video content, 5 hours of virtual group work, and 25 hours of virtually facilitated networking sessions.

The most important piece of advice we can share for those planning a virtual event of any scale is test, test, and test again. Virtual events – by nature – are tech heavy productions. In the days leading up to the conference, the team tested each platform over and over until we had a plan for every possible scenario. And if a situation arose that we somehow did not anticipate, the production team for each session had a separate Slack channel running on their computer (and a backup text group), to troubleshoot quickly and efficiently.

While we do miss the adrenaline rush of the in-person event lift, the virtual format had its perks (more than one 5 a.m. session was facilitated from the comfort of our beds). The most pleasant surprise was the personal connection we were able to make with the event’s participants. One segment of our work for CRP involved monitoring the support inbox. As we poured through comments and questions from attendees, we were able to read through the hopeful and excited notes shared with the CRP team, thanking them for their important work.

Those notes were a needed reminder of why we do what we do – mission-based events are our specialty because it is a joy and an honor to help organizations like The Climate Reality Project make change for good.

Event Recap: National Park Service's 4th of July Celebration

With 250,000 attendees sprawling from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument expected annually, the 4th of July on The National Mall is arguably the city’s, and maybe the nation’s, most grand event of the year.

As native Washingtonian’s, RGI was obviously thrilled to be brought on by the event’s hosts, The National Park Service, to provide broad event services to support the production to this monumental (pun intended) celebration!

At RGI, we are known for doing it big…and it dosen’t get much bigger than this.

Heres a taste of supply prep for an event of this scale -

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49,680 bottles of water, 5,440 bags of chips , 4,200 bags of pretzels, Four 8 x 16 foot freight containers of soda, half a dozen tents, 190 gallons of popcorn, 24 coolers, 7,000 pounds of ice, 2 all terrain carts, 20 ipads, 3 football fields of cabling, 2 dozen staffers, 2 truckloads of duradeck, stakes, flags, groundmarkers and signage…

6 tubes of sunscreen cherished

AND…

an average daily temp of 97 degrees scorned

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This event also involved 3 days of load-ins with only 1 night to load out…talk about hustle.

Overall, we spent over 43 hours on-site, traversed NEARLY 40 miles collectively, gained a few sunburns and bruises, but only one car’s battery died (…sorry Rachael).

It was anything but a typical year - but we REALLY enjoyed being back into the world of production after a time of virtual events. This event also gave us an amazing view of the fireworks and flyover, which were truly spectacular this year.

We hope you all enjoyed a happy and safe 4th of July!

and we’ll see you down on the National Mall next year!

All in the (Personalized) Details

Here at RGI, we strive to create a memorable events through personalized moments and deluxe give aways sure to leave a lasting impression on guests. Last November, RGI worked with SkinCeuticals - L’Oréal’s science backed skin care line - to produce a three day retreat for the country’s top dermatologists. The retreat was held at the Lotte New York Palace and was filled with luxurious touches fitting of the brand’s elite reputation.

While there were several unexpected moments throughout the retreat, the most popular feature by far was the massive gifting suite RGI dreamt up. SkinCeuticals wanted guests to leave the retreat stocked with products from their bestselling skincare lines to use themselves and bring home for clients. It was also important to build in an interactive element to this portion of the retreat, cultivating a tangible connection between guest and brand. This gifting suite did just that - showcasing the brand’s products via a fun, memorable experience.

Full size products were artfully displayed throughout the suite and chic acrylic clutches were available for guests to grab and hold their goodies. For an added personal touch, RGI commissioned fashion illustrators to design custom monograms, patterns, or designs on each clutch, on request.

We loved getting creative with SkinCeuticals to give their guests a truly one of a kind experience!

RGI is the newest partner of NPS!

The temperatures are rising, the sun is shining, and we are all starting to peek our *masked* faces back outside. While this summer has started off a little different for RGI and for many others around the country, we have still been busy working on a new set of projects and events brought on by our exciting new partnership with the National Park Service.

Last November, RGI EVENTS, was awarded a 10 year contract for events services from the National Parks Service.

Under this contract, our scope of work will include providing general services along with new and innovative concessions concepts to some of the National Mall’s biggest events. The National Fourth of July Celebration, Inauguration, and the Cherry Blossom Festival are just some of the spectacular events we will have the opportunity to support.

Amongst all the applicants, many of which were companies considerably larger than RGI, we were selected for our ingenuity, commitment to the preservation of the Parks, and our tried and true success in the face of new challenges. For us, it’s about more than ice cream and hot dogs. It’s about creating an environment to enjoy all that the National Capital Region has to offer. We have been busy collaborating with the passionate NPS team to find out what makes each park special and how we will be able to highlight and enhance visitor experience through events and everyday.      

One of the first initiatives we are rolling out is the Summer Food Truck Program, where we will be bringing local food trucks into some of the DMV’s favorite parks. NPS has never had the opportunity to bring together such a collaboration, but when RGI’s involved anything is possible!

Parks like East Potomac at Hains Point, Gravelly Point, West Potomac, Fort Hunt, and Anacostia will become even greater spots to escape for a weekend adventure. Many of these locations were without any food or beverage options and will now host rotating food trucks that will please any hungry visitor. Whether you’re craving a classic like burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream, or want to mix it up with Indian, funnel cake, or chicken and waffles, the parks will be showing off something for everyone. Are you planning to host an event at one of NPS’s versatile parks? RGI will be able to set up food trucks for any personal events as well!  

Another space to keep your eyes on this summer is the Snack Bar at Great Falls Park in Virginia. It’s out with the old and in with the new as we ditch the typical tired concessions fare for something that will better match the incredible experiences visitors have when exploring the park’s trails and falls. The snack bar will act as a seasonal pop-up for local businesses to show off – starting with DC’s BBQ Bus Smokehouse. BBQ Bus currently has 2 brick and mortar locations in the city as well as their infamous Bus, all serving up irresistible barbecue bites. If Great Falls didn’t have enough to draw you in, BBQ Bus’ smoky pulled pork sandwich or hot and crispy tater tots just might. Is anyone else’s mouth watering?

As an NPS Concessioner, RGI is able to show off the many facets of what we can do because for us, any moment can be a special event.  

Grab your shades, some sunscreen, maybe even a picnic blanket because we are out here waiting to celebrate all life’s moments with you.

Event Recap: The National Hospice Gala 2019

Event Type: NGO Client’s Fundraising Gala 

Attendees: 500

What we did: Full-service planning, production, design, strategy, donor support, fundraising strategy, sponsor materials, staffing, programming, and executing day-of-event logistics - as well as silent auction in full

Venue: The Marriott Wardman Park, Washington D.C.

Focus: This year’s programmatic focus of the event was to shine a light on care of our aging service veterans

Biggest Challenge: The challenge when working at the Marriott Wardman Park is that the ballroom is exceptionally large. We needed to find creative and budget conscious ways to fill a room of this size elegantly in a way that felt purposeful and complete. To successfully create a natural progression for the event, our team had to conceptualize how to situate the VIP reception for the board and high level donors separate from the general session, which would include the space for the silent auction. In order to give emphasis to the stage as the focal point of the evening, we wanted to reserve our major decor for the stage. We relied more heavily on lighting around the room to decorate the space without decoration and still set a festive tone at a reasonable price point. With the sheer size of this room, we really had to dive into some inventive larger-than-life elements that would be both inexpensive yet impactful to fully transform the space for our client.

As we mark Memorial Day earlier this week on May 25th, 2020, it calls to mind the long history RGI has working hand in hand with various nonprofit organizations and partners to show our support for the nation’s service members. Working events that are dedicated to benefitting the brave souls and hearts of our country — much like our involvement with the Army 10 Miler, Luke’s Wings and countless others the last few years, — is a small way for us to express our gratitude for their mission.

Last spring, we had the honor of partnering with the National Hospice Foundation to organize a gala that focused on the service workers in hospice care for military personnel and veterans. These workers were celebrated through a night of cocktails, dinner, dancing, entertainment, and an auction to raise funds that would ensure the best care possible for their military veteran patients and their families. Through this partnership with the non-profit organization, RGI had the privilege to be involved in creating unique programmatic aspects of the evening that also helped shine a special spotlight in honoring their military veterans. We produced distinct parts of the program for the gala that was in support of those who served our country so tirelessly and with such dedication — it was finally our turn to help them.

Our team carefully crafted various different elements of the program to highlight the moment in a meaningful way for those being honored that night. We were charged to provide a complete full-scale planning experience for the non-profit organization — from venue selections and design to vendors and logistics for auction solicitation and management, along many other aspects. The evening featured a traditional honor program with a salute to service, color guard, donation pledges, fundraising, and countless inspiring stories. 

The 2019 gala was held at The Marriott Wardman Park with a little over five hundred guests in attendance. While the VIP reception began at 5:30pm in the balconies, the night didn’t officially begin until 6:30pm with doors open for cocktails, a live performance by PopCulture Strings, and a silent auction to set the ambience.

Salute to Service: The dinner then began with an honorable salute to service with the color guard to pay tribute to the service members and their families. We included a special feature on the days leading up to the event that extended out to a virtual salute, allowing guests the opportunity to submit information about a specific veteran in their own lives that they wished to recognize and thank in a slideshow later that evening. Donations could also be pledged under the veterans’ names in support of the hospice programs that are committed to caring for these members.

A Table For All: If you’ve ever been to a military ball or attended an event that celebrated military veterans, you’ve most likely noticed the small, round table that is always set but never occupied. This is the tradition of setting a separate table in honor of our prisoners of war and missing in action comrades (POW/MIA). The table is decorated with special symbols to help us remember our brothers and sisters in arms. Every single detail, from the table itself to the utensils set on top, represents something different. For this gala, we made it the head table of the event, front stage, to call attention to its significance and remind everyone of their strength.

Silent Auction: In efforts to help raise funds for the dedicated veteran community, we were tasked with conceptualizing a silent auction that integrated armed services memorabilia and a live appeal in which attendees could directly donate to the programs. We set up a space outside the reception room for the silent auction where guests could easily browse and bid for different items while mingling over cocktails before dining.

We couldn't be more thrilled that the gala was successful in raising over $40,000 on-site from these auctions and donations combined.

Being able to bring this inspiring event to life for our client was extremely rewarding in seeing the end result. We live to create these powerful experiences that take people on an emotional journey and tell a story. Amazing things happen when people come together — whether they learn, inspire, or even share ideas that may change the world. It’s thoroughly rewarding to enable people to get together and see them develop. This event is one of many reasons why we love doing what we do, and why we do our job so passionately.

Events 101: Invitations

Invitations are the very first impressions for your guests of your event. In addition to communicating information, an effective invite catches the attention of attendees, builds excitement and hints at what’s to come. It is our métier to select and design invitations that fit our clients’ goals, both aesthetically and functionally. Throughout the years, we’ve experimented with a variety of invitation styles — read on to see some of our favorites.

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Paper

A thoughtfully designed paper invitation sets the stage for an incredible party and gives attendees a sneak peek at what to expect at your event. The style, detailing and custom elements of a paper invitation signals important information like formality, setting, theme and overall vibe. There’s an endless range of choices when it comes to paper: textures and colors; single, double or even triple envelopes; calligraphed, letterpressed or printed text; and even 3-D components. In the suite below, a postcard takes the place of a traditional RVSP card featuring a hand painted watercolor of the event’s locale. This detail is not only a beautiful addition to the paper suite, but also hints at the rustic-chic feel of this event. We knew a classic invite was the way to go for this formal event (our very own Rachael Glaw’s wedding suite!), but the addition of earth tones and less structured elements hit the right note.

Here at RGI we are always pushing the literal and figurative envelop when designing invitations for our clients.

An invite for the Haunted Scream experience on the grounds of RFK Stadium was really one for the books. An epic opening to this multi-day event was our client’s top priority so RGI knew the invitation needed to go beyond a traditional paper and envelop situation. We collaborated with a props prothesis expert to create truly terrifying hard mailed invites encased in “zombie skin” (aka: textured leather) roughly stitched together and then dipped in crimson wax producing a gory, bloody affect. The invitations were sent to media outlets - including Elliot in the Morning on DC 101 and Angie Goff on WTTG - and made such an impression both shows opened the shocking creations on air. Through our strategic guidance, we garnered significant attention from the press before media even stepped foot on the grounds of RFK Stadium.

When deciding if paper or physical invitations are right for our client, their event goal is always top of mind. But paper is not always the right choice; guest lists size, budgets, and timeline factor into our decision. RGI also acknowledges alternative greener practices when sending out physical invitations like sending paper to a VIP guest list only and using recyclable materials wherever possible.

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Digital

Electronic invitations are an incredibly easy way to save money and paper, especially for events with a large guest list, without sacrificing design or excitement. Creative use of imagery, color and movement in the digital space allows for endless options to customize. RGI often recommends digital invitations to our clients with events with short lead ups or tight budgets, but there are several advantages to a digital invite: seamless integration with event planning tools assists in managing RSVPs, ticket sales, sponsorship sales, and seating. We also find that electronic invitations work well with younger audiences who prefer connecting via phone and computer. When clients’ guest list varies in age, or have a number of high level VIP guests, we like to send traditional paper invitations to select attendees, where appropriate, and digital to the remaining list.

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Forward Thinking

When designing invitations, RGI strives to go above and beyond for our clients, and we have the most fun when breaking new ground. This spring, a client asked us to produce their cocktail reception at a medical conference that needed to not only stand out from several other competing receptions, but appeal to a projected guest list of 18,500 guests from around the world. We knew immediately the reception’s invitation needed to be bold.

SkinCeauticals Chicago

RGI’s Commander in Chic Rachael Glaws, dreamt up an attention grabbing video invite for this client - something we have never seen before. Thousands of attendees from all over the world, would be receiving this invitation so the design needed to be creative and intriguing, while relating to a vast demographic. To cut through the competition we produced a hyper premium, state of the art video that welcomed guests, relayed important information, and positioned the reception as the conference’s can’t miss event.

Event Recap: L’Oréal USA Skinceuticals National Sales Meeting

Event Type: Corporate Client’s Three-day National Sales Meeting

Attendees: 350

 What we did: Full scale planning and production including travel and attendee management, support, design, and logistics of the three-day meeting, and production and execution of their gala celebration

 Venue: The Hotel Allegro, Chicago, IL

 Theme: L’Oréal’s version of America’s Got Talent: Skinceuticals’ Got Talent

Biggest Challenge: Not one, but two next level room transitions. All aspects of this meeting took place in the same ballroom and pre-function space; this meant in order to keep the design fresh and interesting throughout the weekend long program, we needed to get creative with our transition timelines. Following night one’s cocktail hour, RGI and our incredible vendor team tackled an overnight build to get the space ready for two full days of programming. On the last day, we had just two and a half hours to once again transform the space from general session to celebratory gala complete with a replica of the America’s Got Talent stage and set. We may have felt the pressure at times but thanks to careful planning and an all-hands-on-deck attitude we got the job done in our signature style.

 RGI’s Favorite Creation: In the hotel’s pre-function space, we set up four unique, custom social activations, one of which we dubbed the “Market Wall”. This 10’x10’ structure functioned as our photo op and video backdrop. Not only was the wall beautifully decked out with fruits and florals, the wall was a visual representation of the all-natural ingredients in L’Oréal’s marquee products. The hallmark characteristics of L’Oréal’s skincare line is botanic properties and formulas backed by science. When we embark on our design process, our client’s event goal is always top of mind. How can we visually represent the message our client wants to impart on their guests? This Market Wall hit the mark.

For the past several years, RGI has enjoyed a multi-year creative partnership with L’Oreal USA. Through this partnership we have been lucky enough to produce some show stopping event with the L’Oreal event team. Their sub-brand – Skinceuticals – is a leader in the skincare world, creating revolutionary products to improve skin health with formulas backed by science.

Last July we were brought on board to strategically infuse the brand’s identity into their national sales meeting. The 2019 meeting was held over three days in Chicago’s deco-chic The Hotel Allegro. Sales reps from across the country convened to demo new products, explore the latest in skincare innovation, evaluate the past year’s performance, and strategize for the upcoming year’s goals, sales tactics and target markets. After two packed days of general session content, the weekend capped off with a fun-filled gala to celebrate and thank their sales teams’ successes and continued dedication. 

We love working with a client who has complete confidence in our ability to bring their brand to life, yet after working with L’Oréal for several years, each new event is a challenge to top the last production.

…Luckily RGI thrives on a challenge.

We were charged with designing their general session stage scenic, conceptualizing four unique pre-function area activations, and producing their gala.

To set the mood for a momentous weekend, guests were treated to a welcome cocktail party on opening night. Cocktails took place in the same space the general sessions would occur the next day. This meant the pre-function and general session build could not commence until guests had departed from cocktails…and needed to be ready before they arrived back for breakfast the following morning. Starting at 7 pm we broke down cocktails and by 5 am an entirely new scene had been erected overnight.

In the pre-function space, we built custom social activation stations, all intended to inform guests on the latest products and science behind the formulas, reinforce brand messaging, and appeal to social media through creative and engaging visual design.

The first of four activations featured a pop-up vanity counter dedicated to one of Skinceuticals’ skincare-oriented make up line. Here, sales leads gave product demonstrations and guests could take product samples with them to test out the skincare they’d be selling throughout the coming year.

We drew inspiration from The Hotel Allergro’s art deco architecture for our second activation: a clawfoot bathtub. Attendees were encouraged to take a dip in the tub – filled with “bubbles” (aka 2,000 plastic balls) and have their picture taken with new product samples.

The third activation was dubbed the “Shelf-ie Station”. Here guests found a branded make up counter filled with shelves artfully displaying products and a counter where leaders of the national sales team illustrated product demonstrations.

Our fourth (and favorite!) install of the weekend was the “Market Wall”: a 10x10 photo backdrop overflowing with oranges, peach English roses, apple blossoms, green apples, and farmers crates. While this display made a gorgeous visual, our designs are always intentional. The botanic adornments gave nod to the natural ingredients found in Skinceuticals’ marquee products.

After guests had their fill of product meetings, sales recaps and strategic planning, the weekend capped off another successful sales year with a cheeky play on America’s Got Talent: a Skinceuticals’ Got Talent themed gala. Before guests settled down to dinner, another challenging room flip ensued. This time we had just two and a half hours to completely breakdown the general session stage and build a custom replica of the America’s Got Talent set, judges booths and giant X’s included.

The production was a high octane show from the start. In Tyra Bank’s stead as hostess extraordinaire, we recruited the fabulous Shea Couleé: Chicago native, renowned drag performer, and fan favorite on Rue Paul’s Drag Race. As the main event, sales teams were tasked with collaborating on and performing a sketch, judged by Skinceuticals execs seated in directors’ chairs, welding buzzers for the larger than life X’s lining the stage. At the end of the sketch hour, Couleé gave a show stopping performance and helped collaborate with the judges to crown a winner.

High end event production is so much more than juggling logistics behind the scenes – it requires creativity, ingenuity and living your client’s brand. For L’Oréal and the Skinceuticals team, capturing the spirit of their brand in a tangible, dynamic way is always a priority – and always why they entrust their brand to RGI.

Bringing a brand to life is our signature move. We consider it a true honor to work along side the amazing event team at L’Oreal USA Skinceuticals to bring their creative vision to life.     

Mothers: The Real Life Super Women

This weekend we celebrate the super heroes amongst us… Mothers.

We chatted with RGI’s principal Rachael Glaws to talk about her kids, her ‘fourth baby’ RGI, what it takes to be a Boss Lady AND a mother, and the super women in her own life.

With three little ones, Rachael is most certainly a Super Woman herself. She lovingly describes each child with their own set of unique characteristics – Anastasia ‘Stassi’ (5) is the independent, rule follower, with an incredibly fun imagination, Asher (2 ½) is smart and in turn breaks all the rules Stassi keeps, and Vivian (16mo) is a bit of a ‘lazy baby”, “she’s smart enough to know that if someone else will do it for her, she doesn’t have to”.

How will you be celebrating/ celebrated this weekend?

Usually we will go to the Eastern Shore where my mom now lives. We do the whole big crab thing as the unofficial start of the crab season. This year will be very low key and definitely involve brunch.

Favorite thing on the brunch table?

Champagne!  

Being a mother is a full time job on its own. How do you balance motherhood AND being a boss lady - running your own business?

There are a surprising amount of similarities in the journey of building a business to being a mom. In a lot of ways, I felt like I had a kid before I had my children. Luckily my kids are super independent and go with the flow; they are always adapting. I remember in our first office, Stassi would come with me every day. I would go on site visits pushing her along in the stroller.

Being a mother and running a successful business both take a great deal of organization and prioritization.

Did your mother work as well?

I was incredibly lucky to have a great model growing up. My mom was and still is a flight attendant of 49 years. I was 1 of 7 children and my Dad was a fantastic Mr. Mom. It takes a lot of people to be able to do everything.

Was planning something you learned from them or just something that came naturally to you?

I’ve always been a planner, definitely. But both my grandmothers and mom are hostesses. That hospitality in gathering was built into me.

Favorite Memory?

High Tea with my Grandmother. She had this amazing silver tea set. Even if it was just her and I, she would set a full blown high tea. The best silver, best linens, everything. She modeled true hospitality and style that was completely ingrained in me. She taught me an appreciation of simple luxury in everyday life.

What do you hope your kids learn from you?

If you are willing to work very hard, to take ownership that will let you be truly excited for you successes and educated by your failures, you can have whatever you want out of this world. You have to be willing to do those things to get it. If you are committed, even when it is really difficult, there is no limit.

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We asked our team what they’ve learned about hosting from their mothers and grandmothers

”My mum tells me to keep it simple to have time to spend with guests, which is funny to me because her dinner parties and even having people over for drinks have always been elaborate and impeccably done” -MD

“My nana would always be up late the night before [Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve] preparing everything for the holiday meal. She would do that so on the day of the party she was able to enjoy her guests and entertain without being stuck in the kitchen the whole time” - CM

“My mom, my grandma, and my aunts all like to come together early morning before an event to prepare all the different dishes to serve for the parties. A lot of the traditional recipes were passed down from my grandma and I’ve learned some of them through my mom. She taught me easy tricks to cooking things faster or in bigger batches since we always set up 2-3 long tables full of large trays of different foods.”- MP

“Any occasion can be an excuse to throw a party!” - MW

“Whether it’s an elaborate event or just a weeknight meal, it’s the people sitting around the table that truly make the moment special.”- CH

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And of course we wouldn’t leave you without sharing some great ways to make Mother’s Day special from home.

Tip #1: There is no substitution for personal flourishes

Mother’s Day is an occasion that lends perfectly to things that are created from the heart. The homegrown, hand drawn, hand crafted, and homemade often are filled with the most love.

Tip #2: Embrace the Season

It’s Springtime! Head outside and forage some backyard floral for a beautiful rustic bouquet.

Tip #3: Break out the Best!

Balance that homemade meal with your finest. Rustic and Luxury. Break out the special linen, beautiful glassware, and dust off the china. Today is a day worth celebrating.

So pop open the bubbly, smell the flowers, embrace a touch of luxury and hug, call, Facetime, or Zoom your mother. They deserve it all today.

Happy Mother’s Day.