Event Trend: Live Art Demonstrations

At most events, one of the primary goals is to have everything done and perfect before the audience arrives. Now, many event planners are turning this idea upside-down. The new trend is to have the audience watch as key parts of the set are completed on the spot. Of course, this doesn't refer to having your guests watch men in overalls and scaffolds hammer plywood panels together! Instead, it's done by having live art demonstrations as part of the exhibition. In these, actual professional artists draw murals and other artworks during the events. Many are fascinated to be able to see the process as it unfolds.

Several variations on this idea have taken place over the last few months. Here are a few that may bring you inspiration:

The Discovery Venice Consumer Pop-Up Preview Event

Here, a surfboard artist was brought in to paint boards as people waited. Fitness gurus Gabby Reece and Laird Hamilton hosted the preview event, which surely made the early guests want to come back to see the full exhibition.

Outward Bound National Benefit Dinner

Who needs candid photography when you can have an artist sketch out key scenes of your event as they happen? That's what was done at this non-profit event, where artist Michael Arthur sketched on a visible screen as presenters talked.

3 Days in Miami Festival

Put on by Red Bull Sound Select, this event featured an artist who drew both posters and portrait pins on the spot. These were handed out for patrons to take home as souvenirs. The unique nature of such mementos will surely keep Red Bull in guests' minds for years to come.

Keep a Child Alive's 13th Annual Black Ball

This charity ball celebrated the spirit of the AIDS activism of the 80s with events including a live art installation by British artist Shantell Martin.

Choosing an Artist for Your Event

In order to be successful at a live installation, an artist must be able to work fast and tune out distractions. To ensure that everything goes without a hitch, be sure to ask your preferred artist if he or she can work under these specific conditions. Of course, you should also make sure all of the details are known and settled, such as: What will be drawn, what style of art you'll get, and similar aspects. This way, you can be sure that the results will match the brand image you want to portray.

For a great venue for your next event in Miami, try Soho Studios. We have 70,000 square feet of space that can be configured for almost any event. You won't have any trouble fitting a large enough canvas inside for your live art displays!

Back to the Future: JetBlue Goes Retro

JetBlue, founded in 1998, hasn't turned 20 yet, but that doesn't mean they can't go retro. Jamie Perry, JetBlue's Vice-President of marketing asserts that the airline is the coolest in the world. But it missed out on being the coolest in the golden age of air travel: the 1960s. But the company was not going to let a timeline cramp their style. And while they don't offer time travel, their recent multi-pronged marketing campaign melded the airline's cool image, which in the past has always been rooted in the idea that they offer new and innovative services in the airline industry, and rooted that innovative spirit firmly in the illustrious history of air travel. The airline built a custom "RetroJet" to be put into service for the new winter direct route between the airline's hub, New York JFK's Terminal 5 and Palm Springs. The California desert town, with its distinctive mid-twentieth century architecture and old Hollywood glamour history was the perfect destination with which to create a celebration of the golden age of air travel. The marketing team put a great deal of energy into getting every detail perfect for the RetroJet, titled "What's Old Is Blue Again." From the typography to the color scheme every aspect was perfectly planned to bring back the best of what the 60's offered.

To kick off the inaugural flight of the RetroJet and the JFK-Palm Springs direct route, JetBlue held multiple events, beginning with a two-day pop-up shop this past November in SoHo. While not near an airport, the SoHo location was perfect for JetBlue which has been working to position itself as "New York's Hometown Airline ®." Fittingly called, The Time Travel Agency, created an experience for the over 600 visitors which reset every hour. The shop offered giveaways, including giving visitors the opportunity to purchase tickets at 1960s prices. To spread the word about the event, three current JetBlue crew members, wearing distinctive 1960s hairstyles and makeup handed out fliers.

Meanwhile, in Terminal 5, when the RetroJet took off on its first flight on November 11, JetBlue hosted a fashion show at the gate. Models displayed clothing by popular Palm Springs designer, Trina Turk, as well as current JetBlue crew wearing specially designed retro uniforms that were based on TWA's. Currently located in that defunct airline's main location, by tying its own image to the storied airline, JetBlue was sealing the connection with the 1960s era of stylish air travel.

The event was taken cross country when customers aboard the inaugural flight were treated to an amenity kit filled with goodies such as postcards and playing cards that perfectly matched the retro style. Upon landing in Palm Springs, the crew, dressed in the retro uniforms and passengers were greeted by model Fabio and a reception.

York JFK's Terminal 5 and Palm Springs. The California desert town, with its distinctive mid-twentieth century architecture and old Hollywood glamour history was the perfect destination with which to create a celebration of the golden age of air travel. The marketing team put a great deal of energy into getting every detail perfect for the RetroJet, titled "What's Old Is Blue Again." From the typography to the color scheme every aspect was perfectly planned to bring back the best of what the 60's offered.

To kick off the inaugural flight of the RetroJet and the JFK-Palm Springs direct route, JetBlue held multiple events, beginning with a two-day pop-up shop this past November in SoHo. While not near an airport, the SoHo location was perfect for JetBlue which has been working to position itself as "New York's Hometown Airline ®." Fittingly called, The Time Travel Agency, created an experience for the over 600 visitors which reset every hour. The shop offered giveaways, including giving visitors the opportunity to purchase tickets at 1960s prices. To spread the word about the event, three current JetBlue crew members, wearing distinctive 1960s hairstyles and makeup handed out fliers.

Meanwhile, in Terminal 5, when the RetroJet took off on its first flight on November 11, JetBlue hosted a fashion show at the gate. Models displayed clothing by popular Palm Springs designer, Trina Turk, as well as current JetBlue crew wearing specially designed retro uniforms that were based on TWA's. Currently located in that defunct airline's main location, by tying its own image to the storied airline, JetBlue was sealing the connection with the 1960s era of stylish air travel.

The event was taken cross country when customers aboard the inaugural flight were treated to an amenity kit filled with goodies such as postcards and playing cards that perfectly matched the retro style. Upon landing in Palm Springs, the crew, dressed in the retro uniforms and passengers were greeted by model Fabio and a reception.

Our New Neighbors in Wynwood

Wynwood is one of the hottest districts in the Miami area. There is always something new happening or opening up in this area, which makes it hot year round. There are a number of eateries and bars in the area that make it one of the most popular places to be. Here’s a list of the newest places you may want to check out:

• Alter

Alter was a semifinalist for the James Beard Award Best New Restaurant in 2016. The first solo restaurant from one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs for 2016, you won’t go wrong at Brad Kilgore’s spot. Check it out at 223 NW 23^rd Street. 305-573-5996.

• Coyo

If you’re in the mood for tacos, Coyo is the place to go. Located in the heart of Wynwood, It’s more than a place to eat, but you can get your dance on all night. 2320 NW 2^nd Avenue. 305-573-8228.

• KYU

If Asian cuisine is your thing, you won’t be able to get enough of KYU. Imagine Asian barbeque at its best in a hip setting. You’ve found a winner. Find it at 251 NW 25^th Street. 786-577-0150.

• The Salty Donut

On the weekends, it’s almost a given to have a sweet tooth. You can curb your cravings at The Salty Donut from pastry veteran Max Santiago. Right now it’s a cute little weekend pop-up, but the brick-and-mortar is soon to follow. Located at 29 NW 24^th street. 305-925-8126.

• The Bar Next Door

If you’re looking for a late night munch-fest, you’ve found the right place in The Bar Next Door. A versatile menu promises something for everyone with a classy, yet casual ambience. Find it at 2519 NW 2^nd Avenue. 305-748-2828.

• El Patio

Wynwood is known for its diverse community and at El Patio, you’ll get a taste of Colombia. Brainchild of Nicolas Hoyo, patrons can enjoy great cocktails, weekend late night dance parties, and happy hour specials all week long. Located at 167 NW 23^rd street. 786-409-2241.

• The Wynwood Yard

Part of the culinary incubator, patrons can enjoy foods from four different restaurants that rotate. There’s Vibe 305, which features American food; Myumi, which is an omakase food truck; Arabian Knife, that will give you all the great cuisine of the Middle East; and Della Test Kitche, which is a plant-based healthy bowl concept. Find it at 56 NW 29^th street.

These are just some of the hottest new places on the scene in Wynwood that will get your palate ready for fun and food.  After your event with us, make sure to check out one of these new spots.  There’s also Zak the Baker and a few other places you should check out too. If Miami’s known for one thing – it’s great food.