Client: Chicago Gateway Green

Event: Green Tie Ball XVII, Saturday, September 13, 2008

Event Overview and Newly Introduced Programs:

Green Tie Ball XVII was held in September of 2008 at Chicago Scenic Studios, a 100,000 square foot industrial space that was transformed into an ornate Greenivale celebration—where green meets Carnivale. Despite intense rain and humidity, Green Tie Ball XVII hosted nearly 2,000 guests, a record-breaking attendance in the annual Chicago event’s history. As the second consecutive year McGowan Durpetti & Associates were requested to produce the event, the MD&A team had the opportunity to turn up the volume on the creativity in the décor and entertainment, and also by introducing several new components to Green Tie Ball XVII. These new elements provided the organization with solutions to its two biggest challenges: re-infusing the message and mission of Chicago Gateway Green into the event and generating increased revenue and fundraising to pursue their mission. In addition to the annual full bar service, elaborate entertainment, charitable gaming, and VIP lounge, MD&A introduced the Eco Lounge, the Emerald Circle, and the After Glow—new features that enhanced the Green Tie Ball’s already preceding reputation as a ‘must-attend’ event.

The Eco Lounge creatively addressed the challenge of incorporating education of Chicago Gateway Green’s mission into a social environment; the Eco Lounge provided an area within the event where the client was able to display information about their programs and initiatives, the positive results of their efforts, and means for volunteers to get involved. In addition, the organization’s partners and sponsors were also encouraged to display fun, educational and inter-active elements regarding their own “green” initiatives, broadening the scope of the message.

The Emerald Circle was another new feature introduced by MD&A that offered VIP guests an even more exclusive VIP experience than ever before. Emerald Circle members purchased a private table for eight or ten that included amenities such as personal cocktail service, an exclusive giveaway for a Starbucks French Press Coffee Machine, complimentary chips to the charitable gaming casino, access to the VIP lounge, and upgraded VIP parking passes. Ultimately, the introduction of the Emerald Circle tables successfully raised an additional $50,000 to add to Green Tie Ball XVIII’s already record revenue generation in the event’s history.

The After Glow was a dessert buffet offered to VIP guests and Emerald Circle members, including a gourmet chocolate fondue fountain from The Melting Pot, boutique frozen yogurt creations from Berry Chill, miniature petit-fours created by the students of Washington RJD culinary ‘internship’ program, French press coffee from Starbucks, pastries from internationally renown pastry chef Gale Gand, and a selection of after dinner liqueurs. Building from the already established reputation, the After Glow contributed to enhancing the Green Tie Ball’s hype as a leading culinary event.

Services:

McGowan Durpetti & Associates provided all aspects of event production, promotion, and revenue generation for Green Tie Ball XVII. Event production services for the event included logistics planning, site selection consulting, vendor contracting and negotiation, creative theme and visual development, on-site event management, and set-up and tear-down direction. In promoting the event, MD&A provided consulting on collateral design, as well as utilized their media relations for marketing communication, coverage, and collateral distribution. In producing increased revenue results, MD&A provided budget development, new program introductions, and ticket sales coordination. All these services came together to provide our client with their most successful event yet.