August 20, 2015 In

HMSHost Channel Your Inner Chef Event

HMSHost Channel Your Inner Chef Event

“Working with Paulette Wolf Events feels like you’re working with people who you’ve already known. It’s been so comfortable, there’s been a lot of trust, and a lot of expertise has been brought to the table.”

— Shayna Iglesias (Senior Marketing Manager, HMSHost)

OBJECTIVE

The Channel Your Inner Chef event was to create the first of its kind cooking competition hosted by HMSHost. Held at O’Hare’s International Airport, HMSHost wanted to showcase their corporate capabilities nationwide, allowing other airports to see what their company can do for them that is different and out of the box.

 

OVERVIEW

On March 31, 2015 we produced the very first Channel Your Inner Chef event. Five chef applicants competed for thirty minutes in a friendly culinary battle. The winner would receive 2 VIP tickets to the James Beard Award Dinner held in Chicago as well as their winning dish featured at Goose Island Pub Restaurant at the airport.

Producing an event of this magnitude at an airport presented some challenges, including supplying knives and other sharp objects to the contestants and allowing VIP guests into the event space without an airplane ticket; while still adhering to TSA regulations and rules. We worked closely with airport staff, security and HMSHost to ensure that this event was flawless but safe for all guests, travelers and staff.

Following the competition, we held an event on July 16, 2015 where we introduced the winning dish, a blackened jerk chicken with a sweet potato puree, black bean and corn salsa and mango barbeque sauce. This dish, presented by winner Nikkia Stone, was served at Goose Island Pub for the remainder of the month. The VIP event featured speeches from the new Chicago Airport Commissioner, Ginger S. Evans, Alderman Michael Zalewski and CEO of HMSHost, Steve Johnson. We also highlighted the two custom videos that were created for this event; a trailer announcing the competition and a sizzle reel of the actual competition.

FlexPod Launch
Senior Lifestyle Corporation
May 5, 2015 In

The Modern Wing: The Art Institute of Chicago

The Modern Wing: The Art Institute of Chicago

“Everything went off without a hitch and was a huge success”— James Cuno (Director & President, The Art Institute Of Chicago)

OBJECTIVE

 

The Art Institute of Chicago hired PWE to produce and design an artistic and entertaining ground breaking ceremony for their Modern Wing – “The Building of the Century,” without actually breaking ground.

 

OVERVIEW

Since we were not allowed to use the construction site as our venue, we transformed the North Sculpture Garden to set the stage for the celebration. We brought in our partners from the Superbowl to build risers and staging on top of all of the art and sculptures in the garden to create more real estate for the festivities. The North Garden was transformed into a magical setting with characters on stilts animating the space and entertaining the crowd. The celebrations were accompanied by a performance from the Chicago children’s choir & Chicago Symphony Orchestra. A blueprint for the new building, designed by the celebrated architect Renzo Piano, served as the backdrop to a program that featured remarks by Renzo Piano, AIC President James Cuno & Mayor

Northwestern Memorial Hospital
The Park At Wrigley
April 18, 2015 In

Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Opening

“Your team went above and beyond everyday for us, with every request, with every change – and there were a lot of changes. You really helped us shine, and I can’t thank you enough.”

— Brian Reardon (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, DCCA)

OBJECTIVE

PWE produced and managed the public grand opening ceremony of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, the first posthumously dedicated presidential library, to honor Lincoln’s legacy and promise to America.

 

OVERVIEW

Our principal responsibility was the creative and strategic development of the event, production of the show and on site logistics for the Dedication Ceremony.

We had to create a one-of-a-kind grand opening event for a library that was not opening to the public. Former CNN anchor, Bernard Shaw emceed a public ceremony that featured Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card, and members of the State Legislature. A flyover by the Illinois Air National Guard 183rd Fighter Wing opened the program followed by 2002 Miss America Erika Harold singing the National Anthem.

This dedication was televised live and in full on C-SPAN, and attracted over 100 news media from all over the world as well as being attended by 1,000 VIPs and 3,000 guests.

A special video tribute commemorating the 139th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address included Presidents Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell. Our grand finale was a powerful performance of the Battle Hymn of the Republic by Calvin Bridges and The Chicago Praise Choir and a special effects light show, intertwined with confetti and pyro blasts from the top of this brand new Presidential Library.

Abraham Lincoln Library Opening
The Modern Wing: Art Institute of Chicago
March 9, 2015 In

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Opening

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Opening

“Your team went above and beyond everyday for us, with every request, with every change – and there were a lot of changes. You really helped us shine, and I can’t thank you enough.”

— Brian Reardon (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, DCCA)

OBJECTIVE

PWE produced and managed the public grand opening ceremony of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, the first posthumously dedicated presidential library, to honor Lincoln’s legacy and promise to America.

 

OVERVIEW

Our principal responsibility was the creative and strategic development of the event, production of the show and on site logistics for the Dedication Ceremony.

We had to create a one-of-a-kind grand opening event for a library that was not opening to the public. Former CNN anchor, Bernard Shaw emceed a public ceremony that featured Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card, and members of the State Legislature. A flyover by the Illinois Air National Guard 183rd Fighter Wing opened the program followed by 2002 Miss America Erika Harold singing the National Anthem.

This dedication was televised live and in full on C-SPAN, and attracted over 100 news media from all over the world as well as being attended by 1,000 VIPs and 3,000 guests.

A special video tribute commemorating the 139th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address included Presidents Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell. Our grand finale was a powerful performance of the Battle Hymn of the Republic by Calvin Bridges and The Chicago Praise Choir and a special effects light show, intertwined with confetti and pyro blasts from the top of this brand new Presidential Library.

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Ground Breaking
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
February 8, 2015 In

CUBS 1060 Project Groundbreaking

Cubs 1060 Project Groundbreaking

“The Chicago Cubs have enjoyed an on-going collaborative partnership with PWE who has produced world class events like our 1060 project ground breaking and provided first rate consulting services for our new ventures.”

— Crane Kenney (President, Business Operations, Chicago Cubs)

OBJECTIVE

Paulette Wolf Events was tasked by The Chicago Cubs to create a historic ground-breaking ceremony on the field in the midst of major construction for The 1060 Project.

 

OVERVIEW

The 1060 Project, a ceremony for Wrigley Field’s long-awaited expansion and restoration, hosted 350 dignitaries, VIP’s, media & Chicago Cubs alumni. This event included a ceremonial dig with baseball bat shovels and a backdrop of the iconic scoreboard surrounded by construction already underway in the outfield.

As guests arrived and walked down a Cubbie Blue carpet, they were greeted by local youth baseball teams in Cubs throwback uniforms and wait staff dressed in vintage inspired costumes passing Cracker Jack and waters. Guests were led onto the field and given ceremonial 1060 Project construction helmets to wear for the program. The program featured inspiring speeches from Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Major League Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig, former Cub Kerry Wood along with Team Presidents Crane Kenney and Theo Epstein and Owner Tom Ricketts.

As the ceremony came to a close, we invited stage participants for the ceremonial shovel dig with shovels made from baseball bats. A lone trumpet player began to play amidst the audience closely followed by two more horn players who were hidden in the crowd. 40 horn players from the upper deck joined in to play the iconic “Go, Cubs Go” song. This cued a kabuki drop revealing the W flag and announcing the conclusion of the ceremony, marking a new beginning for this legendary team and ballpark.

Social Engagements
Hard Rock Casino
December 14, 2014 In

1996 Centennial Olympic Games

1996 Centennial Olympic Games

“There was definitely more than one “Dream Team” at the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games and it was Paulette Wolf Events and Entertainment. ”

— Judith Service (Entertainment Director, Atlanta Committee for The Olympic Games)

OBJECTIVE

Paulette Wolf Events was contracted by The Atlanta Committee For The Olympic Games to create, book and produce entertainment in custom venues inside the athlete village.

 

OVERVIEW

PWE was responsible for producing over 250 live performances over 33 days in 6 different venues simultaneously for the 16,000 Olympics athletes, coaches and officials during the Centennial Olympic Games.The challenge was entertaining over 16,000 people who spoke over 100 languages and keeping them engaged. Our primary goal was to not only entertain the athletes and coaches, but to also keep them safe within the village while providing a relaxed social environment for them to interact.

The wide range of entertainment had diverse appeal and transcended all cultural and language boundaries. Entertainment included coffee house music, multi-cultural dance productions, big name entertainment, presidential visits and an international movie premier for Warner Brothers as the grand finale.

 

Chicago Gourmet
Event Hospitality
November 14, 2014 In

Chicago Gourmet

Chicago Gourmet

“It was such a pleasure working with you on Chicago Gourmet! We were so impressed with how PWE managed it all.”

— Melissa Poll (Special Events Director, Conde Nast Food Group)

OBJECTIVE

PWE in partnership with The Illinois Restaurant Association helped bring together the best restaurants in Chicago, the world’s top chefs and superior wineries, breweries and spirit makers to create Chicago Gourmet, a world-class food and wine festival, held at Millennium Park.

 

OVERVIEW

For the inaugural event, PWE was engaged just six weeks prior to the festival. Within the six-week timeframe, we transformed Millennium Park into a culinary landscape enabling guests of the Chicago Gourmet experience various cooking demonstrations, tastings, wineries and seminars by world-class chefs.

We handled all events before and after the including Hamburger Hop, communications and logistics for the venue, sponsors, vendors, celebrity chefs, volunteers and the Illinois Restaurant Association itself as well as the City Of Chicago’s various departments to ensure a seamless event throughout the weekend.

Ferraris On Oak
1996 Centennial Olympic Games
October 14, 2014 In

Ferraris On Oak

Ferraris On Oak

“The PWE team are not only total pros, they are also an absolute joy to work with! Despite many challenges, they pulled off a flawless event that was on-budget and beyond expectations. We couldn’t have been in better hands!”

— Liz Kores (Oak Street Council)

 

OBJECTIVE

PWE was tasked by the Oak Street Council to create an event that would drive shopping traffic to stores on a Sunday while promoting the luxury brand and feel of Oak Street.

 

OVERVIEW

The Ferrari Club of America and the Oak Street Council came together to elicit the glamour and the extravagance of the city in a red carpet event for Ferrari purists and enthusiasts along Oak Street, Chicago’s luxury shopping destination.

PWE shut down Oak Street from Michigan Avenue to State Street to set the stage for 70 award-winning, vintage, late-model and racing Ferraris to be showcased in front of the city’s most beautiful boutiques for public display. Many owners were on hand to answer questions about their fabulous cars. In addition to taking in the incredible views of these iconic automobiles, visitors enjoyed special offers from the boutiques and restaurants on and around Oak Street.

Raffle tickets benefiting McDonald House Charities were sold at the event featuring prizes of restaurant gift certificates, hotel stays and luxury goods from Oak Street retailers. This event after an eight-year hiatus set the foundation for an annual event with its success operationally making it attractive to potential sponsors in the future.

McDonald’s Air & Sea Show
Chicago Gourmet
September 5, 2014 In

McDonald’s Air & Sea Show

McDonald’s Air and Sea Show

“MDM Group has made a commitment to hold the show for the next ten years and we hope that you will continue to produce the corporate hospitality village as well as the name entertainment. I can’t imagine doing anything without you and your wonderful staff.” 

— Mickey Markoff (President, MDM Group/McDonald’s Air & Sea Show)

 

OBJECTIVE

To create a premier, free-to-the-public air and water show, which would feature the world’s greatest civilian pilots and demonstrate the aircraft of the United States Military.

 

OVERVIEW

Over its 13 year run, the Ft. Lauderdale Air & Sea Show was the largest two-day spectator event in the world, hosting over 4.5 million people each year.

In addition to featuring top civilian pilots, the show served as a tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces and annually featured exhibitions by the military’s top aircraft and demonstration teams, including the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

Working with nearly every city service department in Ft. Lauderdale, Paulette Wolf Events coordinated and produced every element within the three mile show site including air & water operations, food & beverage, corporate hospitality management, VIP parties, fireworks, name entertainment, security, crowd control and vendor management.

Other Charity Events
Ferraris On Oak
March 15, 2014 In

Senior Lifestyle Corporation

Senior Lifestyle Corporation

“Absolute perfection! These are the best words to describe what you get from a PWE event.”

— Bill Kaplan (Chairman & Co-Founder, Senior Lifestyle Corporation)

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this celebration was to highlight the progression and growth of the company’s past, celebrate their present success and anticipate a promising future. We incorporated the evolution of the company and its story into many aspects of the event.

 

OVERVIEW

We have produced multiple milestone anniversary celebrations for Senior Lifestyle Corporation (SLC), a family owned company that operates retirement living communities throughout the US.

Upon the guest’s arrival, they were welcomed with powerful 18′ illuminated candelabras that set the tone for an unforgettable night. An oversized chandelier made of elegant bottles glamorized the entryway with walls that featured the original dancing couple logo. A stunning aerialist suspended by silks greeted guests as she descended from the center of the chandelier to pour glasses of champagne.

As guests entered the main venue, they were embraced by the history of the company through various aspects of the décor. There were four custom focal points in the room: branded shades hanging 18’ in the air that depicted several SLC locations across the country, illuminated branded bars, food stations featuring Smithsonian Institute style backdrops that illustrated the company’s historic timeline & milestones and a video wall highlighting the company’s new logo.

The food was an amazing combination of J&L Catering, Mon Ami Gabi Restaurant, Evergreen Restaurant, RPM Italian Restaurant and Shake Shack. We utilized Redmoon’s unique entertainment to serve hors d’oeuvres from stilted servers, cake hats and radio controlled quadropcopter drones that flew over the crowd.

As the evening went on, guests eagerly awaited the reveal of the night’s entertainment: World-renowned Chicago blues artist, Buddy Guy & the American rock band from San Francisco, Train.

PEAK6
Oprah’s World’s Largest Baby Shower