EventCo Collegiate Entertainment

College Endowment Campaigns- Kick-offs and Celebrations

What do you actually say to a potential client who calls and asks for a price quote to hang balloons and crepe paper in their gymnasium for an upcoming 3-year, $300 million Campaign Kick-Off?!
Something like: NASA we have a problem. Bring the spaceship back…and we’ll see you at 1pm today to show you what to do!
With that said, it was a HUGE learning experience for Kenyon College as they realized that they were way over their heads with the creation and planning of this significant event. We met, determined their culture, missions and needs, and then EventCo proposed the dynamic event concept that delivered what they needed….an eye-opening, noteworthy event that attracted and appealed to their donors, as well as delivered an event statement that said: “We get it, we do it right, and we appreciate what you do for our institution”.

2001- We started from a ‘balloons and crepe paper’ vision for an estimated 250 guests… and ended up with a stunning and beautiful gymnasium gala-setting for over 700. Utilizing the purple tones of the College, and the simple elegance of their culture, we designed an experience that transformed the gymnasium into a gala dinner and show setting. Carpeted floors, HUGE chandeliers, exquisite menu design, and theatrical productions with audio, video and lighting that significantly enhanced the final video show presentation announcing the finale to the campaign. With surprising entertainment installations of large, ‘live’ trellis plantings that came to life with transformed garden characters right before the guest’s eyes…it was nothing short of magical!! Centerpieces that incorporated Kenyon’s colors of purple and gold, utilized eggplants, lemons, regional grasses and foxglove in a stunning design! Fireworks were launched inside the event setting at the exact moment of the champagne toast, when the college announced it had exceeded it original financial goal for the Campaign!
2004- How do we beat the best event from the 2001 kick-off? Since we already knew we’d be over capacity for the same venue, and that venue is the largest on Kenyon’s campus, we would be challenged to create a tented and floored structure that could host the celebration event following the 3-year Campaign. Over 900 guests were cordially greeted with entertainers dressed as oversized garden insects – a ladybug, a grasshopper, and a playful frog – as they entered a swanky, warmly lit reception hall. The “Campaign for Kenyon” was a milestone event that celebrated the effort and contributions made by hundreds of individuals. The “Tavern on the Green” event theme was a true garden party complete with tented surroundings, beautiful floral accents and displays, meandering Japanese lanterns, and vibrant mesmerizing energy. The gala celebration evening moved into the night with food, music, fun and friends, as Kenyon toasted the alumni and guests that supported the campaign.
2007- So…a new campaign, a HUGE kick-off announcement would launch Kenyon confidently into the 21st Century! It was time to give Kenyon their new image…with technological event support, dynamic show scripting, special effects, stunning use of video design, and strategic concepts that would guarantee to raise the bar! The event housed itself in Kenyon’s newly opened, and now nationally acclaimed sports facility. The evening event consisted of a nostalgic pre-reception, a moving precession by class year into the ‘theater,’ a show to rival all future expectations for the Kick-off, and for a finale…a party that will keep Kenyon at the top for years to come!
We kept our ‘eye on the candy’…which was the delivery of the huge financial announcement during the show. A tightly paced and exquisitely produced show was key to keeping the guest’s attention and hitting the event target…the announcement! The theater setting was created on the large indoor track and field with the perimeter covered floor to ceiling in white draping, finished with a multi-layer stage, lounge furniture in the speaking areas with proscenium dressing…ALL IN WHITE! With a contemporary and cutting edge design, and a very strong statement, the visual was stunning. And even more incredible was the 40’ panoramic video screen that delivered the kick-off message in a brilliant theater format utilizing a technically advanced, three projection system!