This past fall, I was recruited by the Cincinnati chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) to lead the creative efforts for their annual awards ceremony.
In the past, this event was held at a hotel ballroom with no specific theme. This time around, the committee set out to elevate the look and feel of the awards ceremony by creating an experience that would wow attendees.
Cincinnati PRSA's annual awards program is called the "Blacksmiths." After brainstorming numerous themes and exploring venue options we selected a "Blockbuster Blacksmiths" theme and booked a historical theater, the 20th Century in Oakley. (By the way, if you're looking for a venue, the 20th Century team was fabulous!)
While my fellow committee members crafted movie-themed communications to create hype for the event, I was busy pulling together the decor elements. I had a conservative budget, but am so happy with how the event came together!
Our popcorn-style cupcakes from Cupcakes with a Fork where the hit of the night. Here's a closer picture I took of the cupcakes on my phone. This was before the salads, bread, etc. were added to the table. I think the confetti I picked up at Celebrate by Kate in Madeira really added a layer of fun to the tables. I even sprinkled this gold, white, silver and black confetti along the red carpet.
I utilized popcorn buckets topped off for snacking, vases in various heights filled with tickets, boxed movie theater-style candy and Hollywood-inspired sayings in Baroque frames. We also used the frames to reserve tables purchased by companies. I wish I had a picture of those too.
The theater created the perfect red carpet-style setting for celebrating Cincinnati's blockbuster public relations work!
We also created a "selfie station" with hand-held signs and red carpet-style props. Speedpro Imaging even helped us create a step and repeat banner for a true Hollywood experience.
After the decor was finalized, I was able to sit back and catch up with friends. My agency even took home a collection of awards, so overall, it was one great night for Cincinnati's PR Super Stars!
Professional photos by Leigh Taylor
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