Friday, September 25, 2009

Where Magic Meets Magnificent

As we approach the second half of the year, AZA Events is pleased to announce our accomplishments we have thus far. We are pleased to share with you the many successful events and programs, especially the past Honeywell 2009 Users Group Conference in June. Honeywell Process Solutions meet yearly, bringing roughly a 1,000 people together for their Annual Conference. This year, the events took place at the gorgeous, luxury property – the JW Marriott Desert Ridge and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona.

The program kicked off with a subtle evening poolside at the Marriott, filled with beach serenity, soft colors, all reflecting a Newport Beach Style themed evening. Freestanding Lifeguard Stands, Full-Sized Surfboards, and actual Lifeguard Stands were positioned throughout the event space creating ambiance and character. Tables were adorned with Royal, Light, and Ocean Blues accented with shell and sand hurricane centerpieces. This was just the right way to welcome the guests to their guests to a great week filled with fun!

On Tuesday of the program, the guests entered their own Wizarding World of Honeywell. We transformed the resort pool into a mystifying encounter with the magical life of Harry Potter and the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As the “muggles” entered the event, they were welcomed by Platform 9 ¾ Station and the Hogwarts Train. With the sounds of train whistles in the background, the guests traveled into the village of fun! Greeted by Harry Potter and Dumbledore Look-a-Likes they were each given a custom-made Marauder’s Map. Throughout the space, loads of entertainment was arranged such as Magic Lesson Stations, a Make-Your-Own-Wizard-Hat-and-Cape Station with talking Sorting Hat, HP Themed Interactive and Video Games, Green Screen Photography, Potion Bars, Caricaturists, Face Painters, and Magicians. This fantasy land of Harry Potter came to life right before their very eyes with broomsticks and enlarged spiders hung from existing palms, elongated tables decorated with wizard hats and HP decor, custom tree creations, traveling vignettes, and themed facades. This Wizarding World of Honeywell was created from the ground up and truly came to life with the mystical characters, eye-catching décor, and an evening full of fun for everyone!

We are not over quite yet! The program continued into the Thursday’s Final Night Gala event which took place on property in the newly finished Grand Saguaro Ballroom. Tables were adorned with Gold Pintuck Linens, paired with alternating white and black china sets per table, and accompanied with Merlot Lamour Napkins. The centerpiece designs were hand-crafted with numerous white vases, assorted florals, black Zen-inspired pieces, and assorted white and black rock. The Dinner Entertainment kicked off with the titled performance, “A Tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John” performed by Philip Myers Band. “Our Song” by Elton John launched the show, entertaining guests throughout the course of their plated dinner. Vignettes of both Billy and Elton vamped the crowd, rounding out the evening with a combined performance and Dueling Pianos set. The guests were dancing singing, dancing and congaing throughout the ballroom. Lynard Skynard’s old favorite “Sweet Home Alabama” began playing and guests had no idea what was in store next. Midway through the song, the curtains flanking the side of the room dropped and our After Hours Club 6-piece Band combined with the tune, rounding out the rest of the song. Guests then transitioned into the After Hours Club, set with vibrant and electric colored lighting, bouncing off all sections of the walls and combined with stage up lit décor. White lounge furniture sections, retro circular designs, and lava lamps dressed the room for a party to last all night.

The Honeywell program gives AZA Events the chance to create memorable, awe-inspiring events that will be remembered for years to come. We could not have done this without the dedication of our team, valuable partners, and purveyors.

"AZA did an amazing job again for us this year. Our customers and their families were mesmerized by our Harry Potter theme night and the audience members were on their seats, dancing and singing away to the Billy Joel/Elton John Tribute. We rely on AZA to make the events special and memorable and they never let us down"

-Honeywell Process Solutions, Director of Events

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Sacred Serenity in Sedona

The month of May ended with a BANG as we completed another successful and spectacular program. One of Canada’s leading communication companies held an incentive retreat for their top sales managers along with company sponsors in the majestic red rocks of Sedona. They hosted their stay at the stunning and secluded Enchantment Resort, nested in the sacred Boynton Canyon.

Upon arrival to the resort, guests were escorted to the check-in area where we had a Cowboy Gift Market set up. Guests were personally fitted with a hat and their choice of boots. Western décor, music, and passed wine completed the experience and welcomed them to our unique destination.

Later that evening, we transformed the same check-in ballroom into an upscale Native American themed evening to pay tribute to the ancient cultures and tribes still live in our state today. Guests were welcomed and blessed by a Native greeter, dressed in authentic regalia, handing out corn bead necklaces. The room was adorned with Native décor and guests mingled while observing the three Native American artisans; including a Kachina Doll Carver, Rug Weaver, and Sand Painter. A Southwestern trio played while guests enjoyed their meals. Before the evening came to an end, we brought out a World Champion Native Hoop Dancer who mesmerized the crowd with his outstanding talent and Native dances. The evening was an impressive beginning and set the tone for the rest of their stay.

Day two was also a fun filled day. Each guest pre-registered for their choice of excursions including: Ancient Ruins Helicopter Tour, Hot Air Balloon Ride, Mountain Biking, Golf, Spa, or Jeep Tour. The tours all ran seamlessly and the guests returned with rave reviews.
That evening gave the group an opportunity to dress in the western wear and travel off-property to nearby ranch situated on a small lake. Al fresco lighting draped over the picnic-style seating and dance floor. Cowboy games included a Bungee Bull and Calf Roping. One of our favorite 5-piece bands, along with a line dancing couple, kept the group dancing and singing throughout the night. This evening’s surprise was an entertaining, Award-Winning Trick Rope performance.

The third day was a day of leisure. We organized a shopping shuttle throughout the day so guests were able to leave the property and shop the local galleries. That evening guests enjoyed a cocktail reception surrounded by the grand Red Rocks then were off to dinner; the Great Restaurant Dine Around. We reserved reservations at 5 of the best restaurants in town. Each group had an amazing and unique dining experience and fancied the local fare.

Their last day consisted of a morning meeting, spouse excursions, and their final Awards Evening. Spouses had the choice of participating in a cooking class or a Vortex hike at Bell Rock. That evening was the Celestial Evening and Awards Gala. A cocktail reception on the patio was the perfect beginning to this magical evening. Guests arrived to passed wine and the warm kiva fireplace as dusk took on the night. The towering Red Canyon walls surround the property and were the finest backdrop. The glass patio doors opened and welcomed the party to the chic awards setting, complete with an acoustic guitar duo. The tables were adorned in violet pintuck linens with complimenting platinum lamour napkins, ice chiavari chairs, and a silver beaded charger. Orchids encased a glowing candle in the middle of the bubble bowl centerpieces. Intelligent lighting, white leather lounge furniture and the glowing backdrop of the stage truly came together in creating a delightful evening. The President announced the award winners and the night moved on. After the closing presentation, our favorite 6-piece variety band took the stage and beckoned the guests to the white dance floor with custom vinyl logo. In the foyer, guests could meet with one of the 6 psychics or one of the 2 Aura Photographers present. They may also choose to enjoy the fresh air on the patio and stargaze from our knowledgeable Astronomer and oversized Telescope. Between the earth and sky, this Celestial Evening was a truly memorable occasion.

To see additional pictures, please contact us and we would be more than happy to share.

“Dear April, You are amazing! I know how challenging this
program was & how hard you worked to make this such an amazing trip. Thanks so much for putting your heart & soul into this program!”
- Account Executive