Elegance and Excellence: The WBAI's 2023 Annual Dinner at the Field Museum
The Women's Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) has a longstanding tradition of hosting an annual dinner, and the 2023 edition was nothing short of spectacular. As the premier event planner for this remarkable occasion, we were honored to bring their vision to life. Let's dive into the details of this unforgettable evening at Chicago’s iconic Field Museum on May 31, 2023.
A Night to Remember
The WBAI's Annual Dinner is not just any event; it's their largest fundraiser of the year. This gala serves as a platform to install their new Board of Directors and recognize prominent figures in the legal industry. Our role encompassed a wide range of responsibilities, including venue selection, event design, sponsorship management, vendor sourcing, program planning and event execution. It was an event that would be etched in the memories of all who attended.
Bringing the Vision to Life
The heart of the evening's vision was to create an extraordinary experience for the guests, surrounded by the prehistoric wonders of the Field Museum. The Field Museum's captivating exhibits were open for exploration, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the world of the dinosaurs. What made it truly magical was the layout of the dinner tables, stretching across Stanley Field Hall, giving guests the sensation of dining among the giants of the past.
Personalized Touches That Dazzled
At this event, personalization was key, and it shone through in the details:
A lively drumline escorted guests from cocktails to dinner, setting the tone for the evening's festivities.
The Becca Kaufman Orchestra took the stage, ensuring that guests danced the night away in style.
The cocktail hour, held in the balcony overlooking Stanley Field Hall, put guests at eye level with the dinosaurs—an awe-inspiring experience.
The event featured an engaging program that included a keynote speech by Kathrine Switzer, the trailblazing first woman to run the Boston Marathon.
Creative Acknowledgments for Sponsors
We teamed up with our clients and partners, Kehoe Designs and Blue Plate, to devise innovative ways to recognize their top-level sponsors. This included unique touches like customized bar signage, specially crafted desserts, and personalized welcome drink tags—adding an extra layer of appreciation to the event.
The Theme: Field Museum Extravaganza
While there wasn't a specific theme for the evening, the event leaned heavily into the Field Museum's unique ambiance. The venue itself was a thrilling backdrop that resonated with attendees, making it a standout choice for our clients. The WBAI is steeped in Chicago history, as is the stunning Field Museum. It was a perfect match!
Highlighting Exceptional Vendors
A truly remarkable event requires exceptional partners, and we were fortunate to collaborate with some of the best in the industry:
The Field Museum: An iconic Chicago institution that provided the perfect setting for this grand event.
Kehoe Designs: Masters of event design who helped transform the space into a mesmerizing spectacle.
Blue Plate Catering: Culinary wizards who delighted guests with a delectable dining experience.
Frost: The creators of breathtaking visual displays that added a touch of magic to the evening.
BBJ La Tavola: Experts in linen and event décor who helped set the stage for an unforgettable night.
Becca Kaufman Orchestra: The talented ensemble that kept the dance floor alive throughout the evening.
BeatMix Entertainment: Providing the perfect tunes to keep the energy high.
Gerber & Scarpelli Photography: Capturing every precious moment, ensuring they'll be cherished for years to come.
Magnificent Milestones: A team of experts who added their creative touch to the event's overall success.
A Dream Come True
For our team, working on the WBAI 2023 Annual Dinner was a personal bucket-list item. The opportunity to execute such a large and complex event at the Field Museum was nothing short of thrilling, and we couldn't be happier with the result.
Overall, the WBAI 2023 Annual Dinner was a testament to the power of vision, teamwork, and creativity. It was a night where legal professionals came together not only to celebrate their achievements but to revel in the awe-inspiring presence of dinosaurs. It's safe to say that this event will be talked about for years to come, and we're honored to have played a part in making it a reality.
