Corporate Theme Parties: Fun or Cheesy?

July 23rd, 2010

tropical theme decor 300x199 Corporate Theme Parties: Fun or Cheesy?How impressive would it be to attend an event that made you feel as though you were walking through a ghost town in the old west, or visiting Detroit back in the ‘60s when Motown was just taking off?

A single great theme party can forge business connections, the benefits of which may be reaped for years afterward. For theme parties, external objectives may be set and met, such as increase in brand recognition or loyalty, increased sales performance, and development of rapport with clientele. Internal objectives may be met, as well, in the case of company parties, such as internal branding, increased efficiency, and improved customer service. Because these types of objectives have been met consistently by successful companies, advertising executives typically budget over 10% of their resources for corporate events.african theme decor 300x199 Corporate Theme Parties: Fun or Cheesy?

The spicy, foreign element and the creativity of the imaginary environment of a theme party can place attendees in the perfect mood to have fun, relax, and develop rapport with a speed that conference rooms will always envy. The goal is to transport guests out of the real world, to a place, time, or idea that will reinforce the host’s project goals. Display Group works side by side with companies to develop the theme that will be most successful for their objectives and company image. After that, our clients can rest easy and forget about execution. We arrange everything, from space rental and set up, to clean up, so that our clients can focus on the event without worrying about the details.

Throwing a successful theme party requires planning, experience, talent, and connections. Every detail matters, whether it be the lighting, scent machines, or Chinese lanterns, because the more believable the world is, the more fun and effective the party becomes. Display Group is proud of our proven track record of success with creating ambiances, top to bottom that have enough flare to make it fun, but are believable and captivating enough to be impressive and elegant.

chinese theme decor 300x199 Corporate Theme Parties: Fun or Cheesy?Display Group has consistently turned ideas, no matter how far fetched, into reality, mirroring worlds as unexpected and exciting as the screening of The Wizard of Oz. Down to the spools of film arranged next to a life size, vintage camera, we arranged a paradise that had guests relaxed and entertained before they sat down on the plush, contemporary yellow chairs. With lush foliage framing the decadent walls of the Emerald City and life size cutouts of Dorothy, the Scarecrow and Tin Man, the environment effectively reproduced the sentiments from the movie. Drawing on our talented staff and resources (we have a 200,000 sq. ft. rental facility, full to the brim with props, knick knacks, and costumes), we were able to set a scene for an evening that guests will never forget.


Lemonade Detroit Shoots Interviews In Our Loft Space

July 16th, 2010

Update: The trailer was now released, which is included below.

We recently had Lemonade Detroit shoot interviews of Detroiters being successful in Detroit despite the economy. From their own website, the synopsis for the movie is:

“Lemonade: Detroit” is a film about the disarming resilience of a city that can no longer rely on a single industry for its livelihood, and the entrepreneurial strengths of those who are reinventing themselves and their communities.

Instead of sensationalizing blight, “Lemonade, Detroit” will sensationalize hope, told through the intensely personal stories of those who are turning the city into what it will become.

What they’ve done in other markets, they’re now doing in Detroit with a Motown twist. This is a great opportunity to see hope in Detroit and positive news instead of the countless negativity that we encounter every day. There are bright spots in Detroit, there are success stories in spite of the economy, and there is hope. The following trailer for Lemonade Movie shows you what they’ve done before, although they were here in Detroit shooting for a new movie on hope in Detroit, it gives you an idea of the excellent film makers that are putting it together!

You can also view a little more of one of the interviews that is the owner of my favorite crepe place! As Torya Goes, Detroit Goes

The Lemonade Detroit crew was also nice enough to take some great shots of our loft space that they used downstairs for interviews and some shots of a portion of the warehouse they took over upstairs for a different backdrop. We would like to thank Erik Proulx and everyone from Lemonade for using our space to shoot such a great movie with an excellent message.


Steve Honingford Joins Display Group Team!

July 9th, 2010

Display Group is very excited to announce the addition of Steve Honingford to our company. Steve’s extensive background in Corporate Meeting and Event Management fits perfectly into Display Group’s product and services offerings.

Steve has been a successful corporate meeting and event producer for more than 15 years, coordinating the design, creative development and implementation of numerous programs around the country. His broad range of clients includes financial institutions, pharmaceutical companies, professional sports franchises, manufacturing companies and retail chains.
Retail Rocks LaSalle 300x209 Steve Honingford Joins Display Group Team!

Steve has created and produced high profile corporate programs on behalf of the President of the United States, Michael McDonald, Cirque du Soleil, General Norman Schwarzkopf, John Mellencamp, Huey Lewis and the News, US Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke and Coretta Scott King, and is best known for conceiving and creating the Detroit Pistons pre-game team introduction.

We are excited to provide an even better event experience for our clients with the addition of Steve Honingford.


Prop Supply on the Rise in Michigan

July 6th, 2010

rick roman theme Prop Supply on the Rise in Michigan

Display Group President, Rick Portwood, posing with some Roman themed statues

Display Group was recently recognized for their extensive collection of props for movie and theater in the Detroit Free Press article Prop supply on the rise in Michigan We have worked with multiple movie companies over the years with our 4 flours of props filling up 200,000 square feet of our warehouse.

There’s also an excellent interview video that not only tells you more about Display Group and our theme and prop collection but it also shows you how big and extensive that collection is.

Here’s an excerpt of the article:

Local businesses like Display Group, an events and design company in Detroit, have evolved their trade to appeal to the Michigan’s burgeoning film industry.

“We do a lot of the big, high-profile events and corporate events that are here in Detroit and Michigan,” said Display Group President Rick Portwood. “A lot of those pieces that we use to create these scenes for events can also be used for the movie industry.”

Display Group has four floors of its warehouse dedicated to storing everything and anything — 1950s telephones, mummies and giant slot machines.

“It’s kind of endless,” said Portwood. “You almost have to walk around to see it all.”


Mad Men Set Recreated for AdCraft

June 17th, 2010

mad men women detroit 150x150 Mad Men Set Recreated for AdCraftAdcraft had a Mad Men and Women of Detroit party complete with a 60′s era Mad Men inspired set provided by Display Group. There were actors from the show, 1960′s specialized martinis, a band playing all ’60′s music, and everyone dressed in 60′s era attire. As you can see from the pictures below and from Mad Men and Women of Detroit pictures at Adcraft, the set worked well for pictures.






How to Pick the Best Portable Display

June 9th, 2010

custom desktop display 226x300 How to Pick the Best Portable DisplayPicking the right portable display is crucial to your business, whether it be intended for use in trade shows or smaller industry events. Surveys report that over four out of five people who attend these events have some kind of purchasing power and a trade show display can see between 100 and 200 potential clients per day. That amounts to a large potential for sales, and choosing the right promotions team and display can help any company increase its presence. small portable display 107x300 How to Pick the Best Portable Display

But that presence does not come cheaply. Across the US, the average cost for displays ranges from $100-150/sq. ft. Because it is such a healthy investment, the portable displays we make at Display Group all come with a lifetime guarantee that ensures you do not suffer from any one of the mishaps that can occur on the road. We will sit down with your company and custom design your display, bringing our talent and experience to bear on the project

When it comes to deciding which kind of display to purchase, it is important to anticipate the kind of events it will be used for, the number of individuals who will be traveling with it, and how they will travel. Companies who are unsure how they may want to change their sales and promotions tactics may opt for a modular display, which has the capacity for multiple configurations, dependent upon the event, as well as add-ons that may be purchased in the future.

business portable display 300x286 How to Pick the Best Portable DisplayBanner stands, table top displays, and wire frames are all extremely cost-effective ways to draw attention to one’s brand. They can also be used for a number of different functions, either to increase internal branding in the office or on the road. By mixing high-resolution, photographic-quality graphics and text, these can be designed to promote corporate values, mottos, and products at the same time, so that your promotions team will be the center of business activity.

Whatever the marketing/sales objectives, Display Group has the experience necessary to work with companies in the development of portable displays that will achieve consistent results, standing apart from the competition in creativity, dependability, and elegance. Display Group can create light-weight environments that will prove to be significant assets that any promotions team would be proud of.


Compuware – Global Sales Training Event

May 28th, 2010

We recently created the decor for Compuware’s FY2011 Sales Event. The challenge was to play off of Compuware’s involvement with the Lemans racing series. The focus of the evening was to drive sales success! This was a great theme event that also incorporated custom banner work with the client’s name. An event that left the client happy and the employees with an event to remember!


John Lamb a Michigan Meetings + Events Hall of Fame Inductee

May 25th, 2010

john lamb hof John Lamb a Michigan Meetings + Events Hall of Fame InducteeDisplay Group’s own, John Lamb was recognized for his work in the Summer 2010 issue of “Michigan Meetings + Events” as a premier supplier of event themes, decor, furniture, and everything else for events. This recognition came in the form of a Hall of Fame induction for his work with special events, exhibitions, and tradeshows.

View the article Michigan Meetings + Events 2010 Hall of Fame

Supplier
John Lamb
Vice President, Decor and Design // Display Group

“Planning and staging an event is like live TV,” says John Lamb. “You have one shot at pulling off a great one.” It’s this kind of attitude, along with 18 years of experience, that has helped Lamb and his business partner Rick Portwood develop the Display Group into an industry leader in creative services for special events, exhibitions and tradeshows. “Often, even if my company is happy with the way things are set up, (Lamb) isn’t,” notes Carol Galle, president and CEO of Special D Events. “He will add just ‘a few more things’ to make sure the end result is superb.”

“We’re a candy store for adults,” quips Lamb about the contents of the company’s 200,000-square-foot warehouse. “Visual overload guaranteed.”

A familiar face within Michigan’s meeting and event industry, Lamb frequently donates time, products and services to professional organizations and non-profit events, and currently serves as president of the Detroit chapter of the International Special Events Society.

“There have been many times I’ve asked John to come up with a creative plan and pricing on short notice,” says Galle. “He never fails to get back with me immediately to acknowledge the request and then meets whatever crazy deadline I give him.”


Using Corporate Event Space to Your Advantage

May 24th, 2010

detroit event space 300x200 Using Corporate Event Space to Your AdvantageWhen looking for a venue for parties, award ceremonies, or anniversaries, companies are turning from more traditional hotels, restaurants, etc., and using lofts that are specifically designed for company events. Coined as “white spaces,” these lofts are quickly becoming the stylish way to entertain in Detroit, not only because they are quickly setting a new trend, but also because they allow event planners freedom to design every aspect of the corporate event, which makes for truly impressive functions.

A restaurant or hotel, if chosen as venue, has a vested interest in impressing guests, but not with your brand, with their own. For this reason, adding graphics, signs, or any changes to the natural ambiance of the restaurant can be ineffective by comparison. Without complete control of the environment, the company brand is placed in direct competition with the venue company’s. A banner placed on the wall would almost seem out of place. Additionally, restaurant or hotel guests not on the invite list can distract from the function of the corporate event.

We have found that the degree of control one has over the environment allows for an acceleration in branding opportunities. This allows businesses to capitalize on corporate events more than would be possible at any other venue type. For example, custom graphics may be placed on the walls showcasing brand logos, products or facilities. Alternately, these images may be printed on vinyl fabric, stretched over iron framework and positioned around the space to maximize exposure. ADA braille signs may be custom made and hung in the creation of a truly coherent, streamlined environment.detroit white space 300x200 Using Corporate Event Space to Your Advantage

White spaces are a great answer for event planners. They are blank slates, whose every square foot is available to the event planner for furniture, decorations, graphics and signs. Display Group has designed and set up some stunning examples of what can be done with the degree of control and freedom white spaces provide. Creating environments that range from ghost towns to reproductions of the ‘50s and ‘60s eras, we know how to take specific corporate event objectives and transform them into a captivating, branded world that will give you an impressive ROI.

We have also launched our own corporate event space, Studio dg located in downtown Detroit, which features 10,000 square feet inside a classic 1913 era building. There are views of the Detroit river, hardwood floors, and tall ceilings. Add in Display Group’s décor, lighting, furniture, and other offerings and you have the perfect space for your corporate event.


Display Group 2010

January 7th, 2010

Display Group is your corporate event leader for 2010 and beyond.  Since 1991, Display Group has perfected a core group of competencies for the event production industry. With an emphasis on quality and service, we offer our clients turn-key solutions for any event. Our 200,000 square foot facility houses a wide ranging inventory of rental props & decor; specialty event & furniture rentals; a graphic & portable modular display shop; and a custom design and build studio.

Combining innovative products with professional design services, Display Group can help you more effectively communicate your corporate message, entertain your guests or create any atmosphere from whimsical to sophisticated. Our team of sales professionals, experienced designers and skilled tradesmen insure you the highest quality results on time and on budget.

In this blog we will be providing you with tips and ideas for your corporate or special event.