For a Wow! event that will keep ‘em talking for years – Los Angeles is your best choice. As home to the world’s entertainment industry and the galaxy of super stars who light up the small and big screens – not to mention the gossip columns – LA boasts a collection of unique venues and one-of-a-kind event themes unmatched in any other destination. “No other city has what LA offers for event planners,” enthused Michael Krouse, Senior Vice President of Sales, LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau.
From legendary theaters and entertainment industry studios to celebrity chef restaurants, seaside wonders such as Venice Beach and Malibu, not to mention world-class museums and one-of-a-kind locales like the Oviatt Penthouse, LA brims with unusually impressive venues.
But that’s only part of the LA event story. Because the entertainment industry is centered in LA, the pool of talent who orchestrates the themes, sets and entertainment ideas from big splashy meetings to elite board meetings, are all entertainment pros themselves. “Creativity knows no bounds in LA. Whatever you’re wildest dreams for a venue and event theme, LA has it -- and then some,” Krouse said.
Here are some examples from LA’s talented event specialists.
Only in LA could you hold events on the New York Street where the “Seinfeld” TV comedy was filmed – yes it was made here, not in that other city. “This always draws raves from attendees,” said Chris Clark, Extraordinary Events account manager, who uses the Seinfeld street on the CBS Studios backlot in LA’s San Fernando Valley for receptions and dinners.
Of course, this is just one of LA’s many famous TV and movie sound stages – most of which can be booked for private events. “Warner Bros. Studios in the Valley is a wonderful venue,” said Dabney Bixel, president of Bixel & Company. She arranges events on its famous set streets and receptions in its fabulous museum, which features the Casablanca piano and Marilyn Monroe’s “blow up” dress.
The Jim Henson Company Studios are located in Charlie Chaplin’s 1917 studio buildings in Hollywood. “The sound stage where the Perry Mason TV show was filmed is perfect for 1940’s Hollywood-themed events” said Howard Sharp, studio director of administration. The studio’s vintage 30-seat screening room is also available for events. NBC Universal – Soundstages & Backlot, and the Downtown LA Center Studio are more star-studded venues.
LA’s entertainment community also gives LA events unprecedented live action, from stunt people rappelling off buildings to flash-bang pyrotechnics and genuine rain and lightening effects. “Events at the studios can be tied in with the latest movie,” said Bixel, who staged a studio event with a “Mission Impossible” theme, which culminated with a motorcyclist “kidnapping” and racing off with the CEO.
“Dinner in the Kodak Theatre, home to the Academy Awards, with a Wolfgang Puck-catered meal on stage, is another uniquely LA event,” said Bixel. And the historic Shrine Auditorium, which has hosted the annual Emmy Awards and the American Music Awards, may be just what you are looking for when planning a glamorous LA event.
“The Greek Theatre is another unique venue for large groups,” added Russell Harris, president of Russell Harris Event Group.
One-of-a-kind venues become even more so, thanks to LA’s event production pros such as Entertainment Lighting Service, Inc. “We turned Hollywood Boulevard into a driving range and Tiger Woods teed off right in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre; and we turned adjacent Highwood & Highland Center’s Babylon Court into a putting green,” said Michael Friedman, director of marketing for Entertainment Lighting Service.
Go-go dancers, “shagadelic” lip-shaped couches, round beds and other props direct from the Austin Powers movie set had delegates shouting “yeah, baby” at a reception orchestrated by 20th Century Props, said Laurel Rosenberg, special events director. As the largest prop house in the world under one roof, “we can provide props from movies including Moulin Rouge and Titanic, show-stoppers including a full-size submarine, and the largest collection of mid-century rattan furniture to turn any venue into the ultimate ‘Tiki Room’,” she said.
“Only in LA can you find creative, one-of-a-kind venues for very large groups,” added Lori Birdsong, president of A The Event Pros, Inc. “The California Science Center, with all its interactive exhibits, made a terrific venue for a Star Wars-themed party for 4,000,” she said. “In any other city, a group this large would have been stuck in a ballroom or convention center.”
LA’s cool club scene is unmatched because of all the stars who live and party here, said Janet Elkins, president of EventWorks, Inc. For product launches and parties, she recommends taking over a hot club-of-the-moment such as Boulevard 3 or Area from 7 to 10 p.m., “So attendees can stay after and mix with the celebs, who arrive late.”
A VIP party in the Downtown Oviatt Penthouse, a Lalique-encrusted art deco hideaway, followed by a “Speak-Easy”-themed dinner at the fashionable Cicada restaurant, is another unique hit.
LA’s cultural side offers a palette of unique venues. LA’s roots offer unique excitement. According to Elkins, “the wacky Tamale Museum in Downtown and the historic Plaza at Olvera Street, LA’s 1781 birthplace, are both naturals for fiesta parties.”
Downtown LA’s Grand Avenue, iconic Disney Concert Hall and Music Center Plaza together make an unforgettable venue for big splashy, yet sophisticated street parties, such as the one organized by EventWorks, Inc. for Pow Wow 2003. The history, culture and mythology of 19th century cowboys and Native Americans make a stirring event setting at the Autry National Center. LA’s contemporary Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels makes a heavenly backdrop for gala dinners and receptions in its Cathedral Plaza.
“NoHo” (North Hollywood) arts district is a hip enclave of cutting edge artists’ galleries and eclectically trendy cafes and clubs. “NoHo is uniquely LA,” said Randy Fuhrman, CEO of Randy Fuhrman Events, who uses the district for edgy events with a buzz.
Big and small events get a dash of salt air -- and oohs and aahs -- at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro, where marine life is the backdrop for events; and at gatherings at the popular restaurants overlooking the Port of LA, the nation’s no. 1 import/export port.
One thrill is yet to be done, however. Only in LA can a group enjoy surf lessons in the morning and snowboard lessons in the afternoon. Will that group be yours?
