We decided to mix things up a bit for the June ISES meeting by hosting it two days after our usual second Tuesday of the month. The reason? A fabulous presentation by renowned industry veteran Michael Cerbelli of Total Entertainment. 
 
The Bienes Center for the Arts at St. Thomas Aquinas, an über-modernindependent event space, was the perfect location to host the meeting which began with cocktails in the lobby. C.A. & Company Catering butler-passed hors d'oeuvres including mango scallop ceviche with tequila, zucchini fritters with smoked salmon and crème fresh, loaded new potato rounds wrapped in prosciutto, and beef carpaccio on sweet potato gaufette.

The all-white space featured floor to ceiling windows and high ceilings that felt more like a chic art gallery or New York loft. The stark space was the perfect canvas for Over the Top's new line of sheer embroidered overlays in punchy colors of tangerine, lemon, lime, and raspberry. Clear chiavari chairs and barstools from Hitched Weddings & Event Rentals were a welcome twist. AVR Depot up lit the perimeter in the same tones to create a look perfect for summer, while Son de Luna's Latin rhythms added some spice to the reception. 

When it was time for the presentation, everyone moved into the state-of-the-art theater complete withretractable seating and professional audio and lighting systems and video projection. Cerbelli took the stage to begin his presentation: Hot Event and Entertainment Ideas 2010 TM. After being introduced by his sidekick son Nicholas, Michael enthralled the crowd with tips, trends, and ideas to incorporate into their businesses.

If that was not enough, after the presentation, attendees returned to the lobby only to find it transformed with new linens, chairs, dining, and furniture! This time, the tables were dressed with white linens. One-legged neon spandex chair covers accented the barstools and upped the coolness factor. Hitched Events swapped chiavaris for clear Ghost chairs and added plush white oversized furniture pieces-a great spot to indulge in creamy risotto served in champagne glass with guest's choice of sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, peas, black olives, and demi glaze.

 

Mini desserts of Jell-o parfaits, pumpkin and New York-style cheesecake lollipops, and white chocolate dipped brownie lollipops were color coordinated with the décor. As always, Café ala Carte's freshly brewed coffee concoctions were the perfect compliment to the sweet bites.

Thank you to all the sponsors for yet another fantastic event!