Road Trip Inspiration for Camping World Convention {Charlotte NC Event Decor}

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Andrea

Mmmmm…. There’s something about sunshine that makes us want to break away and get ourselves outside.  Fresh air. Open roads. Good times.  Summertime adventures. There is nothing better.

A little while back we had the chance to put our daydreams into action… well sort of, when we helped client, Camping World transform the Charlotte Convention Center for their Carolina RV & Camping Show.  Sterling By Design was asked decorate the space and help  showcase their products with fun vignettes.

For this design project, our team invaded our décor warehouse full of all sorts of fun props. Out we came with this new concept filled with mini-environments to inspire convention-goers to hit the open road.

Here’s a peek at our take on all of those places you can go behind the wheel of your shiny new RV.

The beaches of the Carolinas….

The mountains of NC…

Out for some tailgating action….

The swanky shores of South Beach…

Or getting your kicks on iconic Route 66…

We provided the 20′ x 40’ backdrops for each space, lounge seating, themed plant packages and themed décor elements.  And nearly all of it was pulled together right from our warehouse shelves!

The setups were a hit and led to even more daydreaming… hmmm… we think we need a Sterling RV….

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See something you like? Email kristen@sterlingbydesign.com for details on our themed rental packages.

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Come and See Us TRIAD! {Winston Salem Special Events}

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Andrea

Next week we’ll be out and about in the Winston-Salem area for these fine events.  We hope you’ll come and see us!  From supporting the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC to awarding free event rentals at WinMock to serving up freshly popped corn with the Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce, there is plenty of goodness to be shared.

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April 25th:  Empty Bowls Event benefiting the Second Harvest Food Bank of NW North Carolina
Millennium Center – Downtown Winston Salem
11:00am – 2:00pm
We’re delighted to be a sponsor again this year and cannot express how much we love this event.  Great local artwork, great local food, great community gathering and best of all, supports a great local cause.  We hope you’ll join us there!  Tickets on sale here.

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April 26th:  Administrative Professionals Conference
WinMock at Kinderton
8:00am – 2:30pm
It’s no surprise that we happen to love this particular venue and we’re looking forward to another great afternoon mingling with this energetic, hard-working group.  Organizers have plenty of fun in store for attendees and we’ll be on display along with a super group of area businesses showing off our latest work.  All attendees are encouraged to bring (5) non-perishable food items to support the food bank and we’ll be handing out two free event rentals to two lucky folks.  Learn more here.

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April 28th:  Clemmons Community Day
Forsyth County Broncos Field
10:00am – 3:00pm
Come one, come all – it’s going to be a fun-filled family affair and our booth will be no exception.  Enjoy a casual afternoon under the (rain or shine) spring skies.  Swing by our booth to learn how Sterling Events Group can help you best and enjoy a big ole helping of freshly popped corn as a thank you for saying hello. Learn more here!

 

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Sterling Events Group Named Winner Of Six “Best Of” Evie Awards From International Special Events Society

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Andrea

It was a night to remember that’s for sure.  Last week, we had one of those great nights that sticks with you.  We joined up in Charlotte at The Blake Hotel (gorgeous!) for the 2012 ISES EVIE Awards; we came together, dressed in our finest Steampunk garb, laughed, danced and mingled the night away with friends in the event industry. 

Have you met... (L to R) Helen Apple, Kristen Prestwood, Morris Hoyle, Brooke Johnson, Alyse Meyers, Jan Levine (oh and Kristen's hubby Josh smiling in back!)

 

Sterling By Design had the privilege of being a decor sponsor for the night and we really let that creativity flow playing up the Steampunk theme for the event titled “The Future of Yesterday”. Our very own Helen Apple, chairwoman for the event, was the brainchild behind the  concept. 

Professional photos to come, but here's a peek!

Equally as cool, our contract event prop welder, Katherine Apple (yes, that’s Helen’s sister) created the incredible awards to tie-in with the eclectic theme. 

A look in bare form before the paint job and name plate. Check out more of Katherine's work at: www.KatherineApple.com

But best yet – we won!  Not once, not twice, but six times! “Best Of” awards were handed out for our work throughout the Carolinas for corporate, social and wedding events!  We’re still giddy as we type…

Ta da!

 
CLICK HERE for the official release!

We also entered the Tabletop Design Contest for the evening where we were challenged to create a tablescape representing the event’s theme.  Here’s a peek at ours… which was the People’s Choice Winner!

 

Pardon our camera phone pics..

The competition was stiff. We have some talented industry peers in the Carolinas that’s for sure. We’re ecstatic, humbled and oh so grateful to be recognized among them.

Better get a bigger shelf.

Did we already say how estatic we are?  ‘Cause by the way, we’re still smiling…

Now it’s on to next year!

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Sterling Events Group Nominated for Six 2012 EVIE Awards

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Andrea

We’re counting down the days.  Less than four days remain until the Charlotte International Special Event Society’s (ISES) 2012 EVIE Awards event. 

Have you bought your tickets yet?  CLICK HERE to do so now and learn more!

We were absolutely thrilled to find out that we are nominated for not one, not two… but six awards this year! 

Sterling By Design -
Best Event Design/Decor Under $10K – Alice in Wonderland
Best Social Event (non-wedding) under $40k – Alice in Wonderland

Best Team Effort in partnership with The Charmed Event, The Mint Museum Uptown, Party Reflections, Best Impressions Catering – The Yaniszewski Wedding

Sterling Events Group -
Best Entertainment Production Over $25K – The Ultimate Juggling Act

Best Corporate/Non-Profit Event Over $75K – Under the Carolina Stars

Best Corporate/Non-Profit Event Over $75K – Rock the Night Away

A lot of hard work, collective creativity, and restless nights went into the planning of each of these events and we couldn’t be happier then to have that dedication recognized.

Wish us luck!  The line-up of nominees is tough filled with some of our most talented peers.

 

 

Regardless of the outcome, the night is sure to be an inspiring one.  And, we’re pulling together our Steampunk outfits as we speak.

 

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Event Recap: Nationwide PrimeTime!

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Sara

This past February many of the Sterling team members traveled to Orlando, Florida to put on the bi-annual Nationwide PrimeTime! show. With attendance topping 3,100 and a 200,000 square foot show floor we flew in our A-Team (all 25+ of them) to tackle this one!

The show was held at the massive and beautiful Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center.

Gator Preserve at Gaylord Palms - we promise this was totally enclosed and no attendees were in danger :)

Our stellar Director of Creative Services, Katherine Cornatzer, created some amazing signage and since we were a whole house group we were able to brand the hotel and really make it come alive with the show’s theme, Impact Now.

Pole Banners in the Atrium

Directional Signage

Small yard signs lining the gorgeous flowers in the Atrium

Convention Center Entrance

Saturday night brought a 275 person VIP dinner which was held in one of the hotel’s ballrooms. We were given one directive from the client…make sure it didn’t look like a ballroom! To make this happen we brought in specialty lighting, linens, centerpieces and lots of action stations to make guests feel like they were at an upscale dinner in a restaurant or nightclub.

Ballroom Before

Ballroom After

We used some gorgeous garnet linens with dark wood chivari chairs and coordinating rose and spider mum centerpieces for a simple but elegant look.

Mini Dessert Station...delish!

Our Kick Off happened on Sunday night and we took over the entire Atrium of the hotel plus the brand new Wreckers Sports Bar and Villa de Flora Restaurant to accommodate all of our guests. We were originally going to have the party outside, but the Florida thunderstorms got the best of us and we pulled the event inside.

During Setup

The event was a huge success and our guests raved about the Florida Fusion buffet and the two bands that played everything from classic rock to today’s hits. We used bright tropical colored linens, light up palm trees, two logoed air stars, a logoed aqua star, a step and repeat and some simple small centerpieces with colored gel and spider mums.

Aqua Star - originally supposed to be in the pool outside but we found a great spot for it inside

Monday morning was the opening of the show floor, another opportunity for some neat signage.

Logos leading our attendees to the Show Floor

With approximately 200,000 square feet, our show floor is no small feat to produce and our team always breathes a sigh of relief once it opens!

Here’s Sallie and a certain celebrity sheep hanging out.

New to the show was a PrimeTime! meeting application that we created. Using a QR reader on a smart phone would link you to the app which provided attendees with agendas, show floor and hotel maps and lots more information. We received great feedback from our guests who appreciated not having to carry around a stack of papers.

At the end of the show we took our staff photo…look at what a wonderful team we have!

We all made it home safe and sound and are already starting to plan the next show in August at the Gaylord National.

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Sara Wiles is the Manager of VIP Services for Sterling Events Group and can be reached at sara@sterlingevents.com

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Join Us! Event Decor Showcase at Childress Vineyards on March 15th

Posted on March 6, 2012 by Andrea

Join us next Thursday, March 15th from 5:30pm – 8:30pm at Childress Vineyards in Lexington, NC for an Event Extravaganza Showcase!  There, we’ll join together with the Childress events staff to highlight ways to transform your event from ordinary to extraordinary featuring gorgeous event design inspirations, culinary delights and of course – plenty of wine!

The entire Childress Vineyards events staff will be on hand to answer your questions about their beautiful facility and our Sterling By Design team will be available to review our latest decor rental options perfect for bringing your own vision to life. 

 

RSVP now for a delightful evening with friends to sip, stroll and savor the latest event concepts at Childress Vineyards.

Questions? Contact 336.236.WINE (9463).

 

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Hot Pink and Purple Wedding Design with Christa Hovis Special Events {Greenville SC Event Decor & Lighting}

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Andrea

Last month we headed down to Thornblade Country Club in Greer, S.C. to help our good friend Christa Hovis of Christa Hovis Special Events with décor for one hot wedding for one fabulous bride.

The Bride is a Latina Fashionista, so Christa wanted to surprise her with a Miami themed Ready Room. Sterling By Design provided the lighted marquee for the custom graphic that CH did for the bride, dress forms, bright throw pillows, big paper hibiscus flowers and hot pink accent fabric.

Christa’s design of the reception was fabulous! She did various specialty pewter linens and chairs with pops of hot pink and purple. Sterling provided the hot pink and purple lighting, LED lampshades and accent votives in pewter, hot pink and purple along with crystal bling and silver ting to top of the tablescapes. We also provided draping along the perimeter with swags to enter the food station cabana and private cocktail area cabanas. So hot!

 

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Airport Meet And Greet Services {The Sterling Difference}

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Andrea

The airport arrival experience is a pivotal one.  It’s an important first impression.  Your guests have taken time out of their busy schedules to fly into town for your company.  Don’t overlook the opportunity to show them how appreciative you are from the moment they land and set an inviting tone for your entire event. 

Sincere service is our standard.  We often review our client’s entire event, their goals, their guests’ relationship with their company and then create a custom VIP meet and greet experience.

How do we transform an ordinary arrival into an extraordinary experience?  Here’s a peek into The Sterling Difference….

 Upon arrival, guests are directed to baggage claim where a professional uniformed Sterling staff person will be ready and waiting will a big southern smile. 

 Our staff will also monitor flight arrivals to keep an eye out for delays or cancelations.  Any change of plans and our staff is on it keeping the transportation team in the loop so no one misses a beat.

 Thanks to relationships with our regional airports, we are able to set up local perks for your guests like preferred pickup locations or branded digital displays with your corporate logos. 

 Depending on your preferences, we can also arrange for special touches like a welcome bag filled with local favorites or greet them with their hotel key packet and save them the step of checking in a the hotel.

Photo from A Southern Season

After escorting them to their arranged transportation, we ensure their luggage is carefully loaded and their driver is tipped. 

Meanwhile inside, your guests can just sit back and relax with stocked chilled waters, local snacks and beverages to enjoy on their smooth ride.

From the first impression to the lasting impression, we invite you to experience The Sterling Difference for your next event.

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For more information on our airport meet and greet services, email info@sterlingevents.com

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Corporate Carnival at Embassy Suites Concord {Charlotte Event Rentals}

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Andrea

You want a Ferris wheel, a big top and complete fairground concessions? Sure. We’re on it. No big deal. Just another day in the life of an event planner, right?

Just as the annual fair season came to an end this past fall, our partners over at Embassy Suites Concord contacted us to help them cue the excitement right back up for a custom carnival event for their client just steps from their property’s doors.

Shared Brooke Johnson, director of sales – Charlotte, “Immediately we were on the phone calling around the region trying to convince the best midway operators to make one final stop before moving on for the season. They were tired following months on the road but low and behold we secured our top pick and began bringing the event together with themed decorations, tenting, specialty lighting, and custom signage. It was all hands on deck in Charlotte.”

A view from above at Embassy Suites Concord just a few hours before "gates opened"

 

Custom event signage was created to enhance the setup.

 

Grab yourself a handful! Mini popcorn centerpieces dotted tall boys throughout the outdoor carnival space.

 

Meanwhile, our giant popcorn display carried the theme indoors.

 

Fun and games under the evening sky.

We also partnered with Embassy’s catering department to create interactive tented food stations to create a playful food experience as well. Guests could sample bites from tents like “ballpark bounty”, “all around the world”, and “southern favorites”. We’re seeing themed entertainment and food and beverage pairings on the rise this year and this event prompted many more ideas between our team and the Embassy Suites catering team. Brooke added, “There are so many great menu and themed décor packages on the table. More to come for sure!”

Step right up and pick your pleasure.

For those guests seeking a break from the bright lights, games and action, our team also set up a giant tent dubbed the “big top” with plenty of picnic style seating with live country music inside. This space became the spot for guests to sit and eat, catch up and swap stories throughout the night.

Under the big top - Pre-event.

 

Under the big top - it's event time!

 

“This one had it all, that wow factor that you want at your event.  It was one of those event planning adventures we won’t soon forget!  What a ride.”

Yep. We got a ferris wheel. No big deal.

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2012 Prom Decor And Theme Inspirations {Charlotte Party Rentals}

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Andrea

Our decor team is out and about this week plottin’ and a’ plannin’ creative prom themes all over the Charlotte and Winston-Salem areas.  Yep, the big dance is right around the corner and we’re shaking off the glitter and jingle from the holiday season to help some pretty clever high schoolers bring their ideas to life.   Just wait until you see what they’re dreaming up!

Check out a few ideas in the works…

More to come…

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Want to create a prom experience to remember?  Contact our event decor team today to explore party rental options including themed decor packages, specialty lighting, specialty linens, lounge furniture, and themed entertainment options.  Email kristen@SterlingByDesignGroup.com or call 704.469.5993.

 

 

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