Feeling Sporty and Sassy for the Phoenix Open

Feeling Sporty and Sassy for the Phoenix Open

More than 650,000 people and zero waste at the largest golf tournament in the country. I know. It sounds like a joke, but seriously, sassies, the Phoenix Open is real and it is amazing.

The Phoenix Open was held Jan. 29 to Feb. 4 in Scottsdale, Arizona, at TPC Scottsdale-Champions Course. Our friends at CORT Events absolutely killed the design by taking in many forms of inspiration for different spaces and viewing areas and executing with perfection. They delivered 12 trailers filled with more than 10,000 individual pieces of furniture. Sassies, executing an event of this scale takes expertise because that is a LOT of furniture. Here is the inspiration behind just a few of the beautiful spaces that CORT designed:

The Cove at 17: Offering an elite oasis in the middle of the Arizona desert, CORT provided an elevated guest experience fit for VIPs who enjoyed the tournament from this box. Drawing inspiration from yacht club décor, aesthetic was achieved by incorporating comfortable seating in colors and fabrics reminiscent of the shore. Located on the south side of the 17th green, The Cove at 17 offered one of the most valued suite hospitality opportunities for corporate participants, elevated by design concepts that provided elegant and welcoming spaces.

The Loge: Inspired by farm chic trends, the Loge featured refined wood textures, pops of greenery mixed with industrial textures and plush furniture for guests to relax. One of the hottest VIP lounges on the PGA TOUR, The Loge opened into a shared luxurious lounge area with all-inclusive food and beverage and ended on a comfortable deck with a bird’s-eye view to all the excitement on the 15th green. Honestly, sassies, the Loge sounds like my kind of viewing experience.

The Bay Club: Using moveable hedges and refined textures, as well as fun pops of color and eclectic patterns, The Bay Club reflected the top event design trends of 2018, while serving the needs of each group in the space. Offering access to an upscale lounge area as well as a viewing platform overlooking the 10th fairway, the open concept of the elite, members-only club, Soho House L.A., inspired CORT Events to create a space that was both accessible and private for The Bay Club.

This video shows all the hard work that everyone at TPC Scottsdale and CORT Events put into the four-day event. CORT furniture rental was essential to the event’s zero-waste goal. Every single thing at the event was recycled or reusable. So green for 2018! Using an eye for design and drawing on the hottest trends of the year, CORT Events made The Waste Management Phoenix Open a resounding success!

To learn more about CORT’s event rental collections, visit www.cortevents.com.

Steve Kemble, Cort Events Endorsements

Statement-Making Event Décor to Spice Up Your New Year

Statement-Making Event Décor to Spice Up Your New Year

A new year means new colors, new fabrics, and new design trends for your event décor. Whether you’re throwing the gala of the century or hosting an intimate get together for the Oscars, you’ll want to incorporate these ideas into your design concept to stay on-trend and throw an event your guests will be sure to remember! These trends are straight out of Milan, so you know they’re hot. Our friends at CORT Events scooped out the la test and shared what they’re seeing for the year ahead.

Color trends that are literally everywhere: Gray Seating, Bold Energetic Colors and Graphic Patterns. Design Trends that I can’t get enough of: Luxurious Curves, Rich Textures, and Modern Industrial Chic incorporating the 70’s vibe.

  • Gray Seating: It’s more than black and white. Gray is the dominating neutral for fabric in seating this year. It matches everything and I’m seeing it in accent pieces and ottomans. Desert rose tones, terracotta, deep greens are also popping up as subdued neutrals that can play well with gray and support other, more vibrant colors. These muted tones are contrasted with black metal frames to anchor the palette and balance the light and dark tones in the space.
  • Bold, Energic Colors: Pantone shook me to my core when they announced the color of the year – Ultra Violet. Exploding with zest and energy, accents in ultra violet add a sexy yet elegant ambiance to any event space. Pantone is forecasting that this Spring will be full of discerning colors like Meadowlark, Cherry Tomato, Pink Lavender and Arcadia. The pure bold colors create a high voltage vitality to event décor designs. Many of these fabulous Pantone hues are offered in CORT’s ottoman collections, including its new Beverly bench ottoman collection.
  • Graphic Patterns: CORT Events is seeing oversized patterns and accessories in bold colors being used in a more tailored minimal way, and I am absolutely loving it. Adding gold, bronze and copper to underscore these punchy prints gives me all the 1970’s Palm Springs vibes I could ever ask for. Tribal patterns in earth tones are also playing up the visual interest. Consider your event space and guest expectations when choosing which patterns you want to play with in your event design.
  • Luxurious Curves: Gone are harsh, hard lines. 2018 invites guests to be comfortable and cozy with softened edges on every surface. CORT’s new seating collections, Munich and Century, reflect the years’ trends with soft velvet-like gray fabrics, espresso and black frames and soft rounded seat backs.
  • Rich Textures: Consider all the senses when designing your event space, and keep supple fabrics and textures in mind as you decide on accent pieces. Fabrics that feel rich like velvets and leathers add dimension and significance to the design concept.
  • Modern Industrial Chic: CORT is seeing rustic design evolve and are now smarter as well as more chic and streamlined. Reclaimed wood is over! Marble, black metal, smooth edges and rich colors for contrast are making all the headlines. This modern industrial chic vibe incorporates more refined textures, upgraded natural woods, lush fabrics, bold colors and patterns. I’m loving the mix of marble and metallic surfaces with wood and greenery to create a sophisticated, organic and surprising mix that’s easy to personalize in any space.

Sassies, I can promise you this, these trends will be everywhere in 2018. Incorporating elements of the trends that speak to you will elevate your events in the coming year. I, personally, can’t wait to make these trends the focal point of every event I host this year. So fun! Tell me all about your event design ideas for the year on Facebook!

To learn more about CORT’s event rental collections, visit www.cortevents.com

For more news and gossip check out www.SteveKemble.com and www.adoseofsass.com  and like us on Facebook and Twitter!

Steve Kemble Brand Ambassador, Cort Events

Millennials Are Keeping Planners on their Toes when it Comes to Event Experiences

How many Millennials do you think are in our country today? Would you believe me if I told you there are over 83 million? Well, that’s the number according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Right now, millennials represent more than one-quarter of the nation’s population.

Do you know what makes Millennials different from other generations? Well, first of all, millennials have grown up in a time of rapid change, giving them a set of priorities and expectations drastically different from previous generations. Now Sassies, I know you may find this shocking, but Millennials LOVE technology and being constantly connected is a priority! Did you note the sarcasm there? OF COURSE staying connected is important for today’s events AND meetings! Not just for Millennials but for all of us! When is the last time you went to an event without your phone?!

Millennials are blurring the lines between work and play, as they are always connected and can work from anywhere, literally anywhere! With so much information at their fingertips all the time, this generation of workers seeks meeting and conference experiences that offer something they can’t get on their computer screen. They want an authentic experience that fosters learning and contains elements of surprise.

When Millennials attend events, they expect a shareable, FABULOUS one-of-a-kind experience. Have you noticed a selfie station at recent events you’ve attended? You can thank a Millennial! Both meeting and event attendees want to feel inspired, connected to fellow attendees, and engaged in the overall experience of the event.

Designing and furnishing events have evolved as well. Millennials EXPECT the unexpected! No more run-of-the-mill, boring meetings. They want to walk away greatly impacted and ready to share their experience with their social media followers! So how do you design a fab event to engage millennials?

Create Collaborative Team Environments. Generic “theater” seating for meetings will not please this generation. Spaces that not only delight the senses but create a collaborative team environment conducive to learning, networking, and brainstorming are what Millennials desire in their event spaces. Experiment with different seating arrangements, such as casual seating vignettes and small lounges to make your space feel comfortable and inviting. Create unique lounges using Hexagon Ottomans or Island Sofas that encourage groups to sit informally, collaborate and help break down barriers to communication.

Provide Flexibility. Furnishings that allow for easy movement and flexibility make Millennials most comfortable. Consider using curved or round seating, such as pieces from the CORT Endless Collection, that encourages a constant flow around the furnishings. Bar table groupings are also a great way for small groups to gather and work impromptu. Incorporate non-traditional seating around café tables or monitors. The Marche Ottomans swivel and can be configured on the fly for campfire style gatherings, plus they add a dose of color to keep the room fresh. Wagner Chairs and Vibe Cubes are great ways to add texture and color to a space while still maintaining comfort and style.

Always Connected, Always Plugged In. Staying connected and charged is a hot button item for this audience. The importance of being connected to mobile devices and maintaining accessibility to charging capabilities is a must! Introduce a variety of powered furniture to your meeting rooms to create communal workspaces that foster a team environment and encourage collaborative strategic planning.

Offer Comfortable Breakout Sessions. Comfortable soft seating not only keeps your participants relaxed but also alert, engaged and more willing to participate. Define large or small breakout areas with Miramar Dividers or Boxwood Hedges to allow for more intimate gatherings within a large room and provide opportunities for branding and signage. Comfortable and energetic spaces encourage interactivity that creates memorable learning experiences.

Millennials are keeping planners on their toes to continually create meetings and conferences that reflect the evolving social landscape. Rethink the way you develop, design, and deliver events and experiences so they leave a lasting impact on attendees. Keep your events fabulous, think outside of the box, and you can’t go wrong! I’ll even let you in on a little secret … if you plan a fabulous meeting you also increase the chances of your attendees remembering the content!

To learn more about CORT’s event rental collections, visit www.cortevents.com.

Dishing on the Top Event Design Trends for 2017

Hey Sassies! Can you believe it is 2017? I am still trying to wrap my head around it being another new year. As you all know, with a new year comes new event design trends that I am super excited to share with you. Let me share some trends from my good friends at CORT on how to take your events from ordinary to extraordinary!

The top design trends you’ll be seeing at every fabulous event you attend this year include creating organic and earthy environments, eclectic modern designs and functionality. Yes, I know, these are all completely different from each other, but can intermingle quite interestingly to provide an event atmosphere that will have your guests swooning over the space and discussing at the water cooler the next day!

Let me walk you through each of these trends and how you can successfully incorporate them into your next event plan.

First off, creating an organic and earthy environment can be as simple as adding life-like greenery to your space. CORT has some great options when it comes to defining a space while adding a touch of green. For example, a four-foot boxwood hedge works well as a space divider. Looking to add a little Zen to your event space? Consider a faux bonsai tree. No matter what your event space goal is, there are a variety of greenery offerings to provide an outdoorsy look and feel for your guests.

Now let’s dish on the eclectic modern design trend!

Minimalistic furnishings in gray tones can set a neutral canvas to build from. Just check out CORT’s new modular Hexagon Ottomans and Island Double Sofas. They’re clean, neutral, mid-century modern and can spice things up with funky seating patterns.

Of course, you want your guests to see your event space as fun and inviting, so wake them up by layering pops of texture and color through wall décor, accessories, rugs, and pillows that add flair to your space! Chrome- or gold-toned metals set off by glass, wood or marble surfaces are trending in accent and dining tables, shelving, and other occasional furnishings to further define the eclectic modern design trend. Check out CORT’s new Alondra Tables and Hayworth Tables and prepared to be dazzled by fabulous accent table options that can transform your space! Want to add pops of color? The new Marche Ottomans are sheer perfection! Not only do they come in 10 fashion colors but they are comfortable ottomans that swivel!

The millennial generation is one of the main drivers of our last event design trend for 2017 – functionality.

This generation is certainly the most connected and tech-savvy, so your event spaces must feature charging tables and powered seating. CORT’s new powered Island Double Sofas and Hexagon Ottomans are a fabulous way of combining stylish, comfortable seating with charging tables! Even better, these charging tables come in a marble top which adds an additional dose of class and fabulous style to your seating!

Okay, so listen up event planners! Adapt some of these trends in your upcoming events to create spaces that are sophisticated, yet comfortable and functional. Don’t bore your guests with drab fabrics and seating arrangements. Apply these ideas and you’ll have a space that event goers will talk about for years to come!

To learn more about CORT’s event rental collections, visit www.cortevents.com.

CORT Rocks Music City with the #CORTExperience

Hey sassies! Did you hear about the recent #CORTExperience VIP Client Event at the George Jones Museum in Nashville? Fear not! CORT has a FABULOUS new video to relive all of the moments from the big event!

In case you haven’t heard the news, CORT has expanded to the Music City! Of course, CORT called all their best local vendors to host an UNREAL party to celebrate!

Now, let’s dish all about the eye candy! CORT showcased their latest furniture, including the furry Wagner Chairs and golden Garbo Stools in memorable, on-trend vignettes. AND, the George Jones Museum provided the perfect venue, with a blank canvas of brick walls, country music memorabilia and views of the river that perfectly embodied the Nashville vibe.

Who else was at the party?!?! Local floral designer Mark Weber of Branches Event Design brought in floral landscapes that were TO DIE FOR. Stunning drapes and crystal chandeliers were provided by Quest Events; and beautiful table linens to add a classic touch were provided by Graceful Tables.

Signature cocktails and hand-crafted hors d’oeuvres were enjoyed by all and music was provided by Nashville Party Authority, all set in such an inspiring venue, beautifully crafted by the team at Perfect Surroundings. The event was the best-attended #CORTExperience VIP event to-date, with more than 200 attendees from the middle Tennessee events community, and some traveling to the area from as far as Kentucky and Atlanta.  So much fabulousness in one building!!

Check out the fabulous video here:

To learn more about CORT’s event rental collections, visit www.cortevents.com.

Add AMAZING Accessories from CORT!

 

Hey Sassies! Let’s take a few minutes to gab about event design and ACCESSORIES!

 

Have you ever designed an event that should have been picture perfect and yet it fell as flat as those pancakes you had for brunch last Sunday? Getting from just okay to absolutely amazing is all about accessories and paying attention to those final details! Event decorations like sassy room dividers, luscious lighting, and gaga greenery can help set the mood, build emotion and increase functionality at your next event! And guess what?!?! My friends at CORT have the perfect accents for any event that also complement their extensive seating collections.

Let’s talk specifics!!

CORT’s Miramar Dividers can be used horizontally or vertically to create spaces, entrances, and colorful backdrops. Available in four SASSY colors, these dividers are perfect to add some eclectic style to a space.
 

Looking to add a touch of greenery?

CORT’s Greenery Collection brings the great outdoors to your event and their Boxwood Hedges are perfect to help define spaces and add dramatic effect.
 
 
Let CORT shed a light on your event!
They offer an array of lighted lamps, tables, and ottomans that can be used indoors or outdoors. The Penelope Light or Pivot Lamp are perfect lighted accents for any event décor. Light up a lounge with Edge LED Cube Tables or use Edge LED Cube Ottomans to create lighted seating arrangements. Also, CORT’s Peak Lighted Bar Tables will light up your events in style and can be used indoors or outdoors.
 

Rent ‘Fierce Furnishings’ and Take Your Event from Drab to Fab!

 
Hey Sassies!
 
So here is the scenario Sassies: Your company is working on a fabulous event for an A-list client and you need furnishings for the event of the year! Fierce furnishings offer the perfect complement to the overall design, reinforce the theme, and communicate your clients’ message, so they MUST be included in the overall event. You’ve got a decent budget, and it needs to cover a lot of areas, from delicious food and beverage to fabulous décor. How do you maximize your event dollars? Should you purchase furniture for one time use, or is it better to source from a reputable rental company?
 
Well Sassies, rental companies such as CORT guarantee convenience, quality, and service, but is it worth the cost and does renting provide enough value? CORT has shared the top 5 reasons to rent furniture for your next event.
 
 
1. NO Upfront Costs
Why stress over locating, sourcing and purchasing furniture when someone else has done it for you? CORT’s dedicated team sources on-trend rental furnishings and is the leader in products developed for the rigorous demands of an event or conference. Their abundant national warehouse locations allow for on time delivery to your event location with the style and quantity you need. The days of wasting time, money and energy shopping for your event furniture are over!
 
 
2. NO Storage Costs
Once you’ve purchased furniture for your own inventory, you have to find a place to store it. Renting/buying warehouse space is a very expensive undertaking and a big capital expense. Plus the labor and logistics of managing and tracking furniture is an ongoing headache and drain on company resources!
 
 
3. NO Transportation Costs
Transportation including delivery and pick up service is no longer your problem! CORT employs professional uniformed team members who ensure your furniture makes it to your destination in fabulous condition. Trained to efficiently service your event and respond to last minute needs, their team delivers the wow factor. Rest assured that transportation and labor coordination and costs are eliminated when renting with CORT.
 
 
4.NO Maintenance Costs
No need to worry about storage, maintenance, and repair of furniture. If you aren’t completely satisfied with the furniture received, CORT will gladly replace it! Their quality assurance department repairs and restores pieces to showroom condition. Specially trained operations staff work tirelessly to ensure the furniture that arrives on site looks like just as fabulous as it does in their catalog!
 
 
5.Peace of Mind
Enjoy endless furniture options and customization with the industry’s largest rental furniture selection. Focus on the big picture knowing CORT is handling the details. Their talented account executives will provide design assistance in helping you space plan in 2D and 3D to create a beautiful event… all free of charge!
 
 
Sassy Bonus:
Furniture rentals count as operating expenses vs. capital investment – meaning they are fully tax deductible! Investing in furniture acquisition is an expensive and time consuming venture. Why bother with it if there is an alternative that helps you maximize your bottom line? From versatile bars, tables, lighting and accessories to modern lounge furniture, CORT Event Furnishings can help make your next event a fabulous success! As the industry leader in rental furnishings for catering and events, CORT has over 40 years of experience providing a perfect customer experience!
 

Trend Alert! 2016 Event Design Trends Are Here!

Happy New Year Sassies!! I hope you all had safe and fabulous New Year’s celebration…but, it’s time to get to business. It’s time to put some sass into your 2016 events and our good friends at CORT are here to give us the details on this year’s hottest event design trends.

Technology is going to be a huge part of events next year and planners are going to be challenged to design event spaces that incorporate it without sacrificing fabulous aesthetics. Facilitating and encouraging engagement by providing easy access to information will allow your guests to focus on learning and networking. What is the best way to keep your guests connected? POWER!

Keeping your guests connected requires battery power and plenty of charging areas. So why not design a fabulous charging lounge with CORT’s NEW Powered Collection? With selections from powered sofas to powered endless, modular pieces…you literally have a solution for EVERY design space! How fabulous! CORT’s expanded powered furnishings collection gives planners options to seamlessly incorporate charging into their event space without sacrificing any design!

Another fabulous trend for 2016 is the revival of Danish Modern designs! These fierce, yet simplistic forms, coupled with quality craftsmanship, and warm organic qualities such as wood grain are rich, enduring, and fabulous! Combining organic elements like greenery and softer color palettes will help ground your event and create a sense of calm while still delivering a powerful punch! Pantone’s Spring 2016 color palette emphasizes relaxation, but also a sense of relaxation and exploration which reflects the beauty of natural resources. Couldn’t we all use a bit more relaxation in our lives? Let’s make it happen with color and design in 2016!

CORT has introduced several new collections for 2016 that work perfectly with this trend including the new Danish Modern inspired Larson sofa and chair, which features a walnut wood frame base and comfortable white vinyl seats. Modern minimalism and mid-century silhouettes are still red hot and the Scandinavian influence of CORT’s new Wagner chair with soft cream colored fur upholstery and rounded walnut legs keep this trend fresh and exciting!

Now, this next new CORT piece has me VERY excited. It’s perfect to add a dose of class and sass to an event! The new CORT Dome chair, a French inspired piece, is a fabulous example of a piece that adds an element of surprise that your guests will talk about and remember!

Now remember Sassies, CORT’s complete collection includes a range of other high end modern furnishings that can be used to create fabulous designs. To learn more, visit www.cortevents.com.

Cheers to a new year Sassies! Let’s make it fabulous!

THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF MEETING DESIGN

Hey Sassies!

Designing an effective meeting/conference space helps promote productivity, networking and creativity. Smart space planning, comfortable seating, functional furniture, and overall aesthetics play a role in a successful meeting or conference. In designing your next meeting or conference, the design experts at CORT Event Furnishings urge you to consider the following Do’s and Don’ts of meeting design.

Do: use Powered Furniture

The importance of staying connected cannot be stressed enough in the current business environment. When attendees rush to find seating by wall outlets to charge their phones or other electronics, it’s disruptive to the overall experience. Instead, consider utilizing CORT’s new powered furniture for your meeting. Pieces such as the powered Roma sofa offer sleek, stylish seating with charging outlets built seamlessly into the arms. The powered G30 Communal Tables create a great opportunity for communal work space that fosters a team environment and encourages collaborative strategic planning.

 

Looking for general powered seating options in a lobby or a lounge? Consider the Powered Banquette System. The modular design allows for flexibility in seating that can be configured for any space and allows attendees to relax and charge their devices.

Don’t: Crowd the Room

Make sure you design your rental furnishings in a way that allows for easy movement and flexibility. Consider using round seating such as pieces from the CORT Endless Collection that will allow for constant flow around the furnishings. Bar table groupings are also a great way for small groups to gather and work together on a project or network. The key here is to make sure there is plenty of seating, but also tables for drinks, food or electronics. Modular pieces such as the Heathrow Collection and Endless Collection allow for arranging a design to fit a particular conference activity. The design of your space will make a world of a difference in how your attendees experience the meeting. Comfortable spaces that are conducive to learning and collaboration result in attendees who are more likely to be creative and productive.

Do: Brand the room

Use the conference to tell the story of your corporate brand. This includes signage, marketing collateral, programs, and yes, furniture. What is the theme of your conference? What is the color scheme? How can all of the moving parts, including furniture, play a part in supporting your message? How can you better create an immersive experience for your attendees by making sure ALL pieces work seamlessly together? Are you designing a modern 1960’s, Mad Men type theme? Utilize pieces in the Draper Collection to create iconic vignettes that make attendees feel like they took a step back in time.

Don’t: Fall Short on Design

The days of boardroom style conference set-ups are long gone. Attendees want aesthetically pleasing design that delights the senses and offers a collaborative team environment conducive to learning, networking, and brainstorming. Strive for a holistic approach when it comes to design and make if feel comfortable, but don’t forget the details make the difference. Accent pieces, color schemes and unique seating arrangements go a long way to create an overall immersive experience.

The Fab 3: Top 2015 Fall Trends

Greetings Sassies!

The sizzling summer season is quickly passing us by and you know what that means…the fabulous fall season is almost here!  From pumpkin lattes to décor, I love ALL things fall.  The 2015 fall season has its own fierce set of trends that are sure to make your events as fabulous as ever! My good friends at CORT are here to give you the inside scoop on the three biggest trends my sassies should know about this fall season!

Mod is the new Fab

Mod is in this fall season! And by mod, I mean modular!  Modular furniture is not only fabulous but functional. Sassies, you can’t beat that two for one deal!  Give your fab clients the option to maximize their space by creating custom seating with modular furniture.  CORT has fierce modular pieces such as the Endless Heathrow, and South Beach collections.  Looking to have a posh outdoor fall party? You can’t miss with the indoor/outdoor Boca Collection that can be configured for any size outdoor space.

Fairy Tales? Oh My!

Sassies, who doesn’t love a good fairy tale?!  Don’t pass on the opportunity to create your own fairy tale theme this fall season!  Rustic décor is so last season.  To make your fairy tale a reality, pair clean whites and neutral tones with pastels and greenery to create an otherworldly ambiance that would put even the most fabulous Disney princess to shame (I’m talking to you Queen Elsa!). Tufted furniture is a perfect fit for a fairytale theme.  The French and Victorian inspired CORT Napoleon Chaise Lounge is perfect for a magical ball or small affair.   Iconic white pieces from the Roma collection would be perfect for a posh royal affair.  Let your fabulous fairy tale fantasies run wild this season!

Fierce Customization

Wouldn’t the world be a better place if you could customize everything in your life? You love this couch, but if only it was in another color.  I love this color of pant, if only they were in a different style!  I love this bar…if only I could put my logo on it! Pause! Now you can sassies! Brand strategy and implementation is so important and being able to personalize an event to reflect your clients company culture and vibe can take an event from drab to FAB instantly!  Serving tasty drinks at your fall extravaganza?  Check out the CORT Luna Bar which has customizable panels to showcase your personal flair!