Specsavers 'Spectacular' summer party

the challenge

The brief for the annual Specsavers Ball in 2008 was to create a party to reward their hard-working employees and partners. It was not to be overly corporate or branded and it was to take place at The Grove. We expected 430 people to arrive throughout the day, to check in at their private desk and spend time at leisure before the evening commenced at 6.30pm. One of the biggest challenges was the increased number of guests from the previous year and where to put them! We had to create additional reception space and be creative with the layout in the main Amber Room to make sure everyone could be seated for dinner.

our thinking

We brainstormed ideas around a theme for the 2008 ball and came up with ‘Spectacular' to tie in with the brand. We created mood boards around a black and white ‘Rat Pack' styled party and included themed entertainment including the Rat Pack's Back act and casino tables with specially designed ‘Bank of Specsavers' notes. We wanted the party to exude a glamorous Las Vegas feel and we sourced tall feather table centres to help evoke this. We created extra space for the reception by erecting a marquee on the terrace outside the Amber Room. The client was impressed with our creative thinking and the overall feel of the party.

our solution

Everyone enjoyed the event in particular the delicious menu provided by The Grove, which we hear was exactly as required from the tasting. The dance floor was full and the casino tables created a real buzz – we should have brought in more to supply the demand! It was definitely a memorable night and one that came in on budget. Specsavers are again challenging us with the brief for their summer ball in 2009, which proves to be bigger and better with up to 500 potentially attending.