What was the party?
On 12 November, the Carphone Warehouse held the UK’s biggest corporate event in 2005. A stunning Christmas party for over 7,000 employees took place in London’s Olympia and was organised by Hype Party Planning, with live music by Basement Jaxx and Mylo. The event was attended by Carphone Warehouse employees nationwide with special guest attendance from key customers.
Who was behind the party?
It was truly a team effort … Hype Party Planning event-managed the party and really brought the event to life in Olympia’s Grand Hall, under the guidance of Managing Director Marcus Rendle. Hype produces a wide range of bespoke events both at home in the UK and abroad. The sets were made and installed by Hype and South West Group supplied experienced sound engineers. Olympia’s in-house riggers Outback, managed all the rigging requirements, with draping by Acre Jean and the winter warming buffet was catered by Leith’s. All transport, from train times to coaches, was coordinated by Countrywide to ensure everyone could attend the event.
How was the party themed?
Olympia’s Grand Hall was transformed by the team at Hype Party Planning into an enchanted snow scene. Log cabins around the hall housed vodka luges, champagne bars and masseurs, and a range of entertainers amused party goers dressed in a variety of outfits from yetis to elves and from stilt walkers to animated trees.
Party goers walked through real fir trees covered in snow to a raised neon central bar area looking out onto the large stage set ready for the evening’s live entertainment. Screens in the form of mobile phone fascias hung from the ornate barrelled roof and a prize Harley Davidson was hung midair to be revealed to one lucky winner later that night.
The catering area was surrounded with snow scene backdrops and igloo domes from where guests were able to sit, eat and watch the fun of dodgems. Whilst upstairs in the purpose built chalets, guests were able to sing along to their own private band, sip champagne and look upon the fun downstairs.
The Snow Ball theme was supported by guests with black tie, glamorous ball dresses and Christmas themed outfits from Snowmen to Christmas Fairies all adding to the festive feel. Such was the attention to detail that all the venue staff were given glitzy makeovers with silver stars and feathers galore.
What were the highlights?
Apart from being the largest corporate party of 2005 with over 7,000 guests, the Snow Ball raised over £30,000 for Get Connected, through Carphone Warehouse’s charity partnership with Barnardo’s which helps children and young adults throughout the UK.
Basement Jaxx and Mylo enthralled the guests and the combination of small, cosy igloos and log cabins for intimate conversation combined with the large bar and dancing areas allowed everyone to party through the night.