Macy’s Passport 2009 Benefit Night reception was a design challenge this year, incorporating not only a VIP reception but also a multitude of sponsors with individual branding needs.
Macy’s "Come Together” theme combined the notions of “Fashion + Compassion” for the fashion show fundraisers for HIV services and prevention, as well as their September campaign, “Hunger Action Month.” (See http://social.macys.com/cometogether/ for more information on this fun project, whose goal is to provide 10 million meals through Feed America!)
To sharpen these ideas for the purposes of the gala reception, we
expanded them to encompass local community and sustainability. Once MeMe decided on a farmer’s market concept for the theme, I set to work to design an event that would reflect her vision of showcasing the bounty of the bay area and the strong sense of unity, health, ecology and economy that results from “coming together“ in support of local non-profits working in the HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment arenas. 
Once I had this strong concept to build on, design of an urban plaza farmers market came quickly. I was able to sketch out layouts for over-all guest flow, food/beverage service and sponsor participation. I chose props, furniture, linens/fabrics, and lighting to design vignettes complete with produce, plants, flowers and an abundance of trees and hedges. After only a few weeks, I was able to finally put together my budget and encapsulate my vision in a slideshow presentation. Macy’s thought MeMe’s concept was a
perfect fit and that my design was fabulous. They decided to have us implement it in San Francisco, and Penny Barr of Along Came Mary in Los Angeles.
Needless to say, the original design took many twists and turns over the following months (it does with almost every event!) but as you can see in my snapshots, the results were just as we all hoped. Beneficiaries of the event, corporate sponsors, volunteers,
various event production teams, farms and entertainment from the San Francisco Ferry Plaza market, all with Macy’s as the host came together as a community.
To sharpen these ideas for the purposes of the gala reception, we
Once I had this strong concept to build on, design of an urban plaza farmers market came quickly. I was able to sketch out layouts for over-all guest flow, food/beverage service and sponsor participation. I chose props, furniture, linens/fabrics, and lighting to design vignettes complete with produce, plants, flowers and an abundance of trees and hedges. After only a few weeks, I was able to finally put together my budget and encapsulate my vision in a slideshow presentation. Macy’s thought MeMe’s concept was a
Needless to say, the original design took many twists and turns over the following months (it does with almost every event!) but as you can see in my snapshots, the results were just as we all hoped. Beneficiaries of the event, corporate sponsors, volunteers,
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