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Wild Wild West Design Challenge has Best Showing Yet at CSES2015!

Posted: 3.27.15
Category: Special Events

If you did not attend the Catersource/Event Solutions this year, you missed out on a lot of action and fun!

AFR® Event Furnishings not only sponsored the Attendee Lounge; which was a huge hit with people hanging out like there was free electricity at our Essential Charging Stations and our new Aspen Pub Table Charged, while attending one of three sessions at Social Tables University. We also turned up the volume this year with some great new products and a Design Challenge that proved to be one for the history books!

 

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First things first, though — if you haven’t seen our new Aspen Pub Table Charged, then you will want to check it out stat. The Aspen Pub Table Charged is nothing short of awesome with two stainless steel pop-up table mounted electrical outlets with three prong sockets and USB charger capability. They are easily customizable and well suited for community guest tables or workstations at conferences and trade shows. Also with a utilitarian side, the tables make for great food stations in venues that do not allow open flame stations. The new sexy Monaco Sofa continued its path to stardom showing off a light gray button tufted back and arms with decorative nail and silver trim. As is our standard, new and exciting products arrive at our showroom every day, so be sure to check our website and Facebook page often for new arrivals.

 

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Now about those two Wild West Cowboys and a very rowdy and energetic Design Duel on the Event Solutions Trade Show Floor. IT WAS FANTASTIC!

 

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With over 200 people cheering them on, Andy Hopper and David Twigger lit up the 2015 Design Challenge with amazing wit, a lot of good-natured ribbing, and a serious design throw-down. Guided by third year emcee, Andrew Larris, each designer created a vignette that CSES attendees voted on. The winning design was named at the Closing General Session with Preston Bailey.

The winner of the Design Challenge this year was David Twigger of Vermillion Events. Congratulations, David! Job well done!

 

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Before we left the show, we took the time to ask Andy and David a couple questions about their experience. Their answers may provide some helpful insights as you design your own events.

 

Question 1: What was your favorite part of the Design Challenge?

Andy: My favorite part of the design challenge was working under pressure. I do work really well under pressure and of some my favorite designs have been a product of those time crunches.

David: My favorite part of the design challenge, I have to say, was the excitement of the uncertainty of the products. Now, if you would have asked me that at the time, probably not, but now that I look back, the incredible build-up of, "what furniture are we going to get to choose from?" was so exciting!  And of course, getting to meet my now new friend, Andy Hopper!

 

Question 2: If you could walk away leaving people with one design tip or piece of advice, what would it be?

Andy: Be true to you. Never let anyone steal your creativity and drive. As designers, we have moments that test us, and people who try to break our spirit. Be you, and let your designs shine.

David: My tip would be, "Go with your gut instinct." If a competition such as this tells you one thing, it is trust your instincts and don't second-guess yourself. Your first vision is probably the best one.

Sage advice for all of us as we push forward in this crazy, zany industry that we all love so much, called Special Events!

 

One last thing…congratulations to all the 2015 CATIE and SPOTLIGHT Award winners and extra special kudos to Liese Gardner and Tony Conway on their Lifetime Achievement Awards. Both are well deserved!

 

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See you next year at #CSES2016!!!!

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