Anatomy of an Event (continued)

ALL HANDS ON DECK!

After a VIP reception at the San Diego Air and Space Museum (see previous post), the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation celebration continued on the deck of the USS Midway.

It truly was all hands on deck as AOO Events descended on the aircraft carrier. And we weren't the only ones! The USS Midway is one of the most popular with tourists with more than 4,000 people visiting it a day! Of course, portions of it were closed off as we installed the two-part event above and below deck.

Top gun! As a location we love, this one packs a powerful punch!

Images By Lighting projected star gobos and the Naval aviation logo on the ship and its tower. Those, and some very well-placed up lights, were all that was needed to highlight the drama of the location. And another string of red, white and blue lights helped to define and carve out our event space on this massive flight deck.

In the middle of the central bar, we set up a "stage in the round." During the event a band played here and later, the Secretary of the Navy welcomed the Kickoff Gala's 700 guests. By the way, I should mention this was called the Kickoff Gala because it did just that -- kicked off a full year of events that will end later this year in Washington D.C.


How did Jahon Pilichowski, AOO event producer, even get this shot? I don't ask. And Jahon please don't tell. I am just thankful for insurance and even happier that no one had to use it!

Another great shot!

Classic Party Rentals worked with the USS Midway to organize the daytime air show. This was the largest ever in San Diego and drew huge crowds throughout the city. On the Midway itself, more than 3,500 guests attended the viewing!

Details. Details. The larger the event, the more you have to bring it down to human-scale.


The vibe on deck.

Go big! And yet, fireworks were not the ending! After the show, everyone made their way below deck for an amazing Gala dinner.

That's it for now mateys! You're granted shore leave. Have a great weekend! But hurry back next week for more about the Gala!

The Players
Event Design, Production, Technical Direction, Executive Show Production, Photos: AOO Events
Event Production Management: 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation, AOO Events, USS Midway Museum
Location: USS Midway Museum
Catering: Manchester Grand Hyatt
Furniture: Plush Lounge
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Sound, Video: PSAV
Lighting: Images by Lighting
Fireworks: Fireworks & Stage FX America