EVENT
PRESENTATION
West Coast Swing dance
conventions are entertainment. Their relative popularity is based, in
part, on the venue, on the competitions and workshops offered, and on the
caliber of the pro staff. But overall physical presentation is what makes some
events especially prestigious and unique. From the moment you arrive at
the hotel to the moment you enter the ballroom, everything the event
director does creates an "impression" and a "standard".
If done well, that impresses the dancers and it shows up in attendance.
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AMERICA'S CLASSIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
Location: Houston, Texas
When: January
Estimated Attendance: 1,200
Event Director: Cher Peadon
It's called the "Crown
Jewel" of West Coast Swing events - and for good reason. From its website
to its logo to its lobby display to its ballroom to its Glam Night, to its
Oscar-like gold statuette called the MACCI, America's Classic is a well-staged, sophisticated presentation.
As you arrive at the lobby you are welcomed by a
giant recreation of the America's Classic logo as if arriving at the Academy Awards. It
immediately conveys prestige and it also serves as an
attractive backdrop for posed
photos. It makes a great First Impression and hints that what's ahead is going
to be very exciting.
As Director Cher
Peadon says, "When dancers arrive at The Americas' Classic
Championships, we want to let them know immediately that they are at a
Championship event. Our goal is to exude prestige and elegance at every
level."
The next stop is the
ballroom itself. The 5,000 sf dance floor is surrounded
on three sides by tiered riser seating that not only offers great
sightlines but
also creates an "arena" effect that packs 20% more spectators in to the
same space that would be occupied with tables. That creates more energy in
the room. All this is focused on the elaborate stage platform where
competitors are
introduced.
"We have a dramatic stage layout that consists of rich Crown Royal
purple curtains,
stage lighting, risers, a formal center entrance, our logo and MACCI as the
backdrop, a red carpet staircase, and plant accents. We want to convey the
fact that this is a very prestigious event and that our performing dancers
are the best in the world."
The overall visual impact is dramatic. And it's well-suited for what comes
next.
It's called "Saturday Glam Night" and it's a one-of-a-kind affair. Dancers
arrive dressed in their finest fashions to mix, mingle and dance. If
America's Classic is the Crown Jewel of Swing events, then Glam Night is
the Oscars after-party.
And if all that wasn't enough to get you excited, at ACC they also feed
you! Yes, for Gold Level ticket holders, a tasty midnight breakfast buffet
is provided at the peak of Late Night Dancing on Friday and Saturday night
to help give you the energy you need to last till the wee hours.
When you look at it in its totality, the America's Classic Championship is
one of the classiest dance event on the Swing dance circuit. Everything
about it is first-class and inspiring. It's a fitting way to start of each
calendar year.
Visit www.americasclassic.com for complete details.
"When you come to America's Classic, you can expect a
first-class atmosphere and exceptional treatment.
Presentation and Experience means everything to us.
We think it's important for all event directors to
approach their events this way. Having branded signage in the lobby,
formal backdrops and staging in the
ballroom, riser seating for great sightlines, and an
overall sense of exceptional customer service is
essential to promoting quality and making our Swing
dance conventions grow."
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