Extraordinary

Event Success Story

Panda Welcome Back Dinner at the Smithsonian: Extraordinary Event Services Illuminated the Celebration

Client Info
Bright yellow stylized sun on blue circle above "Smithsonian National Zoological Park" in black text, clean and inviting.

The Smithsonian National Zoo, nestled in the heart of Washington D.C.'s Rock Creek Park, is a renowned zoological park and a part of the Smithsonian Institution.

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A crowd at decorated tables watches a speaker on stage as colorful lights and screens enliven the Panda Welcome Back Dinner.

The air buzzed with anticipation and excitement. The Smithsonian National Zoo, a cherished landmark in the heart of Washington D.C., was preparing for a truly extraordinary occasion: the return of its beloved panda bears. This momentous event, the “Panda Welcome Back Dinner,” was set to be an elegant affair, bringing together dignitaries, conservationists, and panda enthusiasts to celebrate this significant homecoming. When the organizers sought a partner to ensure the technical and visual elements of the evening were as remarkable as the occasion itself, they turned to Extraordinary.

Setting the Stage for an Unforgettable Evening

Extraordinary was thrilled to be entrusted with the crucial task of providing comprehensive audio visual services for this high-profile event. Understanding the significance of the evening and the prestigious venue, our team approached the project with meticulous planning and creative vision. Our mission was clear: to create an immersive and seamless experience that would enhance the celebratory atmosphere and leave a lasting impression on all attendees.

View from control booth: rows of dinner tables under a tent, stage lights and glowing screens illuminate the festive scene.

The Smithsonian National Zoo, renowned for its commitment to conservation and education, provided a unique and inspiring backdrop for the dinner. The challenge was to transform a functional space within the zoo into an elegant dining area that respected the surroundings while providing the necessary infrastructure for a sophisticated event.

A Symphony of Light, Sound, and Vision

Our team at Extraordinary took a holistic approach, providing a suite of integrated services to ensure every technical aspect of the event ran seamlessly.

Illuminating the Celebration with Expert Lighting

Understanding the importance of ambiance, our lighting design team crafted a warm and inviting atmosphere. Strategic placement of soft, elegant lighting enhanced the dining area, highlighting the décor and creating a sense of intimacy. Subtle washes of color added visual interest without distracting from the main purpose of the evening – the celebration of the pandas’ return. Our expertise in lighting rental and design allowed us to tailor the illumination to the specific needs of the venue and the event’s tone.

Elegant tent set for Panda Welcome Dinner: floral tables, glassware, blooms, blue and purple lights at Smithsonian Event.

Creating a Focal Point with Professional Staging

To provide a platform for speakers and presentations, our team designed and installed a professional stage. This elevated area ensured clear visibility for all attendees and served as a focal point for the evening’s program. The staging was carefully constructed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, seamlessly integrating with the overall décor. Our stage solutions are adaptable to various event sizes and venue requirements.

Speaker at podium with Smithsonian logo addresses guests at Panda Welcome Back Dinner; screens show Smithsonian logo.

Engaging the Audience with Dynamic Video Displays

To further enhance the guest experience and share important messages, we implemented dynamic video displays. Strategically placed screens showcased captivating visuals, including images of the beloved pandas and information about the zoo’s conservation efforts. Our video services included the provision of high-resolution screens, playback equipment, and technical support to ensure smooth and impactful presentations.

A Roaring Success

The Panda Welcome Back Dinner was a resounding success, and Extraordinary was proud to have played a vital role in its execution. The seamless integration of our lighting, audio, stage, and video services created an environment that was both elegant and engaging, perfectly complementing the significance of the occasion. Guests were captivated by the atmosphere, the clarity of the presentations, and the overall professionalism of the event.

The positive feedback received by the organizers highlighted the impact of our contributions. The event not only celebrated the return of the pandas but also showcased the power of well-executed event production in creating memorable and impactful experiences.

Throughout the evening, our skilled roaming juggler moved through the three levels of Circo NYC, captivating guests with his incredible dexterity and engaging personality. His impromptu performances added an element of surprise and delight to the entire event.

 

Pathway of leafless trees glowing purple at night, people walking under arches at Smithsonian Panda Welcome Back Dinner.

Ready to Make Your Next Event Extraordinary?

Inspired by the success of the Panda Welcome Back Dinner? At Extraordinary, we are passionate about transforming ordinary events into extraordinary experiences. Whether you’re planning a private party, a wedding, a corporate gathering, or a large-scale celebration like this one, our nationwide network of talented professionals and comprehensive event services are here to bring your vision to life.

 

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Phallon P.
I hired Extraordinary Entertainment to provide a magic mirror (similar to a photo booth) for a school fundraising event. They arrived an hour earlier than they said they would which I found very helpful. They have a wonderful graphic designer that was able to create a nice template for our photos and all the pics turned out really nicely and were delivered to me within 3 business days. I was also looking into renting a stage and a projector from them but we decided to use what we already had at the school. But knowing they are a one stop shop for all things party related (minus the food), I would not hesitate to reach out to them again for the next event.
hannahandjeremy
The coordinating team member: Matt did a wonderful job with asking us questions such as what type of clothing should the attendants wear and other questions so they could offer the best experience for us. They were also communicative and responsive.

They gave us a large variety of options to choose our templates and allowed us to customize color themes. Stefanie did an amazing job making a customize template for us!!

The day after our wedding Matt even checked in on us and sent us digital files.

The booth attendants were professional, courteous and went above and beyond since they stayed a few more minutes to get photo booth photos of us together as a couple.
Julie Burke
Lucy McCarthy
DC Magazine used Book Extraordinary for one of our recent events and exceeded our expectations completely! They provided the band as well as the 360-photo booth. From start to finish, their whole team was amazing! Definitely will be working with them in the future!
Caitlyn Bryant
Book Extraordinary is a one stop shop for everything to make your event a success! We had an event recently and loved our 360 degree photobooth. Guests couldn't get enough. They also have fabulous bands if your event is in need of live entertainment!
Nicole Mattucci
Matt was great to work with. He understood the vision and overall vibe we were trying to receive at our event. He was knowledgeable and helpful throughout the booking process. Our event was great and guests loved the Photo Booth. Highly recommend!
caroline rutherford
We couldn’t be happier with our experience with Extraordinary Entertainment for our wedding! From start to finish, they were incredibly helpful, friendly, and professional, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. The setup and breakdown of the photo booth were seamless, allowing us to fully enjoy our day without a hitch.

What truly made them stand out was their warm and welcoming approach. Every single guest — from kids to grandparents — felt comfortable and excited to use the booth, and it quickly became one of the highlights of the evening. The props were fun, the photos were high-quality, and the team made sure everything ran smoothly while adding so much positive energy to the event.

We’re so grateful for Extraordinary Entertainment’s role in creating such a fun and memorable experience. Our guests had a blast, and we have wonderful keepsakes to treasure forever. Highly recommend them to anyone looking to elevate their event!
Kimberly Reid
DJ Dior was truly the highlight of our party. This was a new concept for our group, so we were a little nervous. Dior offered a calm yet energetic feeling. The open communication was a plus. The guests could not stop raving about him. We couldn’t have asked for a better entertainer. 10/10 would recommend.
Amy F
The Photo Booth was the hit of our dance party! Great service, follow up and lots of fun! Definitely include it at your next event.
Evan Kassem
We had a tenant holiday happy hour and Ron was amazing. Matt helped me throughout the whole process as well and made everything easy for me. I would highly recommend.
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