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.

Event Venue

Smithsonian National Zoo

The Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington D.C. is a sprawling, free-admission park dedicated to wildlife conservation and education. Home to hundreds of animal species, including its famous giant pandas, it offers engaging exhibits and plays a vital role in global endangered species research and breeding programs.

Content

Audio visual services at national zoo in DC for 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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Pamela Dolcine
Extraordinary events is just that - EXTRAORDINARY! I booked them for a corporate, all day event with about 200 children throughout the day + parents and families. The staff came even earlier than expected, was professional, kind, and knowledgable about all of the games. We were able to get a varied selection including a photobooth, VR, arcade games, basketball, etc. for a very fair rate. I didn't have to think twice about them throughout the day as they were professional and knowledgeable about the games - so I was able to be hands-off. I can't wait to have another reason to book with them! Matt was also an absolute pleasure to work with on the back end, and was so patient as we worked out the kinks.
Shahzad Ahmad
Morgan Rodgers
The Reflex was a great 80s cover band -- would recommend!
Ben Klein
Professional and personable. Everyone had an amazing evening. Matt was able to accommodate specific requests with ease and grace, and was ready to adapt around site specific needs. Can’t recommend strongly enough!
Chris Anderson
We loved our photobooth experience! They were professional and the equipment worked great. Thank you to Matt Gates for your help with our wedding.
Shane Patil
Marin Rieger
The photo booth that they provided for my sons Bar Mitzvah was a huge hit!
Caitlin Sullivan
Our photo booth was great! I was so thankful as the event organizer that these folks were so independent and flexible in setting up. They even climbed in the bushes to find a working outlet, as we had an outdoor event. They worked with me on graphic design for the backdrop and helped me understand the overlay. The photos turned out great!
Brielle Davis
The Extraordinary Entertainment team is easy to work with and great at finding fun and unique ways to customize your event.
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.
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Ready to level up your event experience? Contact us today to book our services or learn more!

Call us at (833)-888-1798, or shoot us an email at  sales@bookextraordinary.com, or simply fill out the contact form. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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