BUSINESS MEETINGS WITH A COMFORTABLE TWIST

Last week I was in Boston helping produce a new product introduction for one of our clients. Our goal was to create a comfortable, engaging, and innovative environment that would facilitate interaction between the client and their customers. The solution was to create an intimate lounge type setting using contemporary couches with fleece throws, leather lounge chairs, and leather and chrome bar-stools at bistro tables. We also used our sogi screens to help define the space and offer a projection palette for lighting. We also used a 3-screen video format with a center 16' x 9' projection screen for eye-candy and speaker support slides. It was an awesome look and a huge hit with the attendees. As usual, the big question is...what do we do next time to top that?! - Gary

The meeting incorporated seating for approximately 130 attendees at a combination of seating styles.


Three rear projection screens created a highly effective media presentation using a combination of Keynote presentations, videos, and animated backgrounds.

Grand Ole Opry 85th Anniversary takes the cake!

Our scenic division was proud to design and build the Grand Ole Opry's 85th Anniversary Birthday cake. The cake was unveiled Saturday by Dolly Parton and Jim Ed Brown during the on-air Birthday Celebration. Happy Birthday Opry and here's to many more!

BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME

That’s what all of us in the Nashville Hospitality Community believe will happen when the new MUSIC CITY CENTER opens in 2013! Gary and several other leaders in the Nashville hospitality industry and business community were treated to the first overview and tour of the facility’s construction site this week. Its going to be amazing! The tour was hosted by the Nashville CVB’s Terry Clement, and featured a project orientation and overview by Larry Atema, the MCC’s construction project manager. The $585 million project is the largest construction project ever in Tennessee. Atema explained many of the unique features of the facility, including the Center’s 15-acre “green” roof and cutting edge glass curtain wall exterior. Watch for more news as construction moves forward...with Gaylord Opryland and the new Music City Center, Nashville is going to secure its legacy as THE place for meetings and conventions in the very near future!

IAAP BOSTON

BIG WEEK IN BOSTON WITH IAAP!

Part of the GMP team spent the past week in Boston producing the 65th International Association of Administrative Professionals Educational Forum and Annual Meeting. This was our 17th consecutive year to produce the meeting, and it was another big success for the association. The convention was headquartered at Boston's Hynes Convention Center, located adjacent to the popular Prudential Center complex. Highlights included a supercharged keynote address from Vernice "Flygirl" Armour, and a spicy keynote presentation by Erin Brockovich (yes, THAT Erin Brockovich!). The opening night event featured a high energy sports themed party entitled "Take Me Out to The Ballgame", where the 1475 attendees came dressed in their favorite team's jerseys and danced the night away to one of Boston's top DJ entertainers. It was a blast, and a great way to start the conference.

The simple stage set was complimented by a new LED drape backdrop that was used to create elegant twinkling lighting effects in a myriad of colors. This new technology creates a similar look to fiber optic draping but at a fraction of the cost.

A big shout out goes to the IAAP convention team, especially Inge Hafemeyer, the association's meeting manager. Thanks for taking such good care of us once again this year! Also, a special thanks to IAAP's Cindy Long and Kathy Koopman who helped pull all of the scripts and visual elements together. Great job as always! Here are some shots of the meeting...

President Susan Shamali, CPS/CAP presides at Monday's general session.

Attendees participate in voting on the association's bylaws.

There were about 400 people on the dance floor learning the latest line dances from our DJ.

These folks love to dance!

Local decorator "The Prop Factory" helped with games and set pieces.
New LED lighting curtains made a perfect backdrop for the closing awards banquet.

Jonathan Yeaworth directed the live video elements of the general sessions.

Erin Brockovich delivering the closing keynote address.

THE BERGER OPEN HOUSE A SUPER EVENT FOR EVENT SUPERHEROES

"THE BERGER" Open House...A Super Event for Event Superheroes!

GMP hosted a summit of Nashville's event planning superheroes Thursday night for THE BERGER event facility's open house. The Superheroes theme was the perfect backdrop to showcase Nashville's coolest new special event facility! The historic Berger is located in the heart of Nashville's thriving downtown area and is within walking distance of some of Music City's largest convention hotels. The unique space offers endless options for meetings, receptions, fundraising events, and parties of all kinds. Gary Musick Productions recently became The Berger's management company and will be supporting customers with a complete array of decorating, audiovisual production, catering and event planning services. We partnered with our friends from Copper Kettle Catering, The Premiere Event, and Garden Delights to create a spectacular event designed around a superhero theme. Thanks to everyone who attended and helped make this evening a super success!

Here are some shots taken just before doors opened....

LED lighting effects and special LED furniture created a striking look.

Cartoon superhero silhouettes and a cartoon version of the Nashville skyline were used as backdrops for the music room and stage.

Stunning tablescapes were designed by GMP's David Holloway.

A bubbling beverage fit for any Superhero!

The Berger boasts four unique spaces that can be designed to create a perfect flow for events.

Chef John (on the left) from Copper Kettle Catering presided over a pasta station that was a hit with our guests!

Centerpieces featured fresh flowers in a custom vase filled with glowing "kryptonite"! Our LED bench seating areas are perfect for receptions.

We're planning for The Berger to become a favorite music spot for downtown events and convention attendees. In fact, we're located just three blocks from Nashville's new MUSIC CITY CENTER!

DUREGO OPEN HOUSE A HUGE SUCCESS

DUREGO OPEN HOUSE A HUGE SUCCESS!

This past Tuesday the Gary Musick staff and more than 150 special guests celebrated the grand opening of DUREGO EVENTS in Brentwood, Tennessee. GMP and Durego Lewis have joined forces to create the Nashville area's most prestigious event facility. DUREGO EVENTS was transformed into an elegant oasis of beautiful decor, comfortable furnishings, amazing music, and sumptuous cuisine. Many local GMP clients and top area meeting and event planners joined with members of the Cool Springs Chamber of Commerce to help with the ribbon cutting ceremony. A special thanks goes to Mere Bulles (catering), Jimm Wright Designs (florals), and Southern Events for partnering with Gary Musick Productions to make the evening so special. We've already received numerous booking inquiries for the facility this week and the future looks extremely bright! Watch for special entertainment events to be created by GMP especially for the Durego Events facility. This is the start of something big!

Durego Lewis, Gary Musick, members of the Durego advisory board and Cool Springs Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon to commemorate our Grand Opening.

Several members of our GMP family were on hand to help with the event. Good looking bunch, huh?!

We created several intimate conversation cabanas with elegant draping and comfortable seating.


Guests enjoyed the soft elegance of the decor designed by our GMP staff.

Jimm Wright designed the floral arrangements for the party. They were stunning!

Our elegant fountain served as a stunning centerpiece for the event. Many guests thought it was a permanent feature of the facility. Great job by our GMP scenic and lighting team in creating a perfect look for the event!

GARY MUSICK PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH DUREGO EVENT FACILITY TO CREATE NASHVILLE's MOST UPSCALE EVENT VENUE

GARY MUSICK PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH THE DUREGO EVENT FACILITY TO CREATE NASHVILLE's MOST UPSCALE EVENT VENUE!

GMP is delighted to announce the formation of a new alliance between our company and Durego Events, the Nashville area's newest upscale event location. The Durego facility has 8400 square feet of meeting and event space, with a large main room, a fabulous veranda, and a private green room area. Located at 1649 Westgate Circle in the heart of Brentwood's popular Cool Springs area, the facility has access to parking for 350 guests, a catering kitchen, and was designed to accommodate vehicles and trade show displays in a showroom format. The building was originally an upscale restaurant but was recently renovated to become one of Williamson County's only multi-purpose event facilities. Gary Musick Productions will be handling bookings for the facility as well as offering all aspects of decorating, audiovisual, catering, and event support services to its customers. We're incredibly excited about this new venture and look forward to helping it become one of Nashville's top meeting and event destinations! For information on booking Durego, contact GMP producer Brandon Thomas (615-259-7952), or any of our GMP producers. We're eager to show you why Durego should be your next event location!

This unique facility offers an elegant covered entrance surrounded by ample parking for 350 guests.

Durego has a catering area and permanent bar.

The main room's tile floors are specially built to accommodate heavy automobiles and other machinery.
Brides love the private green room area!

Durego's large open floor plan is perfect for receptions, weddings, themed events, business meeting, dances, gallery events. and corporate celebrations.

The private veranda is perfect for small groups and dinners.

Durego is becoming a favorite among brides looking for a luxurious reception experience.