Live Art International: Over Five Million Dollars Raised For Charities

Live Art International is a creative agency and management firm that guides, books, and manages professional artists and art based experiential programs in the live AND virtual performance market. Brush to canvas, chalk to pavement, pen to paper, Live Art International creates one-of-a-kind experiences for audiences and event attendees. 

Every experience is tailored to the client’s wishes. Customized artwork and experiences can fit a theme or brand, and events can accommodate audiences as small as 10 to 20.000 or even more people. 

Great Artists, Great Causes

Live Art International’s performance artists have traveled the globe, shared stages with Grammy award winning artists, set trends in fashion and design and are champions for charity.  Throughout the years, Live Art International has raised over 5 million dollars for charities across the country.  

Recently, Live Art International organized a fundraiser event with speed painter Elliott from ArtBeat Live! Elliott has raised millions of dollars for charities over the past 13 years, and his artwork was featured during Patrick Kane’s 100th game. The result is being auctioned off on the team’s website, the proceeds will go to the Blackhawks local outreach program. 

Another Live Art International artist is Bojana Ilic, AKA Bojitt: “Passion, color, and detail define me as an artist and designer. I am inspired by moments, people, music and culture. I’m constantly curious with a huge urge to give back and empower people and children to think bigger than themselves.”

Engagement

In addition to live art performances, Live Art International manages and produces art-based activations for conferences, corporate meetings, branding events and more.   Activities include  large scale community art installations and coloring walls, creative break out session activities such as group canvas painting and crafting workshops + unique branding experiences with their spin art bicycles or mosaic murals. 

About CEO Dayna Malow

As a veteran of the industry,  Live Art International CEO Dayna Malow has crafted the entertainment programming for countless talent corporations, festival productions and non-profit agencies. Her booking experience and relationships have led her to various career opportunities in the industry including Entertainment Director for the USO of Illinois, Director of Operations for Magnificent Events, Entertainment Director / Talent Buyer for StarEvents and President of The Chicago Entertainment Agency.

Group and Event Sales Information

dayna@liveartinternational.com - 800-985-9330 

 


The Second City: Second to None Event & Meeting Spaces

How about hosting your next corporate or private event at the very same space where celebrated and award winning comedians like Joan Rivers, John Belushi, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Mike Myers, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert and Tina Fey have performed? 

The Second City is available for private parties, corporate meetings, and special events of all kinds, for up to 450 people. You have the choice of different theater spaces and classrooms, numerous catering options, customized entertainment, workshops, and more, all under (or on top of) one roof, minutes away from downtown Chicago. 

An Unforgettable Experience

The Second City offers an unforgettable experience and will handle your request professionally and 100% catered to your needs and wishes. Whether you want to host an intimate team building workshop or a wedding for hundreds of people: it is all possible. You decide what you want and a dedicated team will handle everything, including: 

• Totally unique event spaces (private and semi-private) 

• Full-service catering & diverse menus

• World-class entertainment

• A/V & tech equipment + support

• Bespoke production & custom content creation

• Professional workshops & meeting facilitation

Group and Event Sales Information

Nicole Cylkowski, Director of Group Sales and Events  - 312-487-1015 - www.secondcity.com/events/chicago


SkyDeck Chicago: Stunning Views, Unforgettable Experiences

When the now-Willis-then-Sears Tower was completed in 1973, it became the tallest building in the world and it remained so until 1996. Today, the Willis Tower continues to be the tallest building in Chicago and one of the tallest in the world. Needless to say that attending an event on the 99th floor of this iconic architectural gem -with views of the Lakefront and four surrounding states!- is an unforgettable experience. 

360-Degree Views

Throughout the years, the Skydeck has hosted hundreds of various events for many iconic organizations, including corporate meetings, birthday parties, weddings, and convention receptions. Spectacular 360-degree views ranging up to four states, combined with a Ledge visit, make any event an unforgettable experience.

Whether the occasion is professional or personal, for a large or small group: the Skydeck team will guide you throughout the creative process of organizing a memorable event.  Their collaboration with several preferred catering partners allows you to make your event as fancy as you wish: from a pizza pie in the sky to a luxury dinner experience.

The Sky's the Limit

The Skydeck team has creatively accommodated weddings as well as several wedding proposals. At the same time, they have conducted military installation ceremonies, referred personal photographers, reserved private Ledge time, coordinated advance floral arrangements —  the sky is literally the limit! 

Skydeck Specs

  • 8000 square feet of space
  • Capacity of 50 to 175 seated guests, up to 300 for reception-style events 
  • Dance floor
  • VIP access to Skydeck and the Ledge 
  • Optional photo packages
  • Customized column color washes 
  • Close discounted garage parking
  • Day-of event coordinator 

Need more information?

Check the dedicated web page or call 312-875-1632 


Blue Plate : Running Strong for over 35 Years

Blue Plate Catering must be Chicago’s most trusted partner for food service, food delivery and -of course- catered events. Blue Plate has been around for over three decades and many of the staff members have seen the company grow and thrive throughout the years. And they all have fond memories of the many events they have worked with. One event though, stands out when asking the team about their favorites: the Chicago Marathon. 

Chicago Marathon & Blue Plate: 20+ years of partnership 

Beth Bracco: “We’ve enjoyed a 20+ year partnership with Chicago Event Management who manages the event on behalf of Bank of America, and prior to that LaSalle Bank.  We have many staff members who have worked this event every year, as well as run the event! So many old employees have fond memories.” 

Smooth operation 

“The catering services we have provided have grown exponentially each year as the Marathon has become one of the premier sporting events in the world. In 2019 there were 45,000 runners from over 100 countries and we served more than 4000 guests in multiple locations throughout Grant Park.  Our culinary and ops teams of more than 100 people literally build a kitchen on site starting at midnight on race day and are ready to serve guests by 6am. Since the tragic violence at the 2013 Boston Marathon – security and operations have become a top priority for the planning teams.” 

Celebration year 

“The race was cancelled for the first time in its history in 2020 so it was a major celebration for both the Blue Plate and Marathon teams to successfully execute the event this year. While it was a scaled back version of the race and the amenities we provided it was a great weekend of activity.” 

The team at Blue Plate is already looking forward to next year’s marathon, when runners from all over the world will be able to enjoy one of the greatest races in the world again. And the Blue Plate team will make sure they are all being catered for, as they have been doing for over twenty years. 

More information about Blue Plate can be found on their website. 


Blue is Back!

Blue Man Group Resumes Its Chicago Residency

(c) Lindsey Best

Theatrical phenomenon Blue Man Group has made its long-awaited return to Chicago’s Briar Street Theatre. A dynamic combination of art, music, comedy and technology, Blue Man Group encourages audiences to reconnect with their inner (and outer) child in order to see the world through a new perspective.

“For more than 20 years, Blue Man Group has established itself as one of the top entertainment destinations in Chicago,” said Mary Grisolano, Managing Director of Blue Man Group. “We are absolutely thrilled to return to the stage and welcome new and returning audiences to the Briar Street Theatre.”

About Blue Man Group

Blue Man Group originally debuted at the Briar Street Theatre in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood in 1997. Three bald and blue men explore today’s cultural norms with wonder, poking fun at the audience’s collective quirks and reminding them how much they all have in common.

The show is continually refreshed with new music, stories, custom instruments and state-of-the-art technology. It is a celebration of human connection that has universal appeal for a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds.

Blue Man Group has become part of the pop culture zeitgeist and has served as the face of branding campaigns for Intel and TIM/Brasil and appeared countless times on hit shows like “The Tonight Show,” “Arrested Development,” “Ellen,” “Schlag den Raab” (Germany), “WOWOW” (Japan), and “Caldeirão do Huck” (Brasil).

Beyond the stage show, they are Grammy-nominated recording artists, known for their contributions to various film and TV scores and multiple Blue Man Group albums. Their “Megastar World Tour” rock concert parody played arenas across the globe. The group’s first-ever book, Blue Man World, is a visually stunning anthropological exploration of the curious bald and blue character. 35 million people have seen Blue Man Group worldwide. Now it’s your turn. If you haven’t seen Blue Man Group, you haven’t seen Chicago.

Tickets & Group Reservations

Blue Man Group Chicago tickets are on sale now and prices range from $49 – $89. They can be purchased by visiting www.blueman.com. A full show schedule and pricing can also be found at www.blueman.com. Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more, varying from $57 – $70 per person. For groups of 10 or more, email chicagogroups@blueman.com to request information.


Registration - Virtual Winter & Holiday Showcase

Event Overview:

Join us virtually on October 13 to hear from 8+ venues and vendors focused on helping you make your holiday and winter events rock! Sponsors will give 3-minute, pre-recorded, rapid-fire presentations to deliver the essence of their offerings to you in short order, then you can meet with representatives of companies you are interested in if you like.

Benefits for Planners:

  • Learn about 8+ venues & vendors for your winter and holiday events.
  • Hear quick 3-minute overview presentations from each business to learn what makes them the best bet for your next event.
  • Meet senior sales representatives with Chicago's hottest vendors & venues for winter & holiday events.
  • Leave with special offers and incentives from our showcasing businesses
  • Get everything you need to host the hottest events this winter in under an hour!
  • Access to the virtual showcase is free for planners thanks to our sponsors!



How AV Chicago can take the stress out of hosting an online or hybrid event

Safety is still at utmost importance as we continue to work from home and take precautions around events and social gatherings. As the vaccine numbers increase steadily, meeting and event professionals are gearing up for hosting in-person and hybrid events to bring people back together safely. Luckily, AV Chicago and partner Chop Shop have found a way to take the stress out of planning hybrid and online events. With an expert team and a state of the art facility, any planner should feel comfortable enough to explore the possibilities of hosting a hybrid event. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Lsi03QuKZ0

In order to keep engagement after so much technology fatigue, a new hybrid approach may be your best option to keep attendees engaged. Not only will a hybrid event help create an exceptional experience for all your attendees no matter where they are participating, but it will also take care of your in-person hospitality needs as well. President of AV Chicago, Andrew Brode notes

“The studio will be a great asset to our client’s upcoming virtual and hybrid events. We have built a space that looks as spectacular in person as it does virtually. Coupled with our production skills and event platform, we continue to elevate what a virtual event should be.” 
- Andrew Brode, President, AV Chicago

Meeting and event planners are looking for ways to make their upcoming events stronger by using high-end production work including professional video, audio, and lighting. To produce quality online events, you need to find a good partner that can not only handle the technical aspects but also provide a scenic space that will look great on camera and in person. With only a few studios in the Chicagoland area set up for these types of events, AV Chicago’s Chop Shop studio is the premier partner for any hybrid or virtual event. 

Make it easier on yourself for your next event, and create your most engaging presentation yet! To learn more about AV Chicago’s Chop Shop Studio, visit AV Chicago.

Written by: Natalie Kokaska


Out of the Box Ideas for Kits to Accent Virtual Events

Looking to add some flavor to your next virtual event? Here are some ideas that will get everyone excited to jump on Zoom!

Crafts - Bring out your inner child while crafting something for your outer adult 

  1. Paint Your Own Wine Glass Kit:  Wine nights just got a little more interesting! Design your own glass to make what you're drinking out of more fun than what's inside.
  2. Paint by Numbers Kit: Paint like Picasso and finally fill that empty wall space with a design of your own! All you have to do is match the paint color to the numbers. 
  3. Make Your Own Charcuterie Boards: Who said crafting is all paint and glue? Turn delicious foods into a colorful masterpiece! 

Treats - These tasty treats will make it impossible to leave the event hungry

  1. Snack Magic: Satisfy all your junk food cravings with Snack Magic! Snack Magic allows you to pick your own snacks and drinks to enjoy.
  2. Branded S’mores Kit: Experience the best part of camping without the camping. These ooey gooey treats are perfect to make at home! 
  3. Wine Tasting Experiences: Get a taste of all your favorite wines!  The perfect way to add class into any event. 

Photography - Memories fade but pictures last a lifetime

  1. Baby Picture Competition: Guess who?! Send in your best baby picture and go back to a simpler time.
  2. Selfie Stick: Grab onto your selfie stick! Did it really happen if you didn't take a picture?

Competition - A little friendly competition never hurt anyone 

  1. Pot Your Own Succulent Competition: Add some more life into your plants. See who can pot the succulents the fastest! 
  2. Virtual Scavenger Hunt: A digital version of eye spy. Use your computer skills to find what is hidden!

These activities are worth talking about. Hop on these trends to make any virtual event more fun!

Written By: Megan Collins


Creating Memorable Experiences Both In-Person and Virtually

We live in a world that is fast paced and full of possibility. This can make it challenging to keep everybody interested in what you have to offer, and more importantly, interested in coming back to your event or business. Here are some ideas to make your audience feel more involved in all of your events. By continuously supplying the audience with things to do, you can make any event engaging! 

When live events come back, we will be challenged as planners to think of new and exciting ways to keep people entertained and indulged. After over a year of working from home and interacting through our computer cameras, coming back to an in-person event will feel like a very new and exciting experience that we have longed for. But with this excitement, may come new expectations. Events and meetings are a natural habitat for networking and people come to socialize with people with similar interests. Planners are already challenged to find ways for attendees to network with the entire audience both virtually and in-person. Guests tend to feel more comfortable at an event when they are familiar with the community. Construct a LinkedIn or Facebook event group where participants can have conversations leading up to the event and can continue discussions and remain active during the event. 

Just like with live events, it is very important to keep its participants engaged in virtual events. Virtual events can be tricky because it is easier to get distracted while attending an event online. Some factors to keep in mind are polling, chat, and live attendee engagement. Polling is a tool used by marketers to receive data but also increase guest engagement. Pre-event polling lets the guests believe that their interests will be incorporated into the content delivered at the virtual event and makes them more interested in participating. Pre-event polling could also be related to a gift, a catering order, or even an activity that attendees will partake in like Odyssey Team’s Virtual Team Mosaic. Engagement doesn’t start or stop when you start your zoom meeting, it starts as soon as you capture the interest of your attendee and goes through their post-event experience. 

There are several other ways to create memorable experiences at events both in person and virtually. Attendee gifts are a great way to get people excited about attending an event. People love receiving something they can take home. Sending your guests event bags is a perfect way to guarantee virtual event participation, especially if you fill the bag with something they can enjoy during the event. In the recent Virtual Planner Master Class, Garrett Popcorn introduced their new snack-sized bags that are individually packed with your favorite flavor and delivered. These bags are the perfect way to stay engaged with a snack in virtual meetings or even in-person meetings since they are safely packed and sealed. The recent Planner Master Class early registrants enjoyed a gift box shipped to them with a snack pack of Garrett Mix, NEW Garrett Simply Indulgent S’Mores flavor, and Frango milk mints which were great snacks while attending the meeting. 

Entertainers are, of course, great at entertaining the audience and driving engagement. There are so many forms of entertainment to keep audiences engaged and having fun. Some examples of entertainment are live music, DJ, comedian, guest speakers, or even a live show or performance. Entertainment is important for both live and virtual events and can be a real game changer with online programming. It can be used to make the event fun or to get your guest attention for another topic. The world famous Blue Man Group shared a pre-recorded performance for the Planner Master Class to kick off the networking happy hour.  This Webinar performance helped kick off the fun portion of the event into the networking portion and kept the participants interested.

There are so many ideas to keep audiences engaged. Knowing your audience and providing them with options is the perfect first step to any event!

Author: Megan Collins, Ateema


Using Art and Entertainment to Welcome Back Your Employees

Using Art and Entertainment to Welcome Back Your Employees

Many of us have traversed the rocky path of the last 8 months with tunnel vision, focused on the light up ahead that signals better days and a return to business as usual.  However, we can acknowledge that this journey has not been without glimmers of light along the way, provided by virtual gatherings centered around art, music, and entertainment.   The arts have both uplifted and grounded us during these trying times and continue to be the binding element that brings our communities together to tribute, network, and celebrate.

Live Art International hopes to continue this momentum by working with their clients to incorporate art and entertainment into their re-opening plans.   Their visual approach to event branding is the perfect way for companies to energize employees and signal to the community that they are open for business.   “We have 2 clients we are working with to design communal murals”, notes CEO, Dayna Malow.   “Companies are using the creation of art to signify a new beginning, with employees coming together at select times to each contribute to a unique mural being erected on site.” Music is also a cue that a celebration is in order. “ Gatherings that encourage dancing are still off the table, however, we are seeing some traction for our soloist and smaller ensembles, with adequate space allotment provided, so all can be at a safe and comfortable distance”.

Covid precautions have also become a regular part of the coming celebration plans.   â€œWe have now adjusted our artist riders to request larger set-up space and accommodations for bands and musicians, and our art engagement experiences will account for disinfecting time and more disposable single-use materials.” says Malow, “We are helping our clients rethink their event structure, designing micro-activities where larger groups are sub-divided with participation occurring at scheduled times or multiple locations, allowing for social distancing.  This approach is similar to the break out room activities we have all been participating in the last few months.”

As for the coming months, and what the light at the end of the tunnel will mean for the entertainment industry in Chicago, Malow says, “Whatever your re-opening plans may be, we hope that companies will consider including art and music.  The Chicago entertainment community will continue to struggle throughout the ramp up period.  They have played an active role in providing inspiration and encouragement to get us to this point in time.   Supporting entertainers and entertainment vendors allows them to survive another day and ensures that they will be here to provide the celebratory soundtrack when we are all truly back to business.”

Brought to you by: Live Art International