On The Scene Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Second City!

The influential improv theater Second City celebrated its 50th Anniversary last week in Chicago. Countless Second City alumni, including Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell and Jim Belushi, returned to Chicago to commemorate ’50 Years of Funny’. Three full days of events, including a 50th Anniversary Show and a SCTV reunion, took place to mark this milestone. Southwest Airlines, who sponsored the private Second City charter flight, called upon On The Scene to arrange the red carpet arrival at their hangar at Midway Airport. As the private Southwest charter arrived, the air stairs were pulled up and the red carpet was rolled out. Waiting to greet the Second City Alumni flight were various Second City founders and alumni as well as local press and media. As they stepped off the plane, guests were greeted with a champagne toast by Andrew Alexander, the CEO of Second City and a reading of a proclamation by the City of Chicago.

On The Scene Named Spotlight Award Finalist!

We are proud to announce to all of our event colleagues that On The Scene has been selected as a Finalist for the 2010 Event Solutions Spotlight Award in the category of Event Company of the Year. We invite you to visit http://www.event-solutions.com/, click on the VOTE NOW button. Then scroll to the Event Planner of the Year category and review some of our top event accomplishments.

The Event Solutions Spotlight Awards are unique to the event world. These prestigious awards recognize and honor the top individuals and companies which lead our vibrant industry. For detailed information about the Spotlight Awards, including a complete list of 2010 Spotlight Award Finalists, please visit-http://www.event-solutions.com/spotlight_awards.

“We are honored to be nominated as a finalist for the Event Solutions Spotlight Award”, said Jamie Orr, Event Manager at On The Scene. “The Spotlight Awards represent the pinnacle of event management achievement. This year’s finalists are the leaders in this industry, whose passion and commitment to delivering world-class events are our inspiration”.

The recipients of the Event Solutions Spotlight Awards will be announced at the 2010 Spotlight Awards Event, Monday, March 8, 2010 in Las Vegas. The voting site closes on January 31, 2010.

La Gran Familia Goya!

To celebrate the opening of Goya Foods’ new state-of-the-art distribution center in Bolingbrook, IL, On The Scene created a memorable event focusing on the rich tradition and heritage of the Goya Foods brand. Nearly 250 Goya employees, customers, and friends & family attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the 147,000 square foot facility.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted with calypso melodies provided by the local Roberto Clemente High School Steel Drum Band. As guests made their way into the warehouse, a ‘Canstruction’ display-over 3,200 colorful Goya product cans stacked to spell ‘Goya’-guided guests as they arrived. The food products on display were donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

As guests entered the warehouse, a store isle display of the 1,500 Goya product offerings provided a rich and colorful atmosphere. The food products were arranged according to region-Caribbean, Mexico, Spain, Central and South America, highlighting the high quality products that have satisfied generations of customers for over 70 years. The stage backdrop consisted of stacked pallets of Goya products, configured around the stage to create an amphitheatre style environment for the various speakers and dignitaries. Erin O’Connor, the reigning Miss Illinois, sang a soaring a capella rendition of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’. As the ribbon was cut to officially open the warehouse, confetti cannons went off as the local Goya employees entered the room though a break-away banner adorning the Goya logo. The warehouse employees got the group on their feet, as they lead the guests into the warehouse loading dock, where lunch was served.

The loading dock was transformed into a vibrant celebration featuring the local Latino neighborhoods that thrive on Goya products. Each buffet station was designed to represent the various regions that Goya represents-Mexican, Caribbean, South American, and Central American. Each ‘vignette’ featured colorful images of Chicago’s rich Latino neighborhoods, while displaying regional Goya products and offering a tasty selection of traditional Goya recipes. A lively Spanish guitar duo provided background music, flamenco, classical and Latin American styles ranging from traditional to pop. Throughout the lunch, guests were invited to tour the warehouse and visit the functioning bean packaging operation.

“Let me take this opportunity to thank On The Scene for an excellent job, the two events were great. Everyone is saying that they had never been to a Grand Opening like the one we had, fantastic.” -General Manager, Goya Foods Midwest

On The Scene-Goya Foods Warehouse Opening Press Release-Nov '09 (pdf, 415KB)

A Bus is Just a Bus... or is it?

When selecting the right transportation provider for your next meeting or event, planners face a myriad of available shuttle options. Should I work with a local transportation expert, or try to save a few bucks by working with a ‘traveling shuttle company’? The Association of Destination Management Executives (ADME) has published an excellent white paper outlining the pitfalls when using a traveling shuttle company. The goal is educate planners on the value and benefits of using a local Destination Management Company (DMC) for this very critical meeting component. After all, knowledge of the destination is the most important factor when planning a safe and efficient shuttle.

Values and Benefits of Using a Local DMC vs. Working with a Traveling Shuttle Company (pdf, 105 KB)

Oh What A Night!

Over 200 guests attended a Client Appreciation Dinner during the IBTTA 77th Annual Meeting & Exhibition. On The Scene created a unique, one-of-a-kind experience by custom designing a dinner event planned to be fresh and memorable. Held at the contemporary River East Art Center, this two-story lofted event space offers stunning water views, soaring ceilings and a 60-foot-wide illuminated Venetian water wall. Guests were treated to a spectacular dining event provided by Blue Plate, one of Chicago’s premier caterers. After dinner, guests experienced a surprise performance by ‘The Three Waiters’, who got the crowd on their feet with their soaring opera renditions. After the performance, guests retreated to the outdoor patio for dessert and cigars under a perfect Chicago sunset.

‘Thank you so much for the great job you did on our behalf to make our IBTTA Client Appreciation Dinner in Chicago such a success. We appreciate all the time you spent with us in selecting the venue and planning and executing all the details of the evening.’ Mary, Senior Vice President

On The Scene Named to Inc 5000 List!

On The Scene is honored to announce that we've made the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America! Now in its third year, the Inc. 5000 is the most comprehensive portrait of fast-growing private companies assembled anywhere. We have earned the position of 3,268 on the 2009 Inc. 5000 annual list and placed No. 21 in the Travel category.

Please click here for the On The Scene Inc. 5000 Press Release

Please click here for our Company Profile in the Inc. 5000

Industry Veteran Joins On The Scene!

On The Scene is pleased to announce the addition of industry veteran, Patty Hayes, to the On The Scene team! Patty brings over 20 years of experience and leadership in the hospitality industry to the On The Scene sales force. Her vast knowledge of managing logistics and meeting client's needs has proven her to be an expert in the event management industry. You can reach Patty at 312-661-1440 ext 203 and email: patty@onthescenechicago.com.

Patty Hayes joins On The Scene's experienced sales team