How can an organization strive to make a large corporate event, convention or conference an intimate, meaningful experience? How can corporate photography reflect that aspect? Gold Grid Studios, a leader in Chicago conference photography, rose to the challenge.
NAFCD – NBMDA presented Gold Grid Studios with the challenge of capturing moments throughout the conference that showcased both large room conversations and speakers as well as small group breakout sessions and one-on-one conversations.
The result?
Gold Grid Studios contributed commercial photography for the conference that emphasized the focus on intimacy and meaningful conversation at both large and small scale. Our experienced team was familiar with the unique set of rooms and layout of The Hyatt Regency, and used that knowledge to present the conference organizers with images that captured their vision and goal.
The Hyatt Regency in downtown Chicago offers a number of spaces for presentations, speakers, trade shows, and workshopping.Conference attendees sat at round tables, which provided a setting well-equipped for more focused, one-on-one and small group discussions.
The Hyatt Regency is one of the largest event spaces in downtown Chicago, so that knowledge was key. It is a 365-foot tall building with over 2,000 guest rooms in two different towers connected by an above-ground skyway and an underground concourse. Plus, it houses all of its cutting-edge, the modular event spaces.
Signage directed convention attendees throughout the various spaces at The Hyatt Regency.Panel discussions brought together industry leaders to offer insight on industry trends and ideas.
The high ceilings, a large atrium with walkways, and massive elevators do the heavy lifting to quickly transport visitors and guests about the building. But the thing the Hyatt Regency excels at are the sheer amount of nooks, cocktail bars, clusters of chairs for relaxing, and intimate spaces that dot the interior. There is no lack of space here, but also no lack of smaller spaces to get away, get to know a new colleague, or reflect on the day’s keynote speakers.
Many opportunities for networking and conversation enriched the convention’s series of events.
As photographers well experienced with the scale of multi-day conventions, as well as Chicago conference photography, we stay aware of what a space can say about your event. The meditative fireplaces that mark these gathering spaces, the LED walls that add the warm glow, or an edgy, modern look. We are drawn to the variation of aesthetic character in these spaces. It just feels good.
If you’re looking for an event space for your next corporate event, try to find a balance of intimacy with functionality. The photographs will say quite a bit about that as well.
Gold Grid Studios is familiar with the majority of Chicago venues, their quirks, their overall look, and how we can accommodate the space through beautiful lighting, and meaningful commercial photography.
Breakout sessions situated conference-goers at round tables to continue round-table discussions and workshopping between presentations.Gold Grid Studios captured accomplished award winners during a series of award presentations.
NAFCD + NBMDA also worked with The Hyatt Regency Chicago on their own strategy to create intimate environment, during the main presentations and break-out sessions. Instead of having row chair seating throughout the room, the Hyatt Regency set up round tables, with modern white linens. Attendees automatically had the opportunity to join various small groups for the duration of the programming, which fostered discussion, idea generation, and meaningful exchange.
NAFCD + NBMDA delivers value through trends, networking, education, and leadership at their Annual Conference. All of this becomes possible through seamless event coordination in a venue that fostered the sense of intimacy during a large event and this was reflected in the images that showed those relationships forming.
We are a small team at Gold Grid Studios, but well-equipped to show imagery that is compelling for your corporate event. Because the moments depicted through commercial photography – at an event at any scale – should feel intimate, too.
In the event industry, it can be tough to catch a breath! That’s why it’s important to take a step back, find new motivation, and spend a few days with other people who just get it. The Knot Workshop in Chicago at The LondonHouse was a day designed to provide event professionals the space to learn, mingle, engage, and connect. And let’s not forget how important it is to relax over cocktails!
Attendees of The Knot Workshop in Chicago listen to keynote presentations.
The event team at The Knot gets it. So, we knew that our focus in capturing the spirit of the event with a commercial photography style that could be just as focused as these industry-defining event professionals. And we wanted to have a little fun, too.
After all, our small but mighty team of corporate and event photographers at Gold Grid Studios have long been in the event industry in Chicago. We have experience as diverse as crafting images that depict the important causes. We’ve photographed non-profit fundraisers, national meeting summits, innovative conferences like The Knot Workshop. (Our lead photographers also photograph weddings, thus our wonderful relationship with The Knot! But if you’re looking specifically for wedding photography in the professional event industry, hop on over to www.rebeccamarie.com).
“Getting Stuff Done” was the tagline of The Knot Workshop in Chicago. The Knot and Gold Grid Studios definitely have similar priorities.
Workshop participants left with inspiring thoughts as well as some The Knot-themed swag!
Event professionals understand that details are important to the look and feel of any successful event, so we knew to capture every one, right down to the fresh blueberries that topped the desserts by LondonHouse! The Knot Workshop incorporated all-white, textural centerpieces from Divine Designs & Events for a sharp, fresh look. These were the details that set the pace for all of the motivation, ideation, and learning offered by each of the day’s speakers.
The Knot Workshop incorporated colorful treats and tastes from local catering businesses.Sophisticated, minimalist table decor provided the perfect ambiance for The Knot Workshop.Circular table settings provided a great community space for networking over small bites and dinner courses.HMR Designs created the stage backdrop to create an engaging space for the event’s speakers.
The speakers completely rocked the stage at The Knot Workshop. Industry professionals included several local pros from Chicago as well as speakers known nationally for their work and expertise in event planning and coordination. Attendees absorbed presentations that included everything from useful tips, to personal / business experiences, case studies, and ideas that opened up continued conversations throughout the day.
Marcy Blum of Marcy Blum Associates in New York City was among the featured speakers at The Knot Workshop.Rishi Patel, of HMR Designs shared advice for creating engaging, designed spaces.Workshop attendees learned from event industry leaders throughout each session.
The Knot Pro, by The Knot is a highly useful resource for wedding and event professionals, offering a digital interface where industry pros can upload their portfolios, connect with clients, and each other. The team at The Knot is an inspiring group of industry leaders who understand the wedding industry and help professionals personalize their pitch to connect with the right couples, and offer relevant tips and tools for success in the wedding industry.
Networking opportunities brought event professionals together to discuss ideas, share portfolios, and engage meaningful conversation.
If you are hosting a corporate event, and looking for authentic corporate event photography, attention to detail, and meaningful storytelling, let us know! We’d love to learn about you and what you are working on to change your industry, business, or organization in positive ways.
Powerful imagery is not just photography – done well, it can define your brand and showcase to the world what you stand for.
Rebecca Ickes, founder of Gold Grid Studios (front row, right), joins a group photo with other industry professionals.
Thank you’s go out to the team that worked alongside Gold Grid Studios to make this event happen!
Nuage Designs for gorgeously patterned table runners and a unique rug on stage, Hall’s Rentals for the blue chairs that tied in the 50 shades of blue theme to the event. SQN Events and Meldeen for dreaming up the theme of The Knot Workshop in Chicago. HMR Designs for the Soul Cycle-inspired stage backdrop.
Gold Grid Studios also thanks all of the phenomenal, inspiring speakers:
“We are not makers of history. We are made by history.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
On the morning of January 21st, Salesforce celebrated MLK Day in Chicago with City Year. Partnering with Deneen Elementary School alongside several community officials, organizations, and volunteers to do more than just service work. They came to make a difference by both revitalizing the hallways of this area Chicago school, and engaging a bigger conversation. From topics ranging from Chicago community, to education, and civil rights, the goal was to move the City of Chicago forward.
Salesforce was proud to announce the start of the day alongside Chicago community officials, and leaders in education.
Volunteers were greeted by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, newly elected governor JB Pritzker, and Janice K. Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Chicago Public Schools.
Salesforce team members worked together to beautify the hallways at the school. They added fresh paint and detailed murals.
Gold Grid Studios, Chicago commercial photography studio, was thrilled to join the Salesforce team on this mission. Alongside their team, we documented the creation of a new look for this anchor in the Chicago community.
First, we met up with the Salesforce team to enjoy some delicious donuts and coffee for that perfect energy kick. And then, we got to work!
After the City Year event, Salesforce hosted an afternoon of professional development.
Salesforce invited area Chicago students for a series of presentations by Salesforce team members. Then, they offered an interactive Q&A session at their downtown Chicago corporate office.
Afterwards, Salesforce team members responded to questions about job interviews, client-interfacing, and networking.
Plus, there was plenty of inspiration and guidance in finding the right work that fuels one’s motivation, and then staying motivated.
Next, Participants in the Salesforce presentation engaged simulated client-to-professional interactions. After that, they spent time with Salesforce team members one-on-one to ask questions. In their simulations, they learned about the history and mission of Salesforce.
Gold Grid Studios, a corporate photography studio in the Chicago area, loves working with the individuals, companies, and organizations who aim to make change happen.
Gold Grid Studios has partnered several times with Salesforce to create beautiful, engaging photography that depicts the quality of work they do.
Not only that, but we think it is important to capture the quality of people who form the team at Salesforce, and the pride they take in every aspect of their goals. We’ve had the opportunity to spend time with the company at corporate events, conferences, summer picnics, and events that directly reach out to the Chicago community. So, we understand the impact our commercial photography has made on their company.
From email communications, to outward-reaching editorials, to community partnerships, we’ve experienced the impact of our work with Salesforce and their team has influenced us.
Salesforce is the world’s #1 customer relationship management (CRM) platform. Their cloud-based, CRM applications for sales, service, marketing, make it easy to connect with customers. Their team strengthens customer relationships through managing customer interactions and information.
Commercial photography should show the stories behind the relationships. It should show conversations that lend new ideas, ask different questions, and push boundaries.
That said, when working alongside Salesforce, we knew we had to share their story on MLK Day. We look forward to sharing yours!
Finally, we have to ask you: how does your company reach out in the community? If you’d like to partner with Gold Grid Studios to share your story, let’s connect!
“That’s Amore.” The words that defined Emily & Brandon’s wedding all started on a gorgeous terrace in Italy, as they enjoyed a glass of wine as a newly engaged couple. In that state of relaxation, taking it all in, they looked to the future together.
Honestly, if you could combine the whimsy, romance, and elegance of an Italian vista with the history, culture, and built environment of Chicago, that would describe their day. Old World meets New World. It was so important to Emily and Brandon to visit several locations, including the Adler Planetarium, the LaSalle bridge, the Lurie Gardens, the Lyric Opera building, and finally landing at the historic Warwick Allerton Hotel.
But the day would not be complete without a dance to “That’s Amore”, the continuation of the spirit of that perfect evening in Italy, and the friends and family that surround the day with love and support.
We were amazed by the Allerton’s new remodel, with golden details, warm lighting, and massive windows pouring in light while revealing the surrounding Chicago architecture along the Magnificent Mile. The gorgeous ballroom set the stage for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and following reception. The hotel, originally built in 1924 is now a Chicago Landmark. The classic “Tip-Top-Tap” neon sign is iconic – you can see it walking along Michigan Avenue! Emily and Brandon knew they wanted to brave the heights together for a photograph under the sign (you wouldn’t believe what it’s actually like up there)!. But one of our favorite moments was the view of the city from the outside of The Allerton. Completely breathtaking.
We hope you enjoy this Italy-meets-Chicago-meets…well, you know, the things that matter most… adventure with us. Congratulations, Emily and Brandon!
It all starts with a stellar first look! Julie & Michael’s emotional moment set the tone for a warm, inviting wedding day at the Newberry Library. It was a day full of laughter, tears, and the kind of hugs you only get on a special occasion like this. One of the (many) reasons we love Newberry Library is the great mix of indoor and outdoor spots. Give us all of the classic architecture next to romantic gardens — it’s a photographer’s dream.
So much of wedding day success comes down to to the WHERE. With the Hilton, St. Vincent DePaul, and Newberry Library — Julie & Michael made all of the right choices! We talked to Julie a bit about what made her fall in love with these spaces, the perfect backdrops to a gorgeous day.
Without further ado — let’s dive right in! Enjoy!
Tell us about your connection to your ceremony venue…
St. Vincent DePaul Church is a beautiful Catholic Church in Lincoln Park. Julie, an alumnus of DePaul University for undergrad, attended church here throughout her college days. After deciding to get married through the Catholic Church, we selected St. Vincent DePaul because of Julie’s fond memories of the church community here in college and its lovely Lincoln Park setting.
And Newberry Library. What’s your favorite part?
When Michael and I decided on a Chicago wedding, we knew we wanted a venue that would show off the city’s beauty and life. We met in Chicago and both lived there for 6+ years and are excited to add our wedding to our list of memories in this place. We decided on the Newberry Library because of its beautiful event space and its location in the Gold Coast neighborhood. Michael and I both love the green space and architecture of the Newberry and its surroundings. Additionally, the Newberry Library itself has been a long standing part of Chicago’s history. It is an independent research library established in 1887; we are excited for our guests to visit this downtown landmark.
