Salesforce Connections at McCormick Place was a 3-day conference of 13,000+ attendees. However, it provided an engaging experience for each and every one of it’s guests. First, Salesforce transformed McCormick Place (the nation’s largest conference center!) into an interactive campsite. Salesforce ensured attendees would remember their experience. Second, Salesforce’s iconic outdoor-adventure-themed branding created an engaging, fun space for learning and networking.
Salesforce Connections attendees networked in the main hallway at McCormick Place while a live DJ created an inviting ambiance.The registration area included a panoramic banner with Chicago-specific illustrations integrated with Salesforce’s original character illustrations.
Salesforce holds the core idea of meaningful engagement at the heart of its company culture.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that Salesforce was ranked first in Fortune‘s 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2018 and second in 2019! For Salesforce, it’s not only about their broad steps and research in developer innovation, AI, and cloud-based marketing. At Salesforce Connections at McCormick Place, we witnessed their focus on creative engagement through branding.
Branded backpacks, fanny packs, and lanyards were a part of the large selection of Salesforce swag we spotted at Salesforce Connections.
What was it like?
Think high tech learning meets outdoor forest adventure. When we go off to summer camp as kids, our parents expect us to come back with new friends. Maybe, we come back with a little more knowledge about the world. Salesforce hosted a conference that excites the same energy as a camp in the woods, but with a focus on technology innovation. After all, companies who have integrated Salesforce’s technology are called “Trailblazers” for a reason!
Playful, branded signage around McCormick Place made it easy to navigate sessions in the large conference space.At Salesforce Connections, attendees could play an original video game featuring Salesforce’s characters navigating the company’s core missions by going on a virtual outdoor adventure.
Great conferences aren’t possible without great branding.
Salesforce orchestrated a uniquely branded experience by making the space their own. Salesforce transformed each and every room in the conference center.
Presenters in the main keynote space shared their insights with attendees on a fireside chat-style platform.Panelists spoke about their experiences and offered their expertise, engaging the room in a conversation about diversity.The “Trailblazer” sign in the hallway at McCormick Place became an exciting photo-op for conference attendees.
The most immersive space was “Campground”.
This was Salesforce Connections’s trade show in the main exhibit hall in McCormick Place. Landmarks and trailhead signage created an environment perfect for meeting sites and exploring. Additionally, each environment was completely integrated with Salesforce’s iconic branding and signage.
The entrance to Salesforces’s Campground trade show area at McCormick Place encouraged attendees to “Blaze Your Trail.” Sound design in the entryway was composed of gurgling brooks, rustling trees, and birds chirping. This thoughtful audio created the feeling of hiking a trail in the woods.Campground was the most visited space throughout Salesforce Connections, with bold banners directing the attendee’s experience to each interactive kiosk.
Salesforce kiosks fit the Campground theme as attendees gathered around these inviting, interactive huts.
These stations glowed under banners with each of Salesforce’s core services. That said, these seating areas became home-base for meeting clients and colleagues.
Forested seating areas allowed guests intimate spaces to network, charge their laptops, and relax.Treehouse was an engaging presentation space in Campground where there was a series of presentations by the Salesforce team. Each presentation focused on education about their services.Branded landmarks like Treehouse became great meet-up places in the large trade show area of Campground.
Larger sponsor stations like Google’s invited attendees to learn about Salesforce integration. Collaboration across platforms is key to Salesforce’s mission. So, it made sense that attendees could visit each unique sponsor station as its own welcoming retreat.
And, the Salesforce characters were there!
One of our favorite parts was photographing the Salesforce characters (these super cute mascots!) as they walked around Campground. They gave everyone the thrill of seeing an adorable illustration come to life.
A Salesforce Connections attendee poses with the four Salesforce characters, who were extremely popular during each of their appearances throughout the conference.One popular piece of swag at Salesforce Connections was this fanny pack, reading “Leader of the Pack”! Fanny packs, mini speakers, and stuffed animals were available to attendees at the conference.
Are you investing time and resources to create and brand an engaging conference for YOUR attendees?
You can ensure your ROI will last longer with equally engaging photography. With this, photos from the event will remind you and your team how awesome of an experience it was. Then, they will come back year after year.
Want to see how Salesforce Chicago makes a positive impact in our community? Click here to read about their outreach on MLK Day in Chicago Public Schools!
It’s officially party planning season… which means you are probably in the midst of getting ready for this year’s holiday party for your team! There are so many aspects to the planning process to consider: decor, entertainment, cuisine, perhaps an awards presentation, the perfect venue… but have you considered hiring a photographer for your holiday party?
With all the effort you are putting into planning the event, wouldn’t it be nice to extend the ROI well past the end of the evening? Here are 8 simple ways photography can just do that:
Photos for your beaming awards recipients! If you have award recipients, you’re celebrating leadership, or individuals on your team who have made a difference in your company, there is no better way to make it “official” than through photographs that are shared in your email newsletters, internal announcement boards, or social media networks. Shout your excitement and appreciation for these award recipients from the rooftops with photos they can even use for their own archives. Not everyone may be able to attend your event, and with photography, your awardees can walk in to work on Monday with continued recognition by the whole office!
Candid moments like this are wonderful to share after an evening of awards, laughter, and memories.Beaming associates will be beaming again when they see their accomplishments recognized again in a company-wide email after the event!
Social Media Content: You can control the narrative of the night. With a holiday party photographer capturing all of the night’s events, your employees can enjoy themselves rather than worrying about trying to post on Instagram with your company hashtag. This way, you can curate the most beautiful moments of the night, and keep the late night shenanigans on the dance floor. Plus, if you have any branded giveaways, coffee mugs, or treats at your event, these are always fun to talk about on social!
This toast happened right before the event officially started, as team members showed off their energy AND metallic sparkles for a kick-off photo for social media!Speeches and presentations at holiday parties are motivating, and show your company leaders in action!
Give a gift to your team through photos: Do your team members often bring their partners or spouses to the holiday party? Team members will appreciate a professional photo of themselves and their significant other dressed up to the nines! Let’s be honest: When was the last time YOU and your partner got all glitzy for an event? Wouldn’t you want to capture yourselves in a professional photo to send to your friends and family? We are strong believers that the super dark and grainy photo from your phone just won’t do it justice. In fact, our gallery sharing service with Gold Grid Studios makes it super easy for you to share photos with all your attendees without your staff having to do extra work. Simply share a link in a company wide email and we’ll take care of the rest for you!
Decor for this event included a backdrop that was the perfect setting for couples and group photos all night long! Attendees purchased their prints easily and directly online after the event.Holiday parties are wonderful for letting your team relax, introduce their significant others to each other, and celebrate together. Your holiday party photographer will make a point to capture it all!
Group photos of team leaders. Your leaders will look poised and professional in a beautiful venue, dressed for success. What better time to get everyone together for a group photo?
This was a fun group photo that happened after several presentations by team leaders, addressing the whole office with accomplishments of the year.
The Company Archive: Whether a member of your team or a seasoned event-planning DMC like 360 Destination Group is planning your event, you may want photos for archival purposes. What did you do at your holiday party this year? What might you do differently next year? How did you brand the room uniquely to your company? We know you have a lot on your plate with all the daily tasks and meetings at the office, and calling to mind the color and brand of table linens that match a particular floral arrangement you had last year probably won’t be top of mind next year…
This autumnal theme was unexpected, warm, inviting, and intimate.With this unique industrial event space as their venue, this company chose to create a laid-back yet modern atmosphere.This company decked out their event in colors that represent their brand – bold blues and whites in their floral arrangements as well as furniture selected for the event.
Company Culture: You’re planning an event that’s uniquely fitted for your team, and you know that everything from the decor to entertainment, the theme of the night, and the atmosphere will reflect who you are as a company. Photographs will showcase the spirit of your team, and provide everyone wonderful memories of the night that will speak to your brand and your mission. What new hire isn’t going to be excited about attendees next year’s party once they see all of this fun captured by your holiday party photographer?
Photos while guests are mixing and mingling are a fun way to capture the excitement of your team before they hit the dance floor!No matter how often you get to celebrate together, the holiday party is a special and unique time to capture memories of your team.
Need help planning your Holiday Party? Shoot us an email and we’ll be happy to send over a list of some of our most trusted professionals to complete your vendor list! When it comes to events, there really isn’t a merrier time of the year, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
How to prepare for your headshots: Well, you’ve put it off for months (maybe years?) and now it’s finally time to refresh your headshot. Whether you are starting your own business, transitioning to a new position, or just updating your LinkedIn, your headshot is often your first impression. The most common question we get asked is “What do I wear?” You always want to look your best, and sometimes certain clothing styles photograph better than others.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of helpful tips so you can work on your next interview, not fret about your headshot. Obviously, different industries have different expectations, but if you’re looking to play it safe and professional, these 10 Tips outlining how to prepare for your headshot won’t fail you!
A fitted blazer is a must – it makes for a clean, professional look that ties the outfit together.
Tip 1: Pick the outfit that makes you feel incredibly confident. We all have one. It’s that dress or blazer that has you checking yourself out in the window reflection as you walk to your next sales meeting. Whatever that outfit is, choose that! “But how formal should it be?” is the follow up question everyone asks the most. Our rule of thumb: Wear whatever it is you would choose for a first new client meeting. I.e. If you don’t show up to meetings in a tie, then skip the tie. If you always have your glasses on, keep ‘em on!
Take note: he’s not wearing a tie! This decision makes for a casual but modern look without losing professional flair.
Tip 2: Keep it fitted. Loose or ill-fitting clothing will add unnecessary extra weight when viewed in a photo. We aren’t suggesting skin tight clothing, but something with structure and that fits in all the right places is a must.
This flowy navy blouse is a more casual, relaxed piece, but the flattering V-neck pulls our attention up to her face.
Tip 3: If you’re not sure what color looks best on you, neutrals will always stay classic and keep a headshot looking timeless. When you’re considering how to prepare for your headshots, you can never go wrong with blues and grays are our favorite suggestion for not being quite as heavy as all black.
His blue button-down shirt has a subtle texture that doesn’t scream for attention, but adds a pop of interest against his vibrant blue suit jacket. Her necklace is a gorgeous accent that provides a touch of personality while keeping her look classic.
Tip 4: Play it safe with solids. Some patterns can work, but loud, bold stripes or big floral patterns will distract from what the main focus should be – You! Bringing in patterns in a great tie or pocket square for the gents or more of your personality with statement jewelry for the ladies is a great way to keep the solid shirts from getting boring.
A tight, gridded pattern looks professional and thoughtful on his button-down shirt, and ties in the grays from his slate-colored blazer.
Tip 5: Cover your arms and shoulders. Seriously, anything without sleeves loses that put-together sense of professionalism. And, you definitely don’t want any arm insecurities getting between you and the camera.
Her makeup looks clean and natural, with just a bit of definition.
Tip 6: Bring options and layers to try out several looks! Something as simple as taking a blazer on or off can give you two different looks quickly. For example, scarves, ties, necklaces and pocket squares are all simple items to toss in your bag. Plus, you can switch out for different looks as a great way to bring in more color if you are sticking with the neutral top.
Tip 7: Dress professionally from head-to-toe. Even if you only need a LinkedIn photo that shows from the waist up, dress like you would for the interview. Dressing up your shoes will automatically improve your posture. The total look also boosts your confidence – you should want to own your outfit long after the headshot is over and rake in those compliments when you wear it to work.
This portrait is a little more casual, but showcases his incredible confidence, while not losing the professional flair. His striped button down is more formal, and his sweater relaxes the look while also looking decidedly fashionable.
Tip 8: Makeup: A little goes a long way. Just because you’ll be on camera for your headshot doesn’t mean you should cake it on like you did for your 8th grade musical. What’s most important here is definition not quantity. Even if you don’t wear eyeliner on a daily basis, simple eye liner and a great mascara will help define your eyes beautifully in photos. We get asked about makeup all the time. So, we had to include it in our list of how to prepare for your headshots!
Her portrait demonstrates that even a touch of eyeliner can go a long way!
Tip 9: Hair: Keep it simple and professional. Definitely pack a brush or comb if you like driving with the windows down… For the ladies, consider a quick stop at your local blow out bar for that added touch of confidence.
In Suzanne’s portrait, there is a touch of interest with her cut-out neckline and her shorter sleeves keep her look professional but summer appropriate. Do you have a headshot for all seasons?
Tip 10: Practice! Try out your wardrobe combinations in front of a mirror. Solicit your trusted friends or significant other for their opinions. Or even feel free to email us over some quick cell phone snaps! Importantly, you should feel confident in whatever you are wearing. The best advice we can give when it comes to how to prepare for your headshots is this: Confidence is what makes all the difference in photos!
Her polished look is on-point, and a touch of hairspray helps eliminate those flyaways for her outdoor portrait.
Generally speaking, one wouldn’t say “company holiday party” and “circus” in the same sentence…. Unless they would. Local Chicago company, Wintrust, decided to plan their company holiday party and yearly Wintrust Awards with a old-world French circus theme. The event brought together the quirky aspects of a circus experience with the joy and wonderment of an entertaining run-of-show.
360 Destination Group ensured all details, decor, and room layout was suited for the circus-themed event and provided appropriate space for the evening’s festivities.Wintrust’s attendees experienced all of what a circus experience has to offer, and it wouldn’t be complete without cotton candy and popcorn!
Company holiday party event planning, especially for an event like the Wintrust Awards and Holiday Party, can be daunting. Planners have to estimate costs, and find a venue that is perfect for the theme. In this case, asking the question, “Can we have aerial silks dancers suspended from the ceiling for this?!” Wintrust found the perfect team to pull it all off!
Aerial silks dancers took to the rafters in Morgan MFG’s warehouse space for a compelling show.Gold Grid Studios paid careful attention to capturing the poetic movements of the aerial silk dancers as they captured the attention of the attendees.
Wintrust partnered with the team at 360 Destination Group to manage all aspects of the planning process. The industrial warehouse feel of Morgan Manufacturing provided the space and rafters to hang both silk dancers, as well as hallways decked out in lush, velvety red curtains. Gold Grid Studios was selected to photograph the event.
Morgan MFG is an entirely renovated pre-Chicago Fire building, rich in history and robust in structure. When 360 Destination Group reached out to us at Gold Grid Studios with the scope, we wanted to create commercial photography that would be memorable, beautiful, and unique.
Gold-rimmed goblets were one of many details on the table displays for the Wintrust Awards.
Here’s another case-in-point: those of you who plan corporate events that involve sports like ping pong or golf? Even poker and casino games? We get to channel our inner sports photographer self. Even if the end result is still stunning commercial photography that showcases the skills and prowess of your team members.
(And hey, you can always choose to only show the photographs that make you look like you’re always winning. Even if ping pong isn’t your thing. Just sayin’.)
In addition to capturing the ambiance, details, and entertainment of the night, we couldn’t help but notice the table displays. Golden circus elephant centerpieces were adorned with vibrant floral arrangements exploding from their schnoz. And the goblets added a touch of regality.
Whimsical elements, like this glimmering elephant, adorned guest tables.
Award ceremonies are important – both for companies as well as the individuals who have worked hard to achieve recognition. Wintrust Bank was founded on the original mission that there’s still “a need, and desire, for a true community bank: where tellers know their customers by name; bankers care about local businesses because they frequent them; and the bank invests in the neighborhood because it’s actually part of the neighborhood.” We got to know many of the individuals from Wintrust by name over the course of the event. Wintrust’s holiday party brought in a number of local businesses to come together and celebrate alongside Wintrust, and everyone felt welcomed while sharing a mutual sense of accomplishment.
The evening’s musical guests rocked the stage during the night’s series of events.
It’s the people of the company that ultimately make the event what it is. Wintrust is a leader in Chicago, and has a poignant history here. We wanted to show that.
Gold Grid Studios creates corporate photography that is an engaging reflection of your company, and we do it right. Because beyond the careful details of the event, there’s a story, there’s people, and there’s history.
Reach out to us if you have an upcoming event in Chicago where you want us to be your event photographers. Or circus photographers. Or sports photographers… We’ll suit up!
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:
