NAME: Cable Price launch of Hitachi Wheel Loader.
TYPE: Product Launch Dinner Function during the FI2006 (Forest Industries Exhibition, Rotorua 2006).
CLIENT: Cable Price.
NO. ON ORGANISING TEAM: Two Cable Price, Two Event Impressions.
VENUE: Redwoods.
PAX: 250 including VIP’s from Japan.
BUDGET: TOP SECRET

WHAT YOU DID: In conjunct ion with the FI2006 exhibit a special dinner was planned for VIP guests to launch the new Hitachi Wheel Loader. Event Impressions manage the delightful site known as ‘The Redwoods’, part of the Tokorangi Triangle and Kaingaroa Timberlands Forest.

Being only minutes from the CBD and accommodation, this venue was fitting for the audience and total WOW factor. The forest is 104 years-old with special spaces for corporate ev ents. Starting with pre-dinner drinks on the lawn where guests were greeted with a complimentary pack of goodies from Cable Price and entertained by some amazing chainsaw carving, guests then walked the path to ‘under the sails’. Along the way they passed Redwood trees up-lit with the names of sponsors li ke Hitachi and Cable Price.

Approaching under the sails, the area was fully laid with tables and chairs, linen, chair covers and a full stage and audio visual set up. After speeches by several VIPs the product launch commenced with vibrant music in conjunction with a massive smoke screen while the vehicle thundered up the forestry track, headlights on full.

Then bursting through the smoke, the machine came to a rocking halt only metres from guests at their tables, where swirling dry ice and brilliant lighting surrounded the machine. Guests enjoyed a sumptuous buffet, world-class comedy by Brett Rutledge and danced into the wee hours to local band Count Me In.

SPECIAL TOUCHES: The venue! This is a hidden gem. Deep in the Redwoods yet only minutes from the CBD and hotels. The special touches like lighting up the trees with sponsors names and having the vehicle able to drive right into the function space were fantastic.

CHALLENGES: There are usually challenges with outdoor venues but the structure of The Redwoods (under the sails) is such that we were able to go ahead with plans regardless, and know all guests would be comfortable and really enjoy their night.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES: We had umbrellas on the ready, if it rained these could be handed out to enable guests to get from the carpark to under the sails. But it didn’t rain.