[ HAWAII AT WORK ]
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
From decor and design to menus and venues, event innovation has always been my passion. Next year, Current Affairs celebrates 20 years of event planning in Hawaii and has produced literally thousands of events for companies from Gucci to Goodyear and Anheuser-Busch to Amway. Planner’s joy is
vision, detailsPhilip Richardson has been
pulling off prime events for 2 decadesBut no matter how many clients and no matter how many events, there is that sensation of butterflies in your stomach that still comes with each new project. And this is where the creative process and passion begin.
In 1984, my first large-scale production was a dinner party on the Island of Hawaii. And this is what we love about what we do -- transforming a gathering into a production. The $300 per person dinner became a Great Gatsby theme party and the event was so successful it generated new business just weeks later.
No matter what the occasion, whether it's a cocktail party or a convention, cultured quality, cutting-edge innovation, and old-fashioned courtesy have always been my hallmarks. These signatures of service have kept Current Affairs booked for nearly two decades with not a penny spent in advertising.
But there are still misconceptions about what we do. I often hear, "Are you a decorator?" A party planner? A caterer? A prop renter? Simply put, I'm an event innovator. Partnerships include Hawaii's celebrity chefs, an exclusive selection of venues, Hawaii's most talented theatrical performers and warehouses filled with decor enhancers. I specialize in full-scale corporate event productions in private venues but my creative team has been retained to do just design and decor for public events in venues such as hotels.
Regardless as to whether it's an awards ceremony or a product launch, each event is akin to a theatrical production. A wisely selected venue is the forum and landscape for the event. There's an art and functionality to defining space and creating a visual environment with design, decor and lighting. Catering is an extension of the production and is often the spice and accent. And the music and performers set the tone and bring the concept to life.
While I consider myself an event innovator, as a small business owner I'm not exempt from the fun! As president, I can be found changing out the venue light bulbs so that the right glow is cast for the "Red Party," escorting an engaged couple through a potential wedding site, or ensuring that the dinosaurs are firmly standing for a Jurassic theme party.
The joy of the job is developing the vision for the event -- and also in the details that bring an event to life.
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