It’s back! We’re on the ground in Vegas and cruising the tradeshow floor at The Special Event/Catersource 2020, sampling food and drinks, chatting up vendors, and hitting that follow button on Instagram. Tough gig, right? Whether you’re here for the event too or you chose to keep your boots on home ground this year, we’re excited to present you with 10 vendors you’re going to want to know about this year:
1. 42Chat (Booth 606)
It’s no secret that technology and data collection are becoming more and more integrated with events all the time, and this is one example of the latest and greatest in event tech. 42Chat’s mobile AI chatbots are set to change the way guests and events interact by providing a platform for conversation between bots and guests. The bot will quickly and easily answer questions over a variety of platforms like SMS, Facebook Messenger, or Twitter, is available in a “conversation template” or totally custom form, and can even be branded. Welcome to the future.
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2. Atomic (Booth 1605)
We’re going to hope that Atomic doesn’t hate when people say this and say it anyway: This vendor is sort of like IKEA specifically for event rentals. Atomic creates modular scenery, backdrops, drapery and more, all with the specific ethos of packing flat and traveling light – while being as showstopping and immersive as possible once set up. Atomic’s rental offerings can be mixed and matched to create something that’s unique and perfect for your space and event, or they can fabricate exactly what you’re imagining.
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3. Drum As One (Booth 1748)
Want to really level things up at your event? Go somewhere new with entertainment. Drum As One can hook you up with drummers of a surprisingly varied range – anything from electric drums, to buckets, to traditional African or South American drumming is on offer, as is a very cool LED experience. In addition to providing entertainment, drummers can grab your guests’ attention or assist you in transitioning them from one space to another – all in a way that’s definitely more fun that an announcement over the mic.
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4. Paintscaping, Inc. (Booth 2017)
Projection mapping is a massive event design trend that shows no signs of slowing, especially with a company like Paintscaping, Inc. continuing to push the envelope. They can turn nearly anything into a canvas and, in doing so, have pulled off some pretty incredible feats; consider a 26-story projection for Park MGM, or a projection project that’s been viewed over a billion times – because, Rhianna. PSA: if the Bad Gal herself is a fan of Paintscaping, you probably should be too.
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5. SEARCH Foundation (Booth 2220)
SEARCH Foundation will always be on our Top 10 list. This not-for-profit is dedicated to connecting event professionals in crisis – that’s anything from a devastating health diagnosis to a natural disaster – with the help they need. Stop by their booth to learn more, and to find out how you can help.
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6. The Cigar Guys LLC (Booth 2042)
This is a great example of one of those things that won’t be right for every event, but for those times when it is, will be a huge hit. Cigars are rolled on-site for guests to try on the spot – a pretty unique experience for the right crowd. Bring this activation to a wedding, a golf tournament, or a corporate event for a classy chance for guests to try unique flavours and learn a little something about cigars.
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7. The Cocktail Chemist (Booth D)
Speaking of engaging and unique activations, The Cocktail Chemist is what happens when you give a scientist the keys to the bar. Jeremy Miner, aka The Cocktail Chemist, will use chemistry and a healthy dose of showmanship to do crazy things with alcohol, so your guests can applaud their drinks before they down their drinks.
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8. The Dirty Cookie (Booth 1514)
Brace yourself, because we’re about to blow your mind with this one. First, picture your favourite cookie. Now, roll it and give it a bottom, because someone figured out how to turn a cookie into a shot glass. Lastly, fill that cookie shot glass with a delicious shot of milk, cold-brew coffee, ice cream, or alcohol. No, we’re not kidding. In addition to their have-to-see-it-to-believe-it Cookie Shots, The Dirty Cookie offers regular cookies and vegan and gluten-free options. This mess-free, cutlery-free, and very head-turning dessert is so perfect for events that it’s hard to imagine something more perfect. (Are we gushing? We’re gushing.)
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9. The Gastro Garage (Booth 1547)
While we’re talking food, anybody up for a Gastro Tank? Gastro Mechanics wearing welding masks will use an actual blowtorch to finish off this gourmet sandwich, created from a savoury brioche doughnut, nitrous foam, torched toppings, and something called “finishing oils.” We can’t say we fully understand it, but we are here for it. Best of all, this crew can set up anywhere without requirements for electricity, water, or gas hookups.
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10. Transformit (Booth 2030)
Transformit creates structures out of fabric, both for purely visual effect or for functional purposes. Sculptural shapes can be incorporated for anything from unique projection backdrops to built environments, and the materials used are recycled and recyclable. This is definitely worth a scroll through their Instagram for a glimpse at the many, many possibilities.
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If you’re here at TSE, hit us up with your own favourites that we shouldn’t miss! If you’re a vendor and you think we should check out your booth, we’d love to hear from you too.
Photo credits:
42chat.com
atomicdesign.tv
drumasone.com
paintscaping.com
searchfoundation.org
thecigarguys.com
thecocktailchemist.com
thedirtycookieoc.com
thegastrogarage.com
transformit.com
facebook.com/TheSpecialEvent
