NAME: Westin Beijing Gala Opening
TYPE: Product launch of the new Westin in Beijing
CLIENT: Starwood Hotels and Resorts
NO. ON ORGANISING TEAM: Head project manager and director of events in China, Anna Patterson and her team of four at Off-Site Connections China. (OSCC)
PAX: 500 VIP guests
BUDGET: Top Secret

WHAT YOU DID: Off-Site Connections (OSC) designed an experience that simultaneously showcased the venue and introduced the Beijing market to the unique renewal and rejuvenation features of The Westin brand. The event was created to be a sensory experience from beginning to end, with every detail designed with the brand in mind.
On entry each guest received a special die-cut butterfly name tag, and proceeded through the spectacular entranceway into the main event space. Using cutting-edge projection technology, OSC installed a motion sensor projector allowing guests to interact with the images – a pond with goldfish moving with the actions of guests’ feet.
Installed in the main event space in Plush Bar at the centre of the hotel, was a combination of branded staging platforms – three podiums for the main performance and a purpose-built stage for the official speech program which included representatives from Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, and dignitaries from local government. A large white cyclorama was hung in front of the glass feature window and was utilised as the projection surface during the event. Veuve Clicquot was served from the circular bar in Plush, and each of the food and beverage venues including Jewel, Senses and Prego provided an outstanding showcase of the hotel’s cuisines, masterminded by executive chef Christophe Souter.
After the conclusion of the speeches and a champagne toast, the lights dimmed and the audience’s attention was drawn to the headline act, The VC Girls from Hong Kong. The performance concluded to loud applause, at which time the chill-out lounge on the second floor became available for drinks, dancing, jazz and sumptuous delights.

SPECIAL TOUCHES: Three female string performers positioned dramatically on circular plinths in front of the curtain were projected via IMAG to the cyclorama and enhanced by lighting and special effects. At the crescendo of the track, the cyclorama behind was kabuki dropped to reveal another entertainment environment behind the glass window which included spectacular lighting effects, wind machines, stilt walkers, painted models, fire breathers and a Westin logo burn marking the conclusion of the performance in a flurry of fire, sparks, colour and movement.

CLIENT’S COMMENT: The positive response from our clients and friends has been overwhelming. An unforgettable evening!” – Charlie Dang, general manager of The Westin Beijing, Financial Street.

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