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On The Scene Plans International Events in Madrid, Spain

Posted on February 18th, 2016

 

Chicago’s leading event planning and destination management company On The Scene recently designed and executed a multi-day international program for a leading pharmaceutical company. The company’s 2015 Annual Forum was held in Madrid, Spain, and On The Scene was honored to assist in planning four off-site events at some of Spain’s most unique and historical venues.

Casino de Madrid

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The Casino de Madrid, a member’s only establishment in a historical building that is part of Spain’s national heritage, provided an elegant evening for 200 guests. Surrounded by the venue’s collection of paintings, sculptures, stained glass and carved crystal, the evening began in Patio Central with Spanish Cava and hors d’oeuvres. Highboy tables were dressed in gold and white linens and adorned with tall winter floral surrounded by votive candles. Large urns with red floral arrangements dressed the grand staircase and provided a touch of holiday spirit.

Following cocktail hour, guests moved into Salón Real by following the majestic sounds of a classical pianist performing on a Grand Piano. In this impressive salon, dining tables were dressed in luxurious ivory linens with floral consisting of whites, greens and deep wine purple. Guests enjoyed a three course meal prepared by Spain’s prestigious chef, Paco Roncero.

Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando

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The Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando is considered one of Spain’s finest museums. and proved to be a special location for a dinner of 150 guests. Inaugurated in 1752 during the reign of Fernando VI, the Museum houses more than 1,400 paintings, 1,300 sculptures and 15,000 drawings and prints, furniture and decorative arts.

The evening began with a tour of the museum’s first floor, allowing guests to enjoy some of these masterpieces. Patio de Esculturas hosted a cocktail hour with waiters passing a selection of canapés and Spanish wines. Tables dressed with platinum linens were topped with small winter arrangements, and dramatic lighting filled the space.

Following cocktail hour, guests were invited into Patio del Lucernario, an indoor courtyard covered with a glass ceiling, located in the center of the museum. Beautiful floral arrangements featuring ranunculus, hypericum, hydrangea and roses set in white pedestal vessels adorned dining tables. Rustic yet elegant Spanish-style café chairs surrounded dining tables, and a live jazz trio filled the air with soft music. The three-course menu included Caramelized Onion Consommé with Mussels, Duck Confit with Mango Puree, and Cream Foam with Nuts, Apples and Curd.

Palacio de Negralejo

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Built in 1790 on the ruins of a castle named “De Negrales,” this palace is the former hunting lodge for the King of Spain. Now a renowned restaurant and event venue, Negralejo is an ideal setting for an authentic evening with old world charm and exceptional Spanish cuisine.

Guests arrived on the grounds by entering through a vintage wrought-iron gate and onto the original cobblestone courtyard. Making their way to The Boxes, cocktails and dinner took place in the original horse stables that now host a rustic reception space. Waiters passing canapés, local beers and wine greeted guests while a trio played soft music in the background. Vintage wine barrels doubled as highboy tables were topped with bright orange floral arrangements in hand-made Spanish ceramic vases. A lit fireplace and candlelight provided a rustic yet elegant ambiance.

Following cocktail hour, guests were seated in The Boxes Dining Hall at tables dressed in champagne linen and accompanied by vintage white farm chairs. Colorful blue and white vessels inspired by the King’s pottery held beautiful arrangements with pincushion protea, orange roses and ranunculus. The three-course menu included a Lobster Bisque, Duck Confit with Caramelized Apple and Purple Cabbage, and a Cheese “Timbale.”

Galeria de Cristal Palacio de Cibeles

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The closing night gala reception was held in the Galeria De Cristal at Palacio de Cibeles.  An indoor plaza in the center of Madrid’s City Hall, the jaw-dropping space is covered by a magnificent glass dome enclosing over 20,000 square feet of event space.

With the space drenched in a swirling maze of beautiful textured lights, the evening began with a cocktail hour consisting of traditional Spanish hors d’Oeuvres such as Iberian ham and Manchego cheese and gazpacho. Unique oversized high boy tables covered in red floral, and modern black lounge furniture groupings provided guests with a comfortable and inviting setting to enjoy the reception. The illuminated center bar housed Spanish favorites such as Cava, Estrella cerveza and other spirits.

Musical entertainment by a traditional Spanish Flamenco band performed on an impressive stage set featuring LED panel curtains. As the hour wound down, a professional troupe of authentic dancers dramatically showcased The Flamenco in colorful and bountiful dresses.

The moment the dancing concluded, the previously unseen dining room was revealed. A feast fit for Kings and Queens, the dining tables for the guests were set in four exceptionally long rows down the center of the hall.  Draped in crisp white linen and covered in thousands of candles, beautiful and dramatic monochromatic floral in reds and burgundy cascaded down the center of the tables while guests were seated in golden opera chairs with a plush red velvet cushion.  Tall urns surrounding the perimeter of the room exploded with floral and completed the look.  A plated dinner of vegetable timbale, boned oxtail with foie gras and winter vegetables was served while light live music was performed on a small stage.

Wanting to finish the night in true Madridian fashion, the cocktail reception space was turned into a Spanish discoteque. The lighting scheme changed dramatically, and a powerful 3D video mapping show appeared on the stage while one of the most famous DJ’s in Madrid performed global musical favorites. Each guest was given a branded LED bracelet which pulsated with colors in sync with the music, body movements and light show. As guests had the opportunity to enjoy coffee and desserts, the high energy kept the dancing going through the early hours of morning, giving everyone a night they won’t soon forget.

On The Scene is an award-winning Chicago event planning and destination management company. Our experienced, knowledgeable and passionate staff works hard to ensure that your event is a success – from start to finish. Whether it be a convention, corporate meeting, gala or private party, OTS Events will work with you to create a unique and innovative event that matches your company’s culture and fits your goals. Although we’re located in Chicago, we plan events across the nation and around the globe, with our major event destinations being, Las Vegas, San Diego, Orlando, and Boston.

Whether you need help with event transportation, team dining, event entertainment, tours and activities, or just need general event planning, we have you covered! Contact us today to start planning your dream event.

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On the Scene was amazing to work with for our recent program. The team took the time to really listen to my ideas and incorporate them into her overall pitch and execution. I felt confident that she had my back through the entire event. They were accessible and friendly – even with last-minute phone call requests and long conversations to help me think through options. I highly recommend On the Scene and will be working with them again soon.

Senior Meeting Manager / Pharmaceutical Company

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