Posts Tagged ‘backdrops in action’

Tips for Attending the UDMA Shows

September 30th, 2016

This weekend is the kickoff of the United Dance Merchants of America (UDMA) shows. These shows are ideal for dance studio owners and dance teachers to look at the latest trends, choose costumes, and plan their upcoming recitals. We’re super excited for the shows to commence in Worcester, MA. This year there will be four shows – Massachusetts, Georgia, New Jersey, and Illinois. Check out our tips for attending these fun dance shows!

udma 2016 show dates

Grab your friends & colleagues

These shows are best when you come with your fellow dance teachers and studio owners. Expect costumes galore, dance accessories a plenty, and everyone passionate about the dance industry. You’ll not only be having a lot of fun, but learning about exciting costume trends, new dance recital themes, and meeting interesting dance vendors.

Plan Ahead!

The UDMA shows are only held once a year, so there’s an emphasis on preparation. Talk with your studio owner and dance teachers about your plan for the upcoming year. A few things to consider:

  • Are you planning a Winter Recital? A Spring Recital?
  • Are you going to have a theme for your recital(s)?
  • Do you have a color scheme you’d like to keep in mind when looking for costumes?

With so many vendors and options, it’s good to come in with a clear mindset of what you’re looking for and what you need inspiration for. We definitely think it would be best to bring:

  • Stickers with your information or business cards. This is by far the easiest way to give your information to companies and to enter to win any raffles. (pssst. at our booth, we’ll be offering awesome discounts and a FREE backdrop rental – so you have to stop by!).
  • Rolling suitcase or shopping cart. This is a move used by the experienced attendee and is definitely recommended. You will pick up so much information from vendors that something that rolls should be the only option you are thinking of bringing. Your back will thank us.
  • Notepad. You’ll need somewhere to take notes – either a physical notepad if you like to write things down (like us) or use your phone. Either way, it will come in handy after the show to look back on.
  • Snacks & Water. These shows are a marathon. You will look through costumes and walk around the show floor, which can be exhausting. Bring snacks, water and cash if you want to buy a snack at the show. It’s the easiest way to keep yourself fueled for the rest of the show without having to leave.

Fantasy Castle backdrop - udma show

Stop by our Booth & Say Hi to our Team!

We are excited be offering AMAZING discounts at our booth, giving away FREE selfie sticks (who doesn’t love a selfie?), & you can enter to win a FREE backdrop rental!

Mystic Forest Wagon Backdrop - udma 2015

Enjoy the Show & Have Fun!

At the end of the day, these shows are meant to be a lot of fun. You’ll learn a lot, get to chat to other dance teachers and vendors, discuss new and upcoming trends, and create / finalize your plan for the upcoming year. We are so excited for it all to begin. Will you be there? Comment below and let us know which show you’ll be attending! We can’t wait to see you there.

Dance Splash backdrop - udma 2016

Backdrops as Photo Booth Décor

September 27th, 2016

Who doesn’t love to have fun? That’s why we’re always excited to be the background to exciting and entertaining event ideas. The San Diego Museum of Art hosts their popular sundown series Culture & Cocktails. This series invites their members and attendees to sip on exotic cocktails, dance to the DJ’s beats, and check out the amazing artwork. Last week, the event was all about their Venetian Views Exhibit. This incredible event took the attendees to the one of a kind city of Venice, showcasing the artists that have been inspired by the city.

Gondola Bridge Backdrop - Photo booth

Venice is the city that has been known as the city with many names. The City of Water, the City of Canals, the Floating City, the City of Bridges, the City of Masks. The list could go on. The breathtaking canals, the romantic bridges, and the water flowing through the city makes it feel majestic. This atmosphere was part of the Cocktails & Culture event last week. All of our Venetian inspired backdrops can transform your event into a magical Italian affair. We featured our Gondola Bridge backdrop, which highlighted a gondola, a bridge, and those majestic canals. A 10′ x 10′  backdrop is the ideal size for a photo booth featuring a handful of people. This awesome photo booth was courtesy of CEG Interactive. The result of their photo booth were some seriously amazing pictures and GIFs.

Gondola Bridge 2 Backdrop - Photo booth

As much as we  love our large backdrops because they’re perfect for plays, dance recitals, large auditoriums, and covering that pesky wall in that banquet hall. We also have an affinity for our smaller backdrops. Those that fit perfectly in a home, as a background to a dessert table, under a small tent, or even the scenery for a photo booth. We love how our backdrop enhanced these incredible images and really brought their theme to life.

Gondola Bridge Backdrop - Photo booth

 

Tips for Planning a Bar / Bat Mitzvah

September 23rd, 2016

Want to plan an incredible Bar or Bat Mitzvah? We’ve rounded up advice on how to make your event memorable, unique and fun for all of the kids. Over the weekend, we were inspired at our BESA Boogie event. So many amazing vendors and awesome companies came together to put on a fabulous mock Bar Mitzvah.

1. Select a Location / Venue

Think about the how many people you’re expecting, the style you’re going for, and the convenience of the location to the synagogue. These are all important factors to assess when choosing the perfect place to host your event.

Bar or Bat Mitzvah - Lights Camera Action Backdrop

2. Choose A Theme or Style of the Bar or Bat Mitzvah

This is one of the most important elements. When thinking about planning such a simcha, we believe it’s important to think about the theme or style of the event. Does the Bar or Bat Mitzvah have any special interests, hobbies, or movie/ TV show that they love? You want the theme and style to align with the specific interests of the Bar or Bat Mitzvah to showcase their love for whatever it may be. This Bar Mitzvah below showcased his love for skateboarding and his passion for the arts by using our Graffiti Skateboard backdrop. We have thousands of backdrops in so many different scenes and themes that are perfect to bring your theme to life!

Bar or Bat Mitzvah - Skateboard Graffiti Backdrop

3. Book your Vendors

Research is key to book your vendors. Find the right photographers and videographers to capture your special moment. Decide if you need a Florist or Event Planner depending on the size of your event. Decorate your venue with beautiful backdrops that will transform your space into an extravagant themed event! A live band or a DJ is perfect if you’re looking to entertain a dancing crowd. Looking to go above and beyond? Look into caricaturists,magicians, live artists, or a speciality food vendor! The options are truly endless.

Bar or Bat Mitzvah - Alice in Wonderland

 

3. Rent (or buy) your décor

Decide on the décor elements you want to use for your event. Will you use them again? If the answer is no, we definitely recommend to rent your decor items. Trying to convey a theme for your Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Renting a hand-painted backdrop is an effortless way to transform your space into whatever you desire.

Bat Mitzvah - Candyland Backdrop

5. Invite your Loved Ones!

Make sure that all of your loved ones are there. Your friends, family, congregational members, and colleagues. Send Save the Dates and Formal Invitations to ensure you’ll have an accurate headcount for your event. This is a wonderful, joyous occasion that should be celebrated by your community.

Under the Sea Gala @ NACE Experience

July 27th, 2016

Have you ever planned a themed event & thought about an effortless way to instantly transform your space? Maybe you thought that it didn’t exist? Once you see these images from the Under the Sea themed Awards Gala at NACE Experience in Ft. Lauderdale it may change your mind. This was such a stunning event and we are overjoyed that we could be a part of it!

Coral Reef 2 - NACE Experience Gala 2016

Our Coral Reef Series adorned the walls of the gala creating a the perfect background for the event. Our underwater backdrops complemented the beautiful décor elements, from the furniture (AFR Furniture Rental) to the linens (Creative Coverings) to the bar (Just Bars) and beyond (Quest Drape). The wonderful Susan Jaffe of Pieces of Dreams Events, Chad Everett from Galaxy Productions , and Jamie Oristano from Just Bars  put on this incredible event. The design elements were incredible and theme made the event even that much more fun.

Coral Reef Backdrop - NACE Experience Gala 2016

As the night progressed, the lights dimmed and the laser show began in conjunction with the incredible music. It is truly amazing to see how lighting can not only completely alter the mood of the function, but how it can also transform the look of our hand-painted backdrops. We loved witnessing the before and after of how the mood and lighting enhanced this event to the next level.

Coral Reef Backdrop - NACE Experience Gala 2016

The Under the Sea theme was perfect as the NACE Experience Gala was held at the Diplomat Resort and Spa in Hollywood, Florida. This resort is on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean with many of the rooms overlooking the expansive, beautiful ocean. It’s an oasis that instantly makes you feel like you’re on vacation. With the ocean so close, the Under the Sea theme couldn’t be more appropriate. This was such a fabulous night and such an incredible event. It was wonderful to be a part of the Awards Gala and to see so many wonderful people in the industry be honored for their talents! We are so excited to see what NACE has in store for next year at NACE Experience in Houston.

Backdrops at BizBash Florida!

June 22nd, 2016

Backdrops at BizBash Florida 2016

Last month we had the pleasure of exhibiting at BizBash Florida in Fort Lauderdale. We were so excited to travel to Florida to connect with attendees and other exhibitors. We showcased our gorgeous Garden Gazebo backdrop. This backdrop was painted side by side with our Garden Fountain backdrop. We had such fun connecting with event professionals. We talked all things events – décor, design, planning, & much more. We love discussing unique concepts and developing transformative design ideas to impact future events.

Backdrops at BizBash Florida 2016

This backdrop was a product of our Custom Rental Service. This service gives you the creativity and ability to Create your Own backdrop to rent! We worked with an Event Planner to develop the concept of two 10′ x 10′ backdrops painted side by side. This makes a beautiful 20′ x 10′ garden scene with the ability to use these backdrops in different ways. You can use them next to each other or in different places at the same event. This can create a cohesive, beautiful look at your next event!

There are so many reasons we love exhibiting at BizBash. One of them is connecting with other amazing exhibitors and our esteemed partners. Quest Drape is an absolutely fabulous company and they provided us with our pipe and base. Pipe and base rental is key when renting a backdrop and Quest Drape has locations nationwide to do so! Quest Drape makes it as easy as possible. They deliver pipe and base directly to the doorstep of your event. It’s so easy to use their pipe and base to effortlessly hang our backdrops! Our backdrops come with grommets along the top and ties to easily fasten the backdrop to the pipe. Our backdrops also have pole pockets along the bottom to easily weigh down the backdrop to minimize wrinkles! We’re already looking forward to the next BizBash in Los Angeles!

Backdrops at #SafeKidsDay at Smashbox Studios in LA!

April 26th, 2016

We had the privilege of being a sponsor for the #SafeKidsDay event in Los Angeles. This charity fundraiser created by Simply Troy was a star-studded event to raise awareness for Safe Kids Worldwide. Safe Kids Worldwide is, “a global organization dedicated to preventing injuries in children, the number one killer of kids in the United States.” We were honored to provide our hand-painted backdrops for the event.

Jungle Animals 3 Backdrop

The basketball event at the #SafeKidsDay Event was SO much fun. Our Spectator backdrop let everyone feel as if they were center stage for their NBA Playoff debut. The stadium is packed and the crowd is cheering! All of the spectators are vying for a picture of their favorite players. The basketball event created an opportunity for all of the attendees to feel like a professional athlete for a day. We love how it turned out.

Spectator 9 Backdrop

This City Streets backdrop is not your average street. Think of that favorite part of any neighborhood that makes you smile. The vibrant colors and the animated essence of the backdrop create a fun and playful atmosphere. We loved the look of this backdrop with the colorful accents of the tables and umbrellas. This showed us that you truly can never go wrong with bold colors.City Streets 2 Backdrop

Our Pop Art Duck backdrop provided an instant burst of vibrancy, fun, and playfulness.  This backdrop is one of our well-loved masterpieces that was a product of our Custom Rental Service. Our graphic designers and talented artists work directly with our customers to design and create the perfect customized backdrop to rent. We’ll simply rent the custom designed backdrop & add it to our ever-growing inventory. Check it out & create your own backdrop to RENT here.

Pop Art Ducks 1 backdrop

It was a pleasure providing our Jungle Animals backdrop for Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventure. Below is our very own Client Services Manager, Donna, with the wonderful Jack Hanna himself! We had such a fun time providing this backdrop for his area. It truly transformed the space and brought the jungle to life!

Jungle Animals 3 Backdrop Jack HannaOverall, it was such an amazing day for an incredible cause. We truly felt honored to be a part of this event. We had so much fun providing the backdrops to enhance the different areas and to transform all of the spaces. Giving back is part of our core mission and we love being a part of meaningful charity fundraisers such as this one. See how you can give back & get involved with Safe Kids Worldwide here.

5 Reasons to Use Backdrops at Your Event!

April 7th, 2016

Event Photo - Rainforest Backdrops Room Wrap!

Looking for a way to use backdrops at your next event? Always wanted to use backdrops, but you’re not sure how to? That’s what we’re here for! Check out 5 reasons to use backdrops at your next event below and let us know what you think!

Event Photo - Wizard of Oz Backdrop

1. Backdrops are an effortless [& affordable] way to instantly transform any space!

When we say effortless, we mean easy as pie. Our backdrop consultants will help you choose the perfect backdrop for your event and they’ll assist with finalizing the order. We ensure our customer service is impeccable, giving you the best experience possible. We ship worldwide to your door, making it easy to receive your package ahead of time to hang the backdrop. We take the worry out of backdrops. We make it as easy on you to have an incredible experience and to WOW your attendees.Event Photo - Paris backdrop

2. Easily create a theme or enhance your existing theme around a backdrop!

Haven’t decided on a theme for your gala or special affair? Look no further! Our amazing team of backdrop consultants have YEARS of experience in the industry and can help you by recommending an array of different themes. Themed events are our bread and butter. Imagine having a French affair with a Paris Eiffel Tower scene or a fantastical Alice in Wonderland themed event – it’s easy to imagine with our wide array of hand-painted backdrops.Event Photos - Ballroom backdrops

3. Use a backdrop for a creative, unique background for your event photos!

A do-it-yourself photo booth or a real photo-booth! They can be used in so many ways. We’re not only talking about step & repeats (but we do those as well). We have SO many backdrops in a perfect size for a photoshoot. Want to tailor the photoshoot to a handful of people in each shot? Choose from our amazing 10′ x 10′ backdrops. Have group pictures that you want to capture? Select one of our 20′ x 10′ backdrops. Easy as that. Want something different than what you see in our inventory? Let us know and we’ll paint it! It’s that simple. (AND we’ll rent it to you).

Event Photo - Cotton Club Backdrop

4. Renting a backdrop is as easy as 1-2-3.

We’ll help you choose a backdrop, ship you the backdrop with ample time before your event, and include a return shipping label for you to easily send it back to us! It really couldn’t be easier. We’ll provide hanging instructions and will recommend pipe and base companies! In Southern California, we even provide installations!

Backdrops Beautiful Personalized Plates

5. Once you backdrop, you’ll never go back.

You have NO idea how many customers we have that tell us once they’ve used a backdrop, they’ve never found an excuse not to use a backdrop! No mater where your event is located, showcasing a backdrop can instantly change the mood, theme, and atmosphere of your occasion.

Backdrops @ USITT 2016!

March 26th, 2016

We traveled to Salt Lake City to be a part of one of our favorite theater trade shows, USITT. We loved meeting so many students with passionate aspirations and talented theater directors and stage managers. The heartbeat of the theater industry can be felt through the many USITT Sessions and, of course, on the stage expo floor.

USITT 2016 - Paris Opera House1 backdrop

For the backdrop showcase, we chose to highlight our Paris Opera House backdrop. It showcases the high-detail and intricate work of our designers and artists. This backdrop is truly a show stopper. We were so excited that our hand-painted backdrop was next to the Electronic Theatre Controls booth. We loved the student session ETC held, which educated those passionate about following their dreams of being in the theater industry. Check out the short video showcasing our backdrop on our Facebook page.

USITT 2016 - Haunted House 1 backdrop

Our Haunted House backdrop was an awesome theatrical background to feature at USITT. We had so much fun with featuring this backdrop. So many of the attendees could not believe that it was hand-painted. It is such an inviting, spooky, and colorful backdrop that instantly caught the eye of onlookers. We loved talking to so many lighting designers that provided such positive feedback on how their techniques could enhance our backdrop. It’s so fun to see how the different color lighting can completely transform the look of the backdrop. With one backdrop, you can create multiple different moods depending on the lighting and what is focused on.

USITT 2016 - Haunted House 1 backdrop

We may have even gotten a little silly in front our our backdrop with OSF Costume Rentals. Check out how fabulous their seriously awesome costumes look in front of our hand-painted background.

It was an amazing experience to be surrounded by the best in the theater industry. We’re already looking forward to next year’s USITT show.

Backdrops @ Catersource 2016!

March 25th, 2016

Last week we were in Las Vegas for the Catersource / Event Solutions Conference & Tradeshow! We had such an amazing time meeting so many new catering professionals, continuing our relationships with awesome exhibitors, and being involved in many of the exciting events.

Catersource - Street Market 2

We decided to create a different look this year with the set up of our backdrops. We’re always innovating, thinking of different ways to present our product to best fit your future events. We created two corners of our booth, both adorned with backdrops on each side. On one side we had a vibrant, energetic Moroccan Street Market, which you can see above. The goal of this set up was to educate the attendees on how backdrops can effortlessly bring the type of food you’re serving to life.

Catersource 2016 - Italian Street Scene 7

In the other corner, we showcased our Italian Street Scene backdrop that could easily enhance any Italian-inspired serving station. We love that caterers have serious input in the way their food is featured to ensure the best presentation possible. We all know that we first eat with our eyes and this is an easy way to leave a lasting impression.

Catersource 2016 - Coral Kingdom backdrop

On the outside of our booth, we featured our Coral Kingdom backdrop perfect for a fun play on serving seafood. We partnered with the lovely Air Dimensional Design (AirDD) to enhance our booth with their amazing inflatables by showcasing their large purple sprout and fun mini light centerpieces.

We were so excited to be a part of so many events during the Catersource Conference and Expo in Vegas. Our Havana Streets backdrops enhanced the CORT Welcome Reception at The Mirage Resort & Casino. The lounge was impeccably decorated. We were so happy to see how the amazing event designers utilized our backdrops. There were so many fabulous partners and sponsors that made this lounge a success. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of it.

5 @ TAO - Catersource - Pop Art Ducks Backdrop

The Monday Night Party, 5 @ TAO, was an incredible display of delicious and delectable food, awesome menu presentations, and an exciting atmosphere. We painted this Pop Art Duck backdrop specifically for the event as the geniuses from Catering by Design were looking for a fun backdrop to enhance their duck-centric menu. It was so much fun to be involved in this creation of this backdrop, from inception to the event.

We’re already looking forward to next year’s Catersource in New Orleans! Can’t wait to see what all of the talented #eventprofs come up with next year!

Tips for Planning Your Best Spring Recital Yet

February 29th, 2016

Dance Recital - On The Go Backdrop

It’s almost March, which means Spring is around the corner! Being in backdrops, we love to be involved in different industries that we truly care about. When we think about Spring, we don’t only think about warmer weather and blooming flowers. We know this is THE time for dance recitals. Often dancers practice all year to demonstrate their ability and love for dance in front of their teachers, parents, and friends. There’s nothing better than dancing with your best friends.

Dance Recital - Medieval Village Backdrop

Through all of our years working in the dance industry, we’ve rounded up our tips on how to make your Spring Recital the best one yet!

Choose your Theme & Dare to be Different!

We love, love, LOVE themed recitals. There are SO many incredible and unique themes to choose from. From 80s to A Night at the Movies to Alice in Wonderland to Around the World. The world is truly your oyster in terms of choosing your theme. While we love the classical themed recitals, we also love those teachers that dare to be different. The ones that go above and beyond to conjure up a new theme that few have thought of before. These are our customers that often inspire us to create new, hand-painted backdrops to transform their recitals. These are the trendsetters that we know are ahead of the curve. No matter if your style is more traditional or modern, there’s always a way to create that WOW factor for your recital.

No Theme, No Problem!

Dance Recital - Drapes Purple Stars Backdrop

Not into the whole themed recital world? You’re not alone! We come across as many non-themed recitals, as we do with themed recitals! What’s amazing about not having a theme is that you can create an elegant, picturesque recital that demonstrates your and your dancers love for dance. It’s easy to create a spectacular recital by focusing on the dancers and letting us take care of the rest! There are so many beautiful backdrop options: Drapes, Sparkling Drapes, Drapes with Stars, Dance Splash, Dance Radio, & Dance Watercolor.

Practice Makes Perfect!

Practice, practice, practice! Nothing makes parents more proud than when their children’s hard work and determination pays off through a perfect performance. We all know that practice best prepares your students for success. We love seeing how amazing the recitals turn out because of the hard work and creativity of the studio owners, teachers, and dancers.

Set the Scene for your Recital!

Dance Recital - Fantasy Castle 2 Backdrop

Setting the stage is effortless with using our hand-painted backdrops. Transform your stage into your ideal recital through choosing a perfect backdrop to enhance your dancer’s performance. Our seasoned backdrop consultants can help suggest backdrops to make your recital the best it can be.

Match those costumes!

There are SO many costumes out there that you can choose exactly what you want your dancers to wear to match your theme and scenery. It’s so fun to look through all of the costume catalogs to find the perfect attire.

We love seeing how the recitals come together. Every piece is integral in making the performance a success and we think it’s the best that we get to be a part of it. We can’t wait to see how our backdrops enhance your recitals this year!