Outstanding Productions Blog
Outstanding Transportation
Most of you will agree that ground transportation is a vital part of any destination management program’s success. It is often the first and last impression that a guest has and, therefore, plays a major role in how they feel about their visit to the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex! Outstanding Productions take great pride in the level of service we are able to offer our clients. One of the primary reasons for our confidence is our OP Operations Team, led by Stacie Tillery, Director of Operations. She is a powerhouse and brought her 14 years of experience to OP in 2005 and took our transportation services to an entirely new level! We wanted to share her perspective on what it takes to consistently provide clients with top notch service.
Organization is the key to a smooth transportation program!
What are the key components when it comes to excellent ground transportation?
Stacie: First and foremost, it’s all about understanding our clients’ needs. Once we have that down, we can put together a program that meets their expectations and budget!
What is important to know about DFW Airport?
Stacie: DFW is designed like no other airport in the world! Did you know that it has over 5 different terminals and 28 baggage claims? American Airlines uses 4 of the 5 terminals. This means that your attendees might be spread all over the airport after they arrive. Imagine how confusing it would be if no one was there to greet them at baggage claim? Not a great feeling! Not to worry, we know DFW like the back of our hands and make sure that attendees are greeted on-time and with a smile.
What can a client expect when Outstanding Productions is handling their airport transportation services?
Stacie: Exceptional service! You can be sure that we take all details into account to guarantee their transportation programs are seamless.
What have been some of your more memorable experiences?
Stacie: We had the privilege of scheduling air and ground transportation for the amazing artists that performed at the AT&T Performing Arts Center grand opening celebration. We were honored to have been chosen for this unique opportunity to make the first (and last) impression to guests at this star-studded gathering!
We also transferred all the VIP guests that attended Neiman Marcus’ 100th Anniversary Celebration. That was a fun night as the guests were transferred from all the best hotels in Dallas!
One job that I’m particularly proud of is when we were given an hour to move 2,700 guests from one of the largest hotel properties in Dallas to DFW Airport. This included transferring guests’ luggage from two overflow hotels to the departure hotel, sorting with the main hotel’s luggage pull then making sure all guests were able to find their bags. No luggage was lost and we accomplished the job in 45 minutes!
What do you feel sets Outstanding Productions apart from its competitors?
Stacie: Simple…our team of 4 experienced, Operations Managers! We are able to tag team large programs with one manager handling the transportation and the other taking care of the special events to make sure our clients receive the attention necessary to exceed their expectations.
An array of Motor Coaches!
Dallas’s Hilton Anatole Renovation Perfect for Corporate Events & Meetings
The temperature is not the only thing that is HOT in Dallas these days! Check out the transformation at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. If you haven’t visited there lately, you will be in for a very pleasant surprise. The 1,606 Asian-inspired guestrooms, common areas and 600,000 square feet of meeting and event space have gone through a pretty amazing revitalization!
Asian Garden and Nebula in Atrium II
There are so many high points. Atrium II now resembles a park-like Asian garden complete with team pavilion, lush landscaping and incredible reflecting pool. Floating overhead is a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind kinetic sculpture, Nebula, created by Reuben Margolin. New eateries, Media Grill + Bar and Counter Offer, offer appealing fare by day and moonlight with evening and late-night opportunities.
Media bar
The Tower boasts the new Trinity Corridor, a totally enclosed and climate controlled passageway that connects the hotel with the Trinity Ballroom and Exhibit spaces. Nearby is the groovy Gossip Patio that features a 28-foot fire pit, full bar service featuring signature organic cocktails plus extensive cigar and whiskey menus. It is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the Sculpture Park!
Trinity Corridor
Fire pit and seating at the new Gossip Patio
All in all, the Hilton Anatole offers a perfect backdrop for any type of event or meeting. Let Outstanding Productions add the final touch to transform your planning experience!
Casino Remains On-Trend
Casino remains on-trend and a big winner for corporate events as it allows guests to get their competitive juices flowing! Why not let OP spice it up for your next casino event? Your guests will become globe-trotters as they experience the charisma of casinos set in various parts of the world! They’ll have a blast as they hit the tables in Morocco, Monte Carlo, Texas, Las Vegas or on the French Riviera. Take a look at a few of the destinations our clients have visited.
Capturing their fancy!
Fabulous 'Red' High Rollers Lounge
Texas Hold Em Poker anyone?
Elegant Monte Carlo
How to Keep 3,000 Guests Entertained
Whether an event is for 300 or 3,000 guests, the key to its success is keeping guests engaged. While the event may have one general theme, it does not have to stick to one type of entertainment and decor. By offering a variety of elements, guests will be drawn to different areas to sample all the event has to offer. Naturally, a great deal of space is required to set ample entertainment options and it is vital to add visual elements that encourage guests to explore the entire event rather than staying in one area. ‘Mix it up’ is the name of the game!
Vivid Moroccan tent interior
This tantalizing tent definitely draws the eye and beacons guests to continue on to find out what lies ahead! Various types of entertainment and cozy seating areas were housed nearby in smaller tents.
Appealing seating under colorful tent
As guests round a corner to leave Morocco, they will land in Vegas! Talk about a world-wind trip!
Wow, welcome to Vegas!
Welcome Paradise Springs
Horseshoe shaped hot pools
What better way to begin the summer in Texas than with the Gaylord Texan’s western-themed 10-acre resort pool & lazy river complex? Paradise Springs delights guests with entertaining water features, tasty cuisine, outdoor lawn games, and sun bathing decks. And, with event space for up to 3,200 guests, Outstanding Productions is gearing up for several sunny events!
Soak up the sun as you take an inner tube ride down the lazy river
Preparing for an evening event? Let OP float your brand, with a color changing floating orb that will highlight your logo under the big Texas sky. Invite your guests to listen to a singing Cowboy around the campfire or reach for the stars on the event lawn with an Astronomer-led telescope experience. Live music by the pool brings your guests together for networking and fun. Pack your bags to escape to the most enchanting pool in the Wild West!
Asian Fusion, anyone?
The client was looking for a booth design that would be appropriate for the Hilton Anatole’s amazing collection of Asian art pieces. We developed a sultry design that definitely stood out but could easily have been part of the hotel’s existing decor. Asian and Moroccan elements were paired in unique fashion to develop this appealing set.
This stone pavilion sets the stage
No detail was missed as the booth was developed. Rich red drape was draped from a 12′x12′ stone pavilion that provided the anchor for the design while chocolate banquettes, accented with Asian bolster pillows in red and gold, were arranged underneath for seating. A lighted coffee table, lit in red hues, anchored the banquettes. Faux elephant tusks lent drama at the entrance of the pavilion.
The details make this design so engaging
Roses and bamboo were arranged in distinctive minimalistic style then surrounded by LED candles provided the accents around two dragon candelabras across the top of the coffee table lit in red. Shoji screens were redefined with large, Asian discs.
The hotel's existing art fit perfectly with the booth's design.
While this statue of Buddha seems to be part of the booth design, it is in fact, part of the Hilton Anatole Dallas’ extensive collection of Asian art. The set was developed with this collection in mind and the results were stunning.
Lush Entrance with a Surprise Element!
Our client was looking for an entrance that guests would remember and we love creating the unexpected and memorable! The entrance to the Gaylord Texan’s Yellow Rose Ballroom, where the event was set, offers a rustic elegance which we enhanced with a manicured hedge that looked as though it was permanent. Colorful, carnation ‘dots’ were added to lend a touch of whimsy. The greenery worked beautifully with the interior of the ballroom that was enhanced with decorative lighting.
Foliage adds an unexpected 'punch' to this entrance.
To achieve the surprise aspect, the foliage walls were brought to life as champagne was offered to guests through the wall by gloved and bejeweled hands! While it is not uncommon to be offered champagne, it is another matter to be offered bubbly in this manner. Guests loved being treated in such a magical manner upon arrival to the amazing evening that lay ahead.
Magical champagne service starts the evening
That wasn’t the only surprise of the evening. Buffets were also brought to new levels with the addition of a ‘living table’. Hand painted models pose beneath opaque tables causing quite the stir as guests wonderful if the statue is ‘real’ or not. Wasn’t he in a different position a few minutes ago. Living statues are amazing way to keep guests intrigued with their still poses and subtle position changes.
Buffet tables are brought to life!
Fabulous Super Bowl Events!
Magical and Chic
The Wyly Theater welcomed guests after being transformed into an amazing lounge setting that provided an inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy the festivities! Despite a challenging ice storm the week before Super Bowl, our team pulled this event off as though it was held during the spring time. Innovative elements combined with the Wyly’s incredible space produced a night to remember!
Crystal drape offers compelling definition
We love tents in January!
Captivating lighting inside event tent.
Who wouldn't enjoy this environment?
Tents are an excellent way to offer a stellar event space for clients with a large number of guests. Our client wanted an upscale interior that would be as appealing to guests as the Glass Cactus. No matter the time of year or amount of space that is required, we can arrange for tents in any size or style to provide a custom environment. This tent was placed adjacent to the Glass Cactus at the Gaylord Texas to provide additional space for 1,500 guests. The tent was lined and lighted to the max to create an environment as exciting as the Glass Cactus itself. The tent was climate controlled for guests’ comfort and was filled with additional seating, entertainment and fun! We worked through the challenges presented by unusally cold temperatures (for Texas) and made sure this tent was sublime and inviting.
Fantasy Bars
Bar or Decor?
An eye catching transition!
Here’s a unique approach for an entrance…this koy pond undulates when stepped on!
Memorable Threshold