Objective: The purpose of this event was to celebrate the completion of the $40 million Aurora renovation project and the unveiling of the new ‘Arctic Journey’ gallery. The goal was to have 350 – 500 guests attend the event.
The event was held to celebrate those who contributed to the project and to the gallery, and to recognize the teams involved in all of the work.
A strong call to action was to include nods to the Indigenous cultures of the Arctic – in the programming and educational components, in the entertainment, in the messaging and in the cuisine.
Outcome: A total of 430 guests attended the evening of festivities and celebration.
As guests arrived at the event, the entrance was flanked with ice carvings of animals found in the Arctic – the caribou and the polar bear. Each sculpture included an interesting scientific fact that pertained to each animal. Live instrumental music was also played along the walkway and lined with a red carpet. Champagne and ‘jar-cuterie’ (a fun spin on individually portioned charcuterie in a mason jar) was served to guests as they arrived.
Florals reflected foliage and natural materials that would be found in the Northern regions. The musical selection was composed of multiple Indigenous artists.
To generate excitement, and to flag that the program was about to start, The Edmonton Metis Traditional Dancers performed a jig procession through the crowd as they made their way on stage.
Following the jigging performance, the formal program commenced, which included prayers, songs, and the lighting of the Iqaluit (traditional Inuit oil lamp).
The ‘big moment’ was the official unveiling of the Arctic Journey gallery space. A countdown was kicked off from the stage and once the countdown hit zero, firework graphics played on the big screen accompanied by spark machines and firework audio clips.
It was then that guests could adventure into the new gallery, indulge in the various food being offered, network with one another, and enjoy the live band.
