Event planner Paul Tramonte, lead designer at Paul Tramonte Events, was tasked with planning a conference for 350 hotel owners and franchisees. This is a well-informed audience that has seen it all. His goal was to align the reception with the conference theme, “The Future Favors the Bold.” An experience that should activate all the senses.
Inspired by Google Xi’s 2023 New York experiential conference, he contacted designer Lori Weitzner. As a featured speaker at Google Xi, Wezner also curated an exhibition exploring the connections between color, taste, smell and emotion. Her book “Ode to Color” provided inspiration.
“Color is generally considered to be a visual phenomenon. However, this view ignores its impact on our mood, energy levels, memories and associations. Its close relationship with our other senses. They are all interconnected,” Wezner said.
Tramont and Wezner join forces
She agreed to work with him on an experience at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes in Orlando.
Color is the focal point of the menu and overall aesthetic. Her color world activation is also part of the experience.
“I hope attendees will be able to take this color knowledge back to their hotels and help them enhance the guest experience,” Tramont said.
“Out Loud”, “Earthly”, “At Ease” and “Garden Party” are Wezner’s four color worlds. Each is expressed through a unique combination of taste, smell and sight.
James Samson of Samson Hospitality designed menus that capture the mood and energy of each world. Spicy tacos at Out Loud and vibrant vegetable dumplings at Garden Party. Each one is paired with a colorful cocktail to complement the flavours.
The sensory-driven concept engaged attendees and enhanced the impact of color. It also highlights the growing demand for event experiences that go beyond traditional design.
The impact of this philosophy extends beyond events. Google has hired Wezner to help design amenity spaces. Her world of color will foster creativity and well-being in a new building in Chicago.
