Datatel

Motivated to create a unique event each and every time for one of our loyal repeat clients, CSI created an International Food and Wine Festival for the Datatel User Group Conference Welcome Reception. Held at Gaylord’s expansive Potomac Ballroom, the 1,400 invited guests experienced the sights, sounds and tastes from around the world as they “traveled” to each of four international stations custom-designed for them.
French haute cuisine was presented at a buffet station anchored by a shimmering 3-dimensional model of the Eiffel Tower. While a French mime performed for “spare change” and an authentic accordionist played traditional French songs, the lucky guests felt as if they were transported to an evening walk along the Seine.
At the Italian station, the Leaning Tower of Pisa was the focal point as it appeared about to topple over a display of pasta. An acoustic string duo performed Italy’s favorite folk and contemporary tunes while the guests selected dishes from this customary Italian “primo” or second course.
A backdrop of Old Shanghai announced to the guests that they were entering an Asian market where beautifully crafted food samplings from this inspired continent could be found. Asian dancers in full costume displayed their skills with colorful ribbons in a choreography of movement and imagery.
Not to be overlooked, an American station offered fresh market-style salads displayed against a backdrop of our Nation’s Capital - a bounty from the farmlands across the country. Martha Washington greeted guests and a colonial harpist combined her instrumentation with vocal renditions.
Paired with wines to compliment the food at each station, the guests were provided with custom-designed wine cards that described what they were sampling – from a mellow Merlot to a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. While not all of the wines were from the four selected countries, they added to the authenticity of this Food and Wine Festival.