The return of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival from February 28 to May 28 means beautiful gardens, fresh spring flavors, stunning Character topiaries, musical performances, magical behind-the-scenes nature tours, and more – a can’t-miss opportunity for groups attending a meeting or event at Walt Disney World Resort! But, did you know you can also bring elements from the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival into your group’s ballroom event at a Walt Disney World Resort convention hotel? With all the inspirational experiences this festival has to offer, the possibilities are endless for introducing innovative and creative ideas into your meeting or event agenda.
Here are just a few ideas for how you can incorporate the Flower & Garden Festival’s signature blend of vibrant floral displays, creative culinary dishes, and distinctive Disney flare into your group’s ballroom event:
#1: An Abundance of Floral Centerpieces
Planners can work with Disney’s floral team to create gorgeous floral arrangements as unique centerpieces for each table. Take inspiration from the brilliant fields of flowers at Epcot and their vibrant color palate, or customize the centerpieces to your preference.
#2: Fresh Spring Cuisine
We recognize that edible flowers are one of the top foodie trends of 2018, and what better way to incorporate this trend into your meeting or event than with this festival theme? Planners can work with Disney’s award-winning culinary team to design a menu based on the delightful fare served at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.
#3: Design with Green in Mind
Our Disney Experts can create custom Flower & Garden Festival-inspired materials including: event icons, signage, welcome materials, buffet cards, menus, and more. Delivering an immersive theme is all in the details, so once you’ve chosen which delicious spring-fresh flavors to include at your meeting or event, have your menus printed on burlap bags or recycled paper. With sustainability continuing to be a top trend in 2018, switching to these green menus will delight attendees.
#4: Character Topiaries
One of the more iconic features of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival are the living sculptures shaped to look like beloved Disney Characters. But did you know, you can bring your favorite Character topiaries into the ballroom? Inspired by the festival’s topiaries in the park, our team can provide topiaries specially for your event!
For an extra touch of greenery, planners can “Bring the Outdoors In” along with these bountiful floral arrangements and topiaries. We have greenhouses full of foliage waiting to be used!
#5: Take Advantage of Group Tickets
If planning a Flower & Garden Festival-inspired event simply isn’t enough, you can provide your attendees with specially-priced Theme Park tickets so they can enjoy the festival together at Epcot. By offering attendees the opportunity to visit the park after their meeting or event, planners can encourage networking and team bonding.
As an added enhancement, planners can include a digital scavenger hunt throughout the festival or arrange a private viewing of Epcot’s nightly fireworks spectacular, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth for attendees at Walt Disney World Resort.
This inspirational event idea gives meeting and event planners the ability to arrange elements to fit their group, timeline, and budget to keep attendees engaged and excited. Various elements of food and beverage, décor, and entertainment can be tailored to the group’s preferences. Incorporating these festival trends into a ballroom meeting or event enhances your organization’s message and story, reinforcing the purpose of why attendees should #MeetAtDisney.
Tell us – How would you celebrate springtime at your next meeting or event? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn using hashtag #DisneyMeetingsBlog.
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