2023 Wrapped: DCi’s Top Event Highlights From This Year
T
here’s no denying that Palm Springs sits at the top of many event planners’ bucket lists — and for good reason. First, there’s the year-round sunshine, which makes it a desirable destination no matter the season. Then there’s the mid-century modern architecture, which has become emblematic of the city. Palm Springs is also home to numerous design-led boutique properties and unique event spaces — making it one of the top destinations for throwing any kind of event, from corporate retreats to incentive trips.
It’s also impossible to talk about Palm Springs without mentioning Coachella Valley’s biggest draw. Every year, around mid to late April, thousands of music lovers from across the country descend upon the region for The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival — along with its sister event, Stagecoach — which draws an impressive roster of wide-ranging artists. (Even more reason to consider Palm Springs as your next event destination.) Throughout the years, DCi has planned several events on this slice of California desert. Here’s our advice on hosting a Palm Springs event that taps into the region’s carefree, festival spirit.
1. Plan Ahead (Way Ahead)
Festival season is one of the liveliest times to host an event in Palm Springs — but it’s also the busiest. This time of year is considered peak travel season, as concertgoers, springbreakers, and warm-weather seekers typically plan their California vacations. (And don’t forget about Angelinos who flock to Palm Springs to escape from the hubbub of city life.) The key to ensuring a perfect experience is securing accommodations for your group well in advance. Same goes for your venue. “Popular venues may be in high demand, so early booking is essential,” DCi experts say. “Consider the size, location, and amenities of the venue to match your event’s needs.”
2. Find a Unique Venue
From mid-century desert gems to luxurious, sprawling resorts, there’s no shortage of design-driven venues and hotels to pick as the setting of your event — and each one of them exudes a boatload of character. In Palm Springs, you’ll also be treated to some superior views wherever you go: swaying palm trees, dramatic mountain ranges, and desert landscapes. Our planning experts at DCi have used a variety of stunning venues as jumping-off points for events. We transformed a scenic lawn into a mid-century-meets-festival dinner, complete with bohemian-inspired tepees and tablescapes that drew from the region’s color palette.
3. Partner with Local Vendors
To help your vision come to life in a seamless way, consider hiring local vendors. There’s no substitute for the expertise they can bring to your event — and this is especially true during festival season. Not only do they have unmatched insider knowledge of the area and strong connections with local businesses, but they are also familiar with navigating high-demand periods and can help secure sought-after services more effectively. With over 26 years of experience planning events in Palm Springs, we work with trusted vendors with expertise in navigating the ins and outs of planning events in the Coachella Valley and providing the kind of authentic, genuine experiences our clients are always looking for.
4. Take Cues from The Area
You don’t need to look far to find inspiration for your Palm Springs event. The area’s desert vibe and picturesque landscapes lend themselves to so many incredible themes. “Consider creating a unique festival with distinctive art installations while incorporating client’s branding or messaging,” DCi experts say. When dreaming up an event for popular haircare brand, Pantene, our team leaned into social-media-friendly experiences — transforming a private estate into a festival-ready playground. Our design experts plucked visual cues from Palm Springs’ popular glittering pools and created poolside photo opportunities with on-brand signage and balloon art.
5. Weave in Mid-Century Design
Design is so engrained in the culture of Palm Springs that it’s practically synonymous with the area. (In fact, the city is home to the largest concentration of preserved mid-century modern architecture in the world.) Tap into the region’s architectural spirit by weaving in elements that are characteristic of mid-century design — think: clean lines, bold colors, geometric shapes, and natural materials. DCi’s experts also advise bringing in retro-inflected furnishings for your seating arrangements and incorporating statement pieces throughout the event.
6. Create a Fun Culinary Moment
On top of decor, music, and entertainment, there’s another important aspect of festival culture: food. Festivalgoers get just as excited about the event’s food lineup as they do about the music. From casual food-truck offerings to more elevated, fine dining-style set-ups, the season sees a host of restaurants and chefs whipping up their best festival-inspired menus. That’s why our team at DCi always puts food and beverages front and center at any Palm Springs event. “Seize the opportunity to impress guests with food pop-ups and interactive food and beverage stations,” DCi experts say. Take it a step further by setting up a custom bar with bespoke festival-themed cocktails.
7. Collaborate with Local Talent
Known for its distinct arts and music culture, Palm Springs is home to many creatives — from artists to musicians and everyone in between. Take advantage of the region’s abundant talent, and give your guests a genuine, memorable experience that reflects the true spirit of the destination. “Collaborate with local artists and designers to feature their work in your event’s decor, installations, and promotional materials,” DCi experts advise. “This not only supports the local art community but also infuses your event with authentic Palm Springs flair.”
Looking to get the ball rolling? Reach out to DCi today, and let’s start planning a festival-inspired Palm Springs event your guests will love and remember.
