Hotel RGA

RGA has been leading the Canadian market for over a decade. Having just ranked as #1 on NMG Consulting’s prestigious 2021 Business Capability Index for the 12th time in 13 years, This gave RGA Canada a reason to celebrate. Marking their first major post-pandemic event, they wanted to go BIG so they came to Good Kids with a problem most corporate events face; the common company party is incredibly dull.

Known for our reputation of outlandish and delightful events, we were tasked to create something BIG to indulge in this Fortune 500 company’s anniversary just before the holidays. Understanding their needs, we decided it was time for an adventure with a quirky concept strong enough that it would capture the attention of hundreds.

Hotel RGA

Our Design team dreamed half a dozen of wild ideas, drafted out sketches of what could be expected, and focused on core tenants of our Agency’s Event Design Process. A fantasy Hotel experience where guests get the red carpet treatment with memorable moments scattered throughout the event rose above all other ideas. Think “Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel meets 60s-Cuban-Disco” held atop College Park, in one of downtown Toronto’s top venues, The Carlu.

The Check-In

Greeted at the custom-built Hotel RGA reception desk in the lobby of College Park, guests are immediately aware they are in for a treat. Checked in by actors dressed as a concierge, a desk bell is rung and they’re granted their individually numbered room keys. (Unkown to serve as a surprise raffle later) “enjoy your stay at Hotel RGA” you’re wished as you’re led into a gilded elevator. Guests rode seven stories up to the top as Uniformed Bellhops delighted them with the short and fabled eccentric history of Hotel RGA, along with all the strange amenities that awaited them on the 7th floor of the Carlu, all while soft Bossanova music played in the background.

The Foyer

DING! The elevator doors open to a lush wall of greenery, palm trees, and jungle bird chirps. It’s dark, misty and ethereal, you walk through a waterfall of mist, truly transported into a different world. After checking your coat, you grab a glass from the wall of jungle mimosas & mojitos and a mini putt golf club in the other; the festivities were in full swing:

Mini Put

The Good Kids team worked for weeks planning an immersive 9-hole minigolf course that stretched the 100-foot length of the foyer. complete with props, 7’ greens, 50 Gallon oak Rum Barrels, and an impressive lighting array to simulate sunset to full mook on the links of this Palm Beach-Meets-Havana course.

Disco Jungle

As the foyer filled with guests, the main room doors were opened to unveil The crown jewel of our event: The Jungle Disco. An enormous 30’x30’ chandelier was hung from above,  using hundreds of real Monstera leaves and over 100 disco balls. Designed by Good Kids and their partners Grow & Bloom, this centerpiece left guests in awe as it fractured rays of light across the massive hall. Jungle fragrances filled the air, and high-tech 3D projections over 50’ wide painted the high walls illustrating various scenes of Cuban and Miami life, impressive visuals unseen at the Carlu prior to this night.

An impressive photo booth made of remarkable plant life native to Cuba towered over guests, providing an opportunity to document their celebration in this tropical ballroom location right in the heart of snowy Toronto.

Food & Beverage

A lit-up main bar set up in the center of the room cast a warm glow that drew the guests in to reveal a satellite bar set up with partners Shameful Tiki providing the best island drinks in town. Three signature cocktails crafted specifically for RGA’s 30th anniversary are exclusively mixed using Havana Club & El Dorado Rum. The El Presidente, a Cuban-style Roosevelt cocktail, the Old Cubano, a twist on the classic mojito, & finally Humba Womba, a non-alcoholic tropical paradise, certainly helped guests show off their dance moves in the 360º Booth later in the evening.

Traditional Cuban cuisine was served throughout the venue and on stations in the main prepared by Oliver & Bonacini. Passed apps included, Mini Elotes, Ceviche tostadas, Pulled Chicken Arepas, Mushroom Empanadas, & Shrimp Pops on Sugarcane. An Elaborate Oyster bar, Cubano Sliders, Carne Asada Tacos, & Desert Bar

The Band

The entertainment was just as grand, including the amazing 17 Piece Band the St Royals played hit after hit keeping the dance floor live. Two lively drag shows from Canada’s Drag Race Contestant – Bombay had the crowd in stitches and a disco super set from one of Canada’s best DJs had our client’s guests boogieing down till the wee hours.