Retravision 2008

Retravision 2008 The Year of the Rat

 2008 may be the Year of the Rat in the Chinese calendar, however for 900 Retravision staff and guests it will be remembered only as the Year of the Dragon. Having just opened her guarded soul to the world by staging the 2008 Olympic Games, China presents herself as an enigma. This sense of mystery was the main inspiration behind the decision to stage a “Shanghai Nights” theme for the celebrated Retravision Northern Gala Dinner. Indeed, this mystery is repeated every year for Retravision guests, as the theme and entertainment for each gala dinner remains a state secret right up until the opening of the doors. This year the red carpet leads straight to the Great Hall at the BCEC, and as the doors sweep open an ancient culture is discovered

 Predominantly dressed in red, the room is reminiscent of an outdoor Chinese market. Hundreds of festoon lights fitted with red globes and Chinese lanterns radiate out from the centre of the room and hang overhead. The centre point for this room lighting effect is a large lantern globe 2.4 metres in diameter that is suspended from the ceiling in a truss ring. On the floor beneath this centre lantern a red circular stage meausuring six metres in diameter is also positioned in readiness for the opening performance

 Ninety banquet tables then fill the floor space around this centre stage, and providing a dark background to the table settings, the tables and chairs are all covered in black. Embossed with fine Chinese brocade style patterns, table runners in red and gold have been placed that contrast well against the black. In true Chinese banquet style large lazy susans are utilised in the centre of each table and the table tops have been finished with painted fans that sit atop small wooden bases. In addition to the cutlery and glass settings provided by the venue, individual menus adorned with a Chinese dragon have been prepared and await each guest at their table.