In November 2024, 200 guests gathered at Legacy Stables and Events to celebrate 25 young professionals from a wide range of businesses and organizations throughout Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. The annual Leadership Awards is part of the Winston Under 40 program, which promotes talent recruitment and development by offering a range of opportunities for young professionals through networking, leadership, and community involvement.
The Venue of Choice
Joanna Mitchell, Director of Programs and Events, Greater Winston-Salem, Inc., chose the Forsyth Barn as the venue for this year’s event after a lot of thoughtful research and consideration. “I was looking for a place that would elevate the experience for the participants, to acknowledge the accomplishments of these young professionals,” Mitchell said. “Legacy Stables and Events brought more to the table than just a beautiful venue.”
Setting Up The Event
Hosting the event at Forsyth Barn provided plenty of space for mingling and enjoying a heavy reception. The set up included high cocktail tables in one half of the barn, with banquet tables and the stage on the other half. Mitchell appreciated the quality of the inventory available, with the ability to choose from a wide selection of centerpieces and props to help create the atmosphere envisioned for the night.
Providing Food
Mitchell worked with Twisted Pine Catering Services, the in-house catering team, to provide the night’s heavy hors d’oeuvres. “Everything was not just delicious, but it was thoughtfully presented, making it easy for guests to talk and eat without the awkward juggling while having a beverage in hand,” Mitchell said.
Creating the Atmosphere
From the keynote speech by Mark Owens, President and CEO of Greater Winston-Salem Inc., to recognizing the award recipients, the sound system played a big part in the evening’s quality. Fusion Sound and Lighting provided all the sound and technical services, from setting up microphones for the speakers to running the PowerPoint presentation. “The fact that FSL provides DJ services as well as production for corporate events like ours really shows through in their creativity,” Mitchell said. “Their timing of playing music while award winners walked up and back from the stage helped elevate the awards ceremony and create seamless transitions.”
Attention to Detail
From the moment she set foot on Legacy Stables and Events estate the night of the event, Mitchell knew it would be an excellent event. “Even though we were well into November, when leaves were falling constantly, the landscape as you entered the estate and leading into the venue was perfect,” Mitchell says. “There was not a leaf on the entryway, and every flower was at peak perfection; it was absolutely beautiful.”
It wasn’t just the landscape that made an impression on Mitchell.
“It’s little things that really make a big difference when hosting an event like this awards ceremony,” Mitchell said. “And I was continually impressed with the attention to detail paid by every member of the Legacy team, both during planning and throughout the event.” From a custom sign used to welcome attendees to the venue to a cart waiting for Mitchell to use to unload supplies, the staff knew what to provide to help make the event go off without a hitch.
“For anyone hosting a large event like this, you know how much the little things make a big difference,” Mitchell said. “I was able to focus on my tasks, rather than having to worry about spending time tracking down a cart, or chasing down other necessities, because the team at Legacy had it all under control.”
Great communication and advanced planning are key to helping all of the details run smoothly at events like the Winston Under 40 Leadership Awards. Mitchell was impressed with the prompt replies and follow-up communication by the Legacy team, but she noted their customer service goes beyond the standard level of care. “Their dedication and commitment to having successful events is evident from their level of service,” Mitchell says. “They have heart behind their work, and that is what made a difference for me.”
Call today to learn more about how Legacy Stables and Events’ turnkey approach can help you with planning your next corporate or nonprofit event.
Photo Credit: MJS Live Productions
