Last week, we hosted an unforgettable dinner for some of our favorite event planners in the city—a night that reminded us why we do what we do. In our fast-paced industry, it’s all too easy to get swept up in ensuring every detail is perfect for our clients. But our work isn’t brain surgery—it’s about creating moments of joy, connection, and celebration.

A Refreshing Change of Scene

For the evening, we partnered with Smitten Events and Savory Chef to transform our space into a vibrant gathering spot. We set up a beautiful long table diagonally—a configuration we’d never tried before—and instantly, a room we’d been in a hundred times felt entirely new. The transformation was reminiscent of a New York City supper club: elevated, whimsical, and playful. Bright colors, candlelight, and carefully curated decor set the stage for a night that was as visually stunning as it was heartwarming.

A Culinary Journey with Savoury Chef

In addition to the stunning decor and creative table setup, we worked closely with Anna and Kim (Savoury Chef) to craft a menu that perfectly captured the evening’s vibe. The goal was to offer dishes that felt elevated yet unfussy—a balance that ensured the meal was both sophisticated and accessible. The result was a delicious culinary experience, showcasing thoughtful preparation and a burst of flavour that delighted every palate. The food truly became an extension of the event’s creative spirit, tying the entire evening together.

Bespoke Beverages: Tailoring the Perfect Bar Experience

Our bar programme was a highlight of the evening, featuring delicious cocktails and wines thoughtfully paired with each course. We love tailoring our bar to fit the vibe of every event, and for this night, we carefully selected drink combinations that truly enhanced the meal. We ended the evening with what might have been the perfect espresso martini (and we always have a mocktail on hand for those not imbibing. At The Permanent, we believe a great bar can add that special touch to any celebration.

Drew & Louisa (The Permanent Team) Sipping the perfect espresso martini

Designing for Connection

Working closely with Devon and Jordan from Smitten Events, we reimagined the dinner’s aesthetic with one goal in mind: to foster genuine conversation and intimacy among our guests. Instead of the traditional formality of name tags or place cards, we introduced an innovative twist—a live illustration. An incredibly talented artist from TOBE Studio, Chloe, painted each guest’s name directly onto the linen tablecloth. We didn’t know what to expect, but the outcome was pure magic and quickly became one of the evening’s highlights.

A personalized seat at the table - and plenty of wine

A Keepsake to Remember

As the night drew to a close, the creative spirit continued. In a spontaneous moment of shared delight, we gathered scissors and cut up the tablecloth, giving each guest a piece of the artful memento to take home. While this playful gesture might not suit every event, it perfectly captured the relaxed and innovative atmosphere of the evening—a fitting tribute to a room full of planners used to following rigid client guidelines.

Me (Louisa Cohen), GM of The Permanent and Anna Wallner, Owner, Savoury Chef - showing off our keepsakes

A Night Beyond Work

As the General Manager of our space, I couldn’t have been more thrilled by the evening’s events. It was a rare and wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow planners outside the confines of emails, client meetings, and the usual hustle of our industry. Sharing stories, ideas, and laughs in such an intimate setting was a powerful reminder that, at its core, our work is about bringing people together and creating memorable experiences.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special night. We look forward to hosting more events that not only celebrate our craft but also the community that makes it so vibrant and inspiring. Stay tuned for more magical evenings here at The Permanent.

All of the incredible photos of the evening were courtesy of Jeff from The Apartment Photo.

We would also like to thank Chloe from TOBE Studio, Element Event Rentals, ShowKraft Production Services, Fluerescent Blooms, and DJ Niña Mendoza for bringing their magic to this beautiful evening.