WIPA Austin’s Wicked Affair: A Night In The Emerald City"

When two powerhouse planners—Art of Eclipse Event Co. and Amy of 787 Events—join forces, you can bet on magic. And that’s exactly what unfolded at WIPA Austin’s Fourth Quarter gathering: A Night in the Emerald City. With a “Wicked”-inspired theme and every detail dipped in shades of green and pink, this wasn’t just an industry mixer—it was a full-on theatrical experience.

From the moment guests stepped into Assembly Hall, it was clear this wasn’t your average event. JoAn Floral & Design set the stage with a lush red floral entryway that screamed drama in the best way. Inside, the scene transformed into a modern Oz—black and green velvet draping by Unique Design & Events and emerald lighting from Austin Event Lighting created a moody, magical vibe. Their Oz-inspired backdrop and glowing green LED tubes turned the stage into a spectacle.

Guests were greeted with a colorful spread of cocktails from Drink Slingers ATX. Their “Ozmopolitan,” “Wicked Witch,” and “Follow the Yellow Road” mocktail brought both flair and flavor, setting the tone for a spirited evening. Meanwhile, Soho Catering and Consulting had everyone buzzing with their themed stations. From the “Glinda’s Fairy Bubble” with smoked salmon-stuffed gougères to the mushroom soup of the “Forbidden Forest” and the bold flavors of “Defying Gravity,” this menu didn’t just feed the crowd—it told a story.

And it wouldn’t be Oz without its characters. Artisan Oddities brought the world to life with live costumed performers—Glinda, Elphaba, and even flying monkeys wandered through the event, posing for photos and causing delightful mischief. Paired with immersive entertainment and an electric violin performance by the Sienna String Quartet (yes, they lit up the courtyard too), the energy was nothing short of spellbinding.

Design to Flourish added the finishing touch with dreamy stationery: a welcome sign, whimsical menus, and themed bar signage all tied together the fantasy. Guests lounged on stylish setups from Panacea Collective, their mix of velvet, metallics, and jewel tones giving off luxe Emerald City vibes. And yes—streamers by Pop and Drop greeted everyone at the entrance with a rainbow fringe installation that hinted at the wonder to come.

Of course, no WIPA event is complete without capturing every moment. John Winters Photography and Lauren Maria Photo & Video were on hand to shoot all the magic, while Photo Booths Creative Co. brought the glam with luxe prints and instant photo fun. Dessert came courtesy of The Cupcake Bar, with glittery cake pops and macarons that practically twinkled.

Bright Event Rentals brought in everything needed to transform the space—from sleek black bentwood chairs to emerald glassware and glittering tabletop details—while BBJ La Tavola linens layered in the luxe texture. Every corner was styled and thought-through.

The event closed with industry updates, laughs, and a ton of selfies under dramatic uplighting and floral-drenched tables. Thanks to WIPA’s brilliant board, planners Art and Amy, and a dream team of vendors, this wasn’t just a quarterly gathering—it was a party down the yellow brick road!