A Happy Hour With McLaren Newport Beach
While planning a happy hour may sound like an easy task, mix in an exotic dealership and a new region of venues and you now have an experiential challenge for the team at LSX LLC. LSX LLC was recently contracted by the Newport Beach Automotive group to handle their marketing, including experiential. So, when asked to throw a client relations event for the customers of the McLaren dealership, this is what LSX imagined.
What better way to kick off a new relationship than a happy hour with an ocean view? While getting acquainted with the Newport Beach Automotive Group, Silvestri took advantage of her time in the new-to-her city of Newport Beach, by scouting event venues, resorts, and private clubs. This time spent, led her to the choice of The Lido House Hotel’s rooftop facility, Topside Bar. Not only does Lido feature 360 degree ocean views, this luxury hotel opened not even a year ago. What better way to entertain guests than by taking them to a new local spot that emulates the coastal chic vibe that drew them to Newport Beach in the first place. From the production side of the evening, Lido House is fully equipped with catering and mixology on site, assisting in a seamless event. While all event assets are already on site, even simple events require the utmost attention to detail. Left to be decided was still a cocktail and food, as well as a client communication strategy.
Event communication is important to plan ahead for the proper amount of attendees, and the team at LSX LLC decided a communication strategy of starting with a booking platform. This platform is not only visually enticing and designed with McLaren but is also a useful tool to reach attendance goals. The platform is also capable of sending out a reminder to all undecided guests, a “See You Tomorrow” that includes event hours, address and valet information, as well as a “Thank You for Coming” message. Standard communication, but without it, one runs the risk of an empty event. The communication doesn’t stop there! LSX LLC loves to incorporate a friendly text message campaign into events at every chance. For example, just hours before the event guests received a text with a “See you soon” message from the McLaren Newport Beach Team.
When planning an event where guests will be driving high end vehicles, is an experienced valet team, and an easy to enter driveway is important to have. LSX LLC also took valet area resembling a beach house and used it as an opportunity to make the client happy. Newport Beach Automotive Group wanted to make a statement by having the vehicles placed in a prominent position, and the valet provided a beautiful environment, while adding a lifestyle component that made owning the vehicles that much more realistic. On display from the showroom was the all-new 720S Spider along with the 600LT coupe and spider. The 600LT Spider was shown in the MSO color of Luminaire Green, never before seen to the clients of McLaren Newport Beach. Accompanying the cars and awaiting guest arrival was the McLaren sales team and a few very special client cars, like the McLaren Senna.
Once on site guests were escorted to the rooftop bar for a McLaren themed happy hour. Cocktails designed to be orange like McLaren Orange consisted of a light and crisp aperol spritz called the 570S, a vodka cocktail accompanied by hints of grapefruit, lighter spirits and bitters called the 720s, while the 600LT was actually a popsicle! The seasonal popsicle consisted of Don Julio blanco tequila, lime and Cointreau and was a favorite of the guests. Not into cocktails? LSX LLC prepares for all tastes, and for the wine and champagne connoisseur Dom Ruinart ‘Blanc de Blanc’ Champagne was available along with a Joseph Drouhin ‘Mersault’ Chardonnay, and Kistler Pinot Noir. For food, hors d’oeuvres as refreshing as the ocean breeze, were offered to guests such as ahi tuna and avocado wonton, marinated fresh mozzarella with olive tapenade and basil on crostini, and a beef satay with shoyu scallion glaze. The Lido Hotel also prepared a full carving station to serve guests throughout the night. Available to choose from was a whole beef tenderloin with bordelaise sauce, au jus, and horseradish cream, assorted miniature rolls, brussels sprouts and a few other comforting options.
While this happy hour was only the beginning of a summer full of exciting experiences, we encourage you to stay up to date with McLaren Newport Beach! Be sure to follow them on social media; Instagram + Facebook. Interested in throwing a Happy Hour for your own clients? To learn more about taking the next steps with LSX LLC please contact hello@lsx.events.
