Tag Archives: Model Staffing NYC

Never talk about your failures…

The event that never happened.

Too often we don’t talk about the failures or the losses. Too often what we post on social platforms are only the highlights and the wins. Too often we shy away from the risks that don’t succeed or the missteps or the failures. The HL team spent months planning and putting this event together only to have the whole deal fall apart. Above is a sample of the comprehensive pitch video, graphic elements, renderings, and deck samples we used to create a show-stopping grand opening of a one-of-a kind real estate property poised to be the silicon valley of NYC. This event was supposed to not only be a show case of the incredible building itself but a festival celebrating the tenants of the neighborhood and the abundance of the talent, diversity, and magic in the community at large of Brooklyn

Bringing together the wide array of talents that represent Brooklyn was high on our list. We wanted to celebrate not only the Brooklyn Navy Yard and all of the awesome tenants that reside there but also everything that makes the borough of Brooklyn just so special. From musical acts like Talib Kweli, Regina Spektor, Too Many Zooz, and of course Brooklyn United a non-porfit organization dedicated to teaching music and shaping lives. The event showcased all the amazing food and beverage of the Navy Yard itself as well as supplemental Brooklyn Food Trucks. In addition to the “Main Stage” acts the event would feature cutting-edge VR that would allow you to see not only the history of the Navy Yard, The Current expanse of the Yard, but also the future and everything in between in a deluxe time warp. Immersive performances and interactive elements would put the finishing touches on the day so that the people in attendance and also the the wider community at large felt like they were part of the spectacle itself.

THE MISSION

A NY GALA

A Brooklyn Block Party

A combination of unique local Brooklyn immersive performance elements, innovative lighting, fresh floral accents, hand selected food trucks and various interactive art pop-ups. Ultimately solidifying the importance of experience, neighborhood, and collaboration.

UPON ENTRANCE, GUESTS QUICKLY REALIZE THEY AREN’T ATTENDING YOUR NORMAL “STUFFY’ BROKER INVITATIONAL. THIS IS BROOKLYN. HOME TO SOME OF THE MOST INNOVATIVE PERFORMERS AND ARTISTS. THE BROOKLYN UNITED IS NO EXCEPTION. AS THE BAND PLAYS THEY MARCH THEIR WAY THRU THE ENTRANCE AND INTO THE LOBBY BECKONING THE GUESTS TO FOLLOW. DON’T WORRY. THEY APPEAR LATER.

The Brooklyn United Music and Arts Program (BU) is a community-based organization that serves New York City youth. Brooklyn United is focused on the development of youth through Academic Support, Character Development, Skills Building and Performance Opportunities. It is through these pillars that we strive to build strong, well rounded, healthy, confident and capable young people.

THE SECOND FLOOR & HEALTH CENTER HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED INTO OUR BROOKLYN STREET DANCE PERFORMANCE CENTER AND WHO KNOWS MAYBE EVEN AN APPEARANCE FROM LADY LIBERTY HERSELF.

THE 16TH FLOOR. AWAY FROM THE NOISE. A RETREAT TO SOMETHING MORE INTIMATE. BK’S FINEST STREET POETS LAY DOWN RHYMES AND PERFORM IN OUR SLAM STUDIO. JOIN THEM AND WRITE A VERSE OF YOUR OWN.

The exterior courtyard will feature the marquee stage, 5 of NYC’s best food trucks, beer garden, lounge vignettes on the lawn, a 12’x50’ Dock 72 Graffiti Art Wall, Games, NYC Basketball, Double Dutch Jump Rope Troupe, Haiku Artists, and more…

The Last Impression…

As the sun sets on the navy yard waterfront, the final song begins to play, the last call is made at the bars and the guests shuffle for the exits longing for those endless summer days that are no more. Autumn is upon us and the days become shorter once again. Brooklyn returns to the streets, neighborhoods, and haunts it lives in and we go back to our day-to-day. This respite. This break. This event reminds us of the power of experience at the intersection of art, culture, music, food, and most importantly community.

Unfortunately. This event never happened.

I am not one to think that there is any wasted work. Nothing is ever wasted and time is no ones but your own. Everything is learning. Everything is process. Everything is craft. Everything you do just makes you better. You can’t grow if you don’t take the risk to step outside your comfort zone.

Risk.

Fail.

Risk again.

Tyler Hollinger, Owner

Renderings by Joel Fitzpatrick

HighLife Productions

A creative experiential agency born from the food and beverage world. Just as our motto states “Experience x Integrity” we value what we put in our bodies. Events for us center around great food and drinks as well as great friends. That magical combination of people and food at the intersection of unforgettable experiences. In the following pages you will find an overall creative outline and comprehensive event production focusing on such elements as experiential interaction, innovative design, supplemental food and beverage, staffing, performances, design, lighting, staging, permitting, licensing and much much more…

Authenticity.

Our roots are in the hospitality industry and together with our team of designers and planners we seamlessly execute thousand person festivals, hundred person galas, corporate functions, branded launches, glamorous weddings, private dinners and every event in between.

HLP

DISCLAIMER: Event experiences measured in the depth of their impact not the width of their impressions. This creative deck has been prepared exclusively for you. The following pages are exclusively HighLife’s intellectual property, provided in good faith as a commitment to our relationship. All designs, ideas, strategies, and breakdowns are confidential and not to be shared with other agencies, vendors, or third parties. We look forward to bringing your event to life.

Why Secret Summer is the best party in NYC and still a secret after 5yrs

In comparison to the wealth of event and festival experiences that occur in NYC over the course of the summer (i.e., GovBall, Pinknic, la Luna), and many many more it is very clear to me that Secret Summer is by far the best festival in New York City. Below are the reasons why…

#1 THE PRICE

The price of Secret Summer depending on when you buy your ticket is $60-$150 (At the Door) most of the 1000 people who attend Secret Summer purchase a $75–$100 ticket because there are the most of those qualities. In fact in 2019 when we release tickets in April the first 100 $60 tickets SOLD OUT in 2hrs. That’s a testament to the strength of our following. That right there is your ROI and how to judge whether or not what you are doing is working. At Secret Summer all of your drinks are free all day! No other festival can claim this. The first year we actually gave the food away in the ticket price too but that was a huge disaster as people hoarded plates and left half eaten plates all over the place.

For example Pinknic charges you a $90 ticket for the privilege to then sell you glasses of Rosé at $15 a pop. They on top of that sell you a $20 ferry ticket which is actually $2.75 at the ferry…Then on top of that they had to cancel their Saturday event because of the heat and the mayors office issuing refunds (but many people never received that refund and had to write in to request it) so how do you sustain an event with that kind of bad blood…? Other festivals like GovBall everything is for purchase and at a price of $120 plus everything you spend your budget goes up sharply. Then there are the raves in NYC where you pay a very cheap price to be crammed in a small warehouse etc with 7k other sweaty people gyrating. If that’s your thing. At $60 that’s a good value but again nothing is included.

#2 THE QUALITY OF THE DRINKS

To qualify as a cocktail it must have 3 ingredients. 2 is just an emergency and 1 is a problem. Its no secret that the cocktails at Secret Summer are of the highest quality. What Secret Summer does that is so unique is that we pair major liquor brands with ingredients from local farms to create pure magic in a glass. The freshness and quality are evident at first sip. I have attended too many other events and liquor expos where the quality of cocktail is basic and not about the complete experience. From House of Suntory to Aperol to Aldez Tequila, and newcomer Chinola, what the attendee gets is not only exposure to brands they have never heard of but a connection to local farms in their community. This wholesome experience adds to the total picture and rounds out their opinion of the brand itself. In many ways this is why the brands participate.

#3 THE BRANDS, SPONSORS, & PARTNERS

To participate in Secret Summer, a brand has to meet the festivals Aesthetic and match the level of quality. This high level of brands and the integrity of their activations are precisely why the overall experience is so great. Brands that invest in the overall quality of their experience reap the rewards of a depth of brand equity and brand value. How nice it is to effect someone so deeply that they become a fan for life all because of their experience at Secret Summer

#4 THE VENUE

The Foundry in LIC is by far and away the best event space in NYC and an Instagrammer’s dream. This coveted private venue is usually regarded for private events and weddings almost exclusively. This is a rare chance for 1000p to dance and celebrate under its turn of the century stone and ivy decked walls, its rustic cobblestone courtyard and myriad of nooks and crannies crammed with unique artists and eye catching interactions. Just 1 stop from Manhattan and a 20% Lyft discount ride away. The venue is hard to beat.

#5 THE PERFORMANCES

What is different about Secret Summer from other events is that there is no stage. The performances happen all around you all the time for the entire day. You may wander from the Albra room to the courtyard and back again thru the green house and see 4 different performances. This year we had High and Mighty Brass Band headline the festival by playing “MTV Unplugged” style in the round with everyone right there…Meanwhile Chinese dragons surprised guests while wandering thru the courtyard

Posing for pictures, delighting attendees, and interacting with everyone. The festival opened with 2 DJs spinning for a total of 4 hrs setting the mood before the band. In the other rooms guests found bespoke haiku typewriter poetry, the Secret Summer Clique of interactive dancers, hand crafted water color portraiture, psychics, face paint, magicians and more!

#6 THE FOOD

A Small hand selected group of food vendors supplied the eats for 1000p festival goers from BBQ to Tacos, Dumplings, Ice Cream, Mochi, Grazing Platters, afghan comfort food, and more…The wealth of local delights were everywhere and just a short walk away.

Secret Summer after 5yrs is still largely a secret to many people but something tells me this won’t last for long…

xoxo

Tyler Hollinger

HighLife Productions

—

THE COUNTRY’S ONLY FARM-TO-BAR COCKTAIL FESTIVAL

SECRET SUMMER RETURNS TO THE FOUNDRY FOR THE 5^TH YEAR IN A ROW

ON AUGUST 4^th

New York, NY (July 31, 2019) — Secret Summer, a one-of-kind farm-to-bar cocktail festival, featuring unique food and drinks and musical performances will take place at The Foundry in Long Island City (42–38 9th St) on Sunday, August 4^th

The 5^th annual fete and immersive summer garden party, produced by Tyler Hollinger of HighLife Productions, Andrew Maturana of RAPT Hospitality and Allison Du Val of The Foundry, will welcome 1,000 attendees and feature seasonal farm-to-bar cocktails, unique food vendors, and live musical performances throughout the sprawling venue that includes a 3,000 square foot Main Hall, Garden Courtyard, Greenhouse, Albra Room, and Terrace.

The festivalwill showcase and serve up drinks from the world’s most prominent spirits brands like Aldez Tequila, The House of Suntory, Westward Whiskey, Aperol Spritz, Gem & Bolt Mezcal, The Long Drink, Runa, Mr. Black and more…that will pair perfectly with The London Essence Co: Fine Mixers from distilled essences, and Blue Point Brewery.

“This year, we are excited to be partnering with local farms , Brooklyn Grange Farm (Brooklyn Navy Yard), Windfall Farm (Montgomery, NY), Gotham Greens (Greenpoint Brooklyn + Hollis Queens), Bowery Farming (Manhattan) Lucky Dog Farm (Hamden, NY) and Lani’s Farm (South New Jersey, Bordentown) for the first time to supply the Secret Summer festival cocktail program with some of the most beautiful, local ingredients the season has to offer.” said event producer Andrew Maturana.

KeVita Sparkling Probiotic and Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Co. will also be on hand, serving their light, delicious and refreshing beverages, while Polar Seltzer and Harmless Harvest Coconut Water will be there to help keep guests hydrated. Elmhurst Milked is offering a variety of delicious iced lattes and coffee with 100% plant-based milks. Guests will be able to drink sustainably with HAY! Straws made from natural wheat stems that are 100% biodegradable. Delicious food offerings include a sustainable raw bar by MF Events and the return of Crazy Taco Mex, Cash Only BBQ and newcomers including Nansense NYC and Mama Margarita’s.Secret Summer gets even sweeter this year with Tipsy Scoop serving liquor-infused ice cream treats up to 5% ABV to satisfy everyone’s appetites and compliment the flavorful libations.

This year’s performers include High & Mighty Brass Band, DJ Dastan, DJ David Hohme, and Mira Fahrenheit. Secret Summer has also teamed up with LYFT to offer festival goers a discounted ride to and from the fest.

Farm-to-bar uses the same ideology that the farm-to-table movement has brought to our food. These vibrant seasonal sippers are prepared with only raw, peak-season ingredients sourced from local farms and paired with the best quality spirit brands on the market. These locally sourced items are skillfully incorporated into the Secret Summer program in many different and exciting ways. Secret Summer’s farm-to-bar program is our way of sharing and celebrating a lifestyle of wholeness, happiness and a passion for quality ingredients and experiences.

About Secret Summer:

Secret Summer is the nation’s first and only “Farm-to-Bar” cocktail festival. It’s a celebration of sustainable mixology, fresh eats, music, art, dance, fashion and more. Vibrant seasonal sippers are prepared with only raw, peak-season ingredients sourced from local farms and paired with the best quality spirit brands on the market. The Foundry in Long Island City provides the perfect location for the party. The fully restored 19^th century building boasts 3,000 square feet of raw space with a lush outdoor courtyard that will be open to ticket-holders offering up stunning views of the Manhattan skyline along with a gorgeous indoor Greenhouse. General admission tickets begin at $125, which includes unlimited cocktails and beverages and access to all rooms and performances. For more information, visit www.secretsummernyc.com

NYFW Rocky Barnes

HighLife was tapped by Rock Barnes x Cashmere 360 to cultivate the food and beverage program for the launch of the Rocky Barnes collaboration with Cashmere 360 during the NYFW launch of their Soho pop-up in 2019. Talum inspired bites like the marinated red snapper tacos, grilled ripe mango tajin, and homemade blue corn masa empanadas were on the menu while guests sipped on spicy/smoky prickly pear margaritas and luxe pineapple agua frescas.

Aquarius NYC – Interview with Tyler Hollinger

Aquarius 2019

The Nation’s First and Only Sustainable Seafood Festival, Aquarius, Returned to the Foundry in Long Island City on January 26.

The 2^nd Annual arctic-chic Aquarius festival, highlighting sustainable seafood and cocktails took place at The Foundry in Long Island City on Saturday, January 26th. The fully restored 19^th Century building, which boasts 3,000 sprawling square feet of space and offers up stunning views of the Manhattan skyline along with a gorgeous indoor Greenhouse, played host to this year’s sold-out event. The stunning space was filled with delicacies from the sea that were perfectly paired with complimentary spirits. Aquarius comes to life each year courtesy of the talented producers of Secret Summer, Tyler Hollinger of HighLife Productions, Andrew Maturana of RAPT and Allison du Val of The Foundry.

Sustainable seafood offerings were as vast as the ocean. MF EVENTS had a raw bar filled with oysters served three ways. Midtown Greek hotspot Kellari Taverna,CA’PISCI in Williamsburg, Crazy Taco Mex, Neapolitan Express and My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream all offered up delicious snacks as well. Awe-inspiring accessories were available to purchase from Nuun Watch Official and Penelope Traveling Boutique. Guests commemorated the magical evening with photo shoots in the 4Five Photo Booth. Immersive experiences took shape throughout the night with Winter Burlesque from Karina and two all-star performances from Hudson Horns that brought down the house. The night’s soundtrack was provided by DJ Sasha Hart with guitarist Neon Jesus in the main room and DJ Ryan Vandal in the Albra Room. Revelers were able to warm up inside or outside by lit firepits.
World class brands were also brought on board for this exclusive party. Coney Island Brewery provided craft beer and hard sodas. Barr Hill Gin & Caledonia Spirits, Tanteo Tequila, Spring 44 Distillery and The Finnish Long Drink and Ketel One served up their premium spirits. Ardbeg & Oysters offered guests Ardbeg 10YO Bloody Marys and the 10YO Long Islay paired neat with Oysters for purchase from MF Events. Polar Seltzer Water and Töst and Harmless Harvest Coconut Water ensured guests stayed hydrated all night long. Guests were also able to sample ginger beers from Fentimans Botanical, and sparkling probiotic drinks from KeVita.

Secret Summer, the country’s only farm-to-bar cocktail festival, will return to The Foundry on August 4^th. For more information, please visit: http://secretsummernyc.com

Aquarius 2019

AM NY interviewed Tyler Hollinger about the Aquarius festival’s sustainable seafood.

“Sustainable seafood isn’t on the minds of people the way it should be,” Co-founder Tyler Hollinger says.

Read the whole interview >

Secret Summer 2018

The Sold-Out Thousand-Person Farm-to-Bar Cocktail Festival, SECRET SUMMER, Returned to The Foundry on August 12

New York, NY (August 13, 2018) – The country’s first and only farm-to-bar cocktail fest, Secret Summer, returned to The Foundry in Long Island City for the fourth year on Sunday, August 12th. The sold-out summer garden party, produced by HIGHLIFE PRODUCTIONS, served up seasonal drinks from the world’s most prominent spirits brands. The day-to-night event of the summer also featured a variety of savory and sweet food vendors, musical and theatrical performances. Man v. Food host Casey Webb awarded Suntory Whisky Toki™ the best cocktail medal for their Toki Twilight, made with the Japanese blended whisky, sparkling sake, sustainably grown citrus, green tea and Pepquino syrup.

Hangar 1 Vodka kept guests cool with Rose Spritzers, Lavender Lemonades and a choice of herbs from a Hanging Herb Wall to complete their cocktails. Brugal 1888 had an immersive rum tasting experience and served up Spicy Mai Tais and Charred Cherry Highballs perfectly complemented with dessert. Brockmans Gin created the Perfect Serve and Earl of Wight and Blue Point Brewery served a Plum Gose-arita in addition to their summer beers from an oversized yacht. Tanteo Tequila created Spicy Jalapeño Margaritas and Bellinis at the main bar. Fentimans botanical drinks were also on hand along with Harmless Harvest, Urban Leaf, Polar Seltzer, Kevita, Rebbl, Patent Coffee and TÖST to keep guests hydrated.

Areppas, The Choripan, Sophie’s Cuban, San Matteo, Wisefish Poke, Mama’s Margarita Salsa, My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream and Van Leeuwen were on hand to satisfy everyone’s appetites. Secret Summer musical performers included Sitar & Tabla, Hungry March Band, DJ Kieren Taylor, Kaoro Wantanabe Taiko Drums and Moon Hooch. And the Uprooted Flower Truck was parked at the event, selling hand-crafted flower crowns to guests in attendance.

Farm-to-bar uses the same ideology that the farm-to-table movement has brought to food. Vibrant seasonal sippers were prepared using only raw, peak-season ingredients sourced from local farms and paired with the best quality spirit brands on the market. Secret Summer’s farm-to-bar program is a truly unique way to share and celebrate a lifestyle of wholeness, happiness and a passion for quality ingredients and experiences.

About Secret Summer:

Secret Summer NYC is the nation’s first and only “Farm-to-Bar” cocktail festival. It’s a celebration of sustainable mixology, fresh eats, music, art, dance, fashion and more. Vibrant seasonal sippers are prepared with only raw, peak-season ingredients sourced from local farms and paired with the best quality spirit brands on the market. The Foundry in Long Island City provided the perfect location for the party. The fully restored 19th century building boasts 3,000 square feet of raw space with a lush outdoor courtyard that was fully open to ticket-holders offering up stunning views of the Manhattan skyline along with a gorgeous indoor greenhouse.

For more information, visit www.secretsummernyc.com

Services provided: Overall Creative Direction, NYC Culture Creation, 360 Degree NYC Event Production, Strategic Conception & Planning, Innovative Experience Design, Immersive Experiential Marketing, Venue Sourcing and Logistics, Brand Activation & Partnership Farm-to-Bar Mixology, Farm-to-Table Cuisine, Vendor Sourcing & Contract Management, Event Marketing, Event Ticketing, Branding Program Analysis, Metric Measurement, Compliance and Regulation, Talent & Influencer Booking and Management, NYC Model Staffing

A Hamptons Getaway

HighLife Productions was tapped by WHITMAN INSIGHTS to put together this private Amagansett feast for 10 people. including 4 Passed Bites, 5 Main Stations, Desserts, Cocktails, and more. HighLife Productions signature “Farm-to-Bar” cocktails made the transition from day to night easy as these dog days of summer toast our dreams and infuse our hopes. A memorable Hamptons Indian Summer.

Services provided: NYC Event Catering, Cocktail Design & Mixology, NYC Model Event Staffing, NYC Event Design, NYC Event production

Norwegian Real Estate Funk

Highlife Productions was tapped by the 50 top real estate producers in Norway to create a memorable company bash that celebrated all things Brooklyn. Venue sourcing, performance curation, farm-to-table catering, model staffing, bespoke burning (wtf?) cocktails and more were on the menu for the night. This intimate corporate event for 50 VIPs started out classy but became an all-out old-time-rager complete with costumes, games, and more. HighLife put together the complete immersive experience, bringing out the funky vintage loft we have always dreamed about living in bespeckled with funk and fun! Mara Kaye crooned the night away with Rapt affairs providing the bites. This was surely a night Norway would never forget!

Services provided: NYC Event Catering, Cocktail Design & Mixology, NYC Model Event Staffing, NYC Event Design, NYC Event Production, Musical Talent Acquisition & Booking, Venue Sourcing and Management.

Aquarius

AQUARIUS is a celebration of new ideas in sustainable seafood farming, catching, and sourcing. Aquarius is the eleventh astrological sign in the Zodiac. The Aquarius constellation is a summer constellation in the northern hemisphere. Under the tropical zodiac, the sun is in Aquarius typically between January 20 and February 18. The event featured many delicacies of the sea as well as a bevy of sustainable seafood purveyors and premium wines and spirits.

HIGHLIFE partnered with RAPT EVENTS and THE FOUNDRY LIC to create a one-of-a-kind 360 degree immersive experience like none other. Guests entered the Foundry gates from an arched stone passageway, followed a twinkling, dimly lit path to a hidden entrance into the first room of the Aquarius event. There, ticket-buyers were greeted by ice fairies and ushered into the arctic-chic white-out room to pose and play in front of a myriad of photo opportunities to capture that perfect Winter-chic insta-moment. As guests made their way through the space, they discovered a multitude of seafood purveyors, vendors and restaurants offering delicious canapé and amuse-bouche featuring only fish, crustacean and bivalves sourced (exclusively) from the ‘Aquarius’ seafood sponsors. Along with all the wonderful bites guests enjoyed live burlesque and aerialist performances, interactive art, custom design/lounge corners and a performance by NYC’s HIGH & MIGHTY BRASS BAND to cap off this winter wonderland extravaganza.

“‘This is an event for 21 to 40-year-old millennial hipster foodie fashion-forward people who love great cocktails and love great food,’ Tyler Hollinger says when I press him to identify who his forthcoming sustainable seafood and farm-to-bar cocktail event, Aquarius, is for.”

Keep reading at Garden Collage

Secret Summer announces their new annual Winter concept ‘Aquarius’; a celebration of new ideas in sustainable seafood farming, catching and sourcing.

Keep reading at Socially Superlative

As you meander thru the space check out lush greenhouses, performers, innovative mixology, and immersive experiences. Plus feel good about eating and drinking, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to New York City’s Sustainable fisheries and shellfish farms. (now that’s cool)

Keep reading at We Heart Astoria