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The ‘Reflections on the Waterfront’ gala evening, which has taken event specialists Orion eight months to plan, was staged as part of the annual Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT) conference, which took place at the The Arena and Convention Centre in Liverpool.

The event was hosted inside a giant glass-sided marquee placed in front of the city’s Liver Building. The temporary pop-up pavilion took over a week to construct and measured 1,700sqm in size.

Inside the venue, guests were greeted with indoor waterfalls and an electro swing band. Patron Chef Paul Askew and his team from the London Carriage Works at Hope Street Hotel were also on hand to provide a Liverpool-inspired menu.

Karl Dolan, creative director at Orion, said: "I am delighted to say that the event we designed and delivered was a success. So many of the guests commented on the fantastic location in front of the Three Graces and on the scale of the luxurious marquee that we created for their important social event.

"The food by Paul Askew and his team was outstanding as were the many extra-special touches we delivered across the night - from the wall of fire as guests arrived, to the wall of water within the marquee, and my own personal favourite the vintage ice cream van complete with tonibell chimes which appeared as if from nowhere once the party was in full swing."

Dolan explained the success of the evening demonstrated how Liverpool's Pier Head works well as a venue for corporate and conference hospitality.

Pauline Coulter, the ACT’s commercial director, said: "The party Orion developed with us for the gala evening, which is the social highlight of the conference, was a big departure from the formal sit down dinner we have had up until now. I am delighted with the results.

"Delegates started the evening with a sunlit walk from the ACC to the marquee and on arrival were treated to a stylish and contemporary evening in a stunning setting with split-level VIP lounges, waterfall curtains, aerialists and live music. It was a great night to remember."

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