Challenge’s events

Challenge is a not-for-profit organisation that supports children with cancer. The Challenge Slumber Party is a 24-hour
kid-centric sensation where kids aged 7 – 14 are invited to come together to play games, while the Challenge Ball is an annual fundraising event, which raises money for the organisation’s member families.

These two different events provide guests with the opportunity to forget about the rigors of hospital treatment, to connect with those in a similar situation and to catch up with supportive people they have met

Last year, Challenge worked with the event co-ordinators at Hilton on the Park to breathe new life into these events with unique theming, fantastic entertainment, exceptional catering, and new and innovative fundraising ideas. Over 500 people attended the Challenge Ball and the organisation managed to increase funds by ten per cent compared to the previous year.

Spacial separation

Spacial sensitivity is very important when setting up an event. Having too many different things going on in one room can be overwhelming and can also mean that certain aspects are dominated or disrupted by others. Separating different parts of the event from each other allows people to focus on one aspect, which ensures they don’t miss a thing.

In 2011, the Challenge Ball was held in the Grand Ballroom at Hilton on the Park. A three-course dinner was served and later guests danced the night away on the dance floor to the music of a live band. Items for auction were displayed in the foyer area away from the hustle and bustle of food service.

For the Challenge Slumber Party, the Grand Ballroom was transformed into a kid’s wonderland filled with Play Stations, jumping castles, dance machines, pool tables, a roving magician, face painters, board games and photo booths. Game rooms and cinemas were set up through the use of partition walls. When the kids finally decided they’d had enough excitement for one night, they were able to head to the quiet area to get some rest.

Innovative lighting

It may seem menial, but the way a space is lit has a huge impact on the overall atmosphere of the event.

For both events, Hilton on the Park organisers utilised LED lighting to adjust the colour of the room, which created an atmosphere that suited the individual event briefs.

For the Challenge Ball, pin-spot lighting was used to individually spotlight each table, as well as speaker podiums and the stage for a special performance.

Advanced technology

The use of modern technology can assist in taking your event to the next level to make it exciting and memorable, as well as smooth running.

For the Challenge Slumber Party, movies were screened using a projector, which enhanced the overall cinema experience. Additionally, Hilton on the Park has high speed wi-fi internet access, which makes the event space even more accessible.