About
Ward & Ames Special Events is a National Emmy Award-winning full-service special events and video production firm headquartered in Houston, TX. Since its inception in 1982, the Ward & Ames team has garnered respect as one of the most exceptional and innovative event planning and production companies in the country whose strength is in the ability to design and create singular, flawless events and videos that continually define clients’ messaging.
Ward & Ames counts philanthropic organizations, corporations, government leaders and national associations among their many clients. In addition to corporate Global Town Halls and Executive Board and/or Shareholder meetings, the firm specializes in philanthropic, ceremonial, experiential, and sports related events. The in-house video department has been able to turn the company’s live events, cancelled by the pandemic, into virtual productions; many of which will be added to our video links, post “air” dates.
The events teams augment projects with carefully selected, exceptional contractors for each needed specialty. In the implementation phase we master-coordinate logistics between the venue and all the selected contractors through detailed organization and efficient time management on behalf of the client. We plan and manage all aspects of each event so that myriad participants also experience the remarkable productions for which Ward & Ames is renowned.
WARD & AMES OFFERS EXPERTISE IN ALL EVENT PLANNING, MANAGEMENT & PRODUCTION DISCIPLINES INCLUDING:
- Creative concepts, event theming and strategic planning
- An integrated approach to event design, management, and production
- Specialization in Pageantry, Opening/Closing Ceremonies, Global Town Halls & Shareholder meetings, Video Production and Final Banquets
- Site and venue research, survey, selection, contracting and coordination
- Event layout, design, and logistics coordination
- Entertainment, celebrity/speaker procurement, contract negotiation, production and direction
- Creation and production of scenic and set designs and CAD diagrams
- Coordination of and security for protectees, dignitaries and VIPs
- Sub-contractor and vendor selection and management
- Food & beverage design and implementation
- Theme design, graphics concepts, branding, invitation/program design consultation and coordination
- In-house video conception, story-boarding, filming and post-production
- Sound & light design for live and televised events
- Design and management of audio-visual production, services, and direction
- Design, coordination and implementation of décor, musical and theatrical entertainment, scenic elements, special effects
- Event budget consultation, construction, and management
- Adherence to national and international protocol requirements with coordination of VIPs and dignitaries
- Coordination and implementation of event security including USSS
- Event photography procurement and management of media and press needs
- Coordination of labor requirements
- Development of production installation and de-installation timelines
- Coordination of ancillary materials and script writing assistance emphasizing theme and guest experience
- Management of Run Of Show, Program Timelines, Stage
- Coordination and Management of Volunteers, Transportation, and Housing Needs
- Adherence to City and State codes
- Parking and Transportation Logistics
- Emergency Contingency Planning
- Assistance in Fundraising and Sponsorship-related cultivation
- Construction of Schedules of Deliverables and other event-specific materials
- Post-event wrap up meetings and evaluations
