Search Results

Every great event has a heartbeat. Sometimes it’s the quiet notes under a dinner speech, sometimes it’s the song that gets even the shyest guest on the dance floor, sometimes it’s a showstopper that makes jaws drop. But here’s the thing: none of that just happens.   Yes, you can book a DJ online. Yes, you can find a jazz trio on YouTube. But who makes sure the DJ doesn’t clash with the band, the trio doesn’t drown in chatter, or that the fireworks don’t fizzle out while the singer’s still tuning her guitar? That’s Maestro. The invisible hand that makes sure the whole evening has rhythm, not just a playlist.   A Few Stories We Love to Tell   One night at the Negresco in Nice, Roger Daltrey from The Who, Don Felder from The Eagles, and Dame Edna Everage shared the same stage. Sounds like the beginning of a joke, right? Rock legend, guitar god, and comedy diva walk into a ballroom. What actually happened was a cocktail of glamour, humour, and surprise that no one in the room has forgotten. That’s what Maestro does: takes chaos on paper and turns it into magic in the room.   Dame Edna Everage, Don Felder and Roger Daltrey walked onto a stage... Photography by Pat Denton Another time, we built a Gatsby party on a deserted island in the Maldives. We mean literally built it. A sandcastle sculpture, two days of hauling sound and lights by boat, a team spread across islands: all so a superyacht of guests could step into a world that hadn’t existed the week before. Ambitious? Definitely. Crazy? A little. Worth it? Completely.  Video by Karolina Dainotto Why It Matters   You’ve probably been to an event where the entertainment dragged, or the energy flatlined, or the “big moment” came five minutes too late. Those are the nights where there was no Maestro.   With Maestro, the performances aren’t just booked, they’re placed. The timing, the flow, the atmosphere - it all gets shaped so guests feel like the evening carried them somewhere.   It doesn’t matter if it’s a wedding for fifty friends, a gala dinner for five hundred, or a weekend of brand events. The principle is the same: entertainment should never feel like filler. It should feel like the soul of the celebration. Photo by Rowan Smith   The Secret Sauce Here’s the truth: most guests won’t even realise a Maestro exists. They’ll just leave saying “that was incredible.” And honestly, that’s the point.   The magic of Maestro is that when it works, it disappears. What stays is the joy, the laughter, the music that hit at just the right moment. And that, in our opinion, is the noblest art of all.   Want to peek behind the curtain? Our Maestro brochure shares more of the story. And if you’re already imagining your own event, we’d love to hear about it.

Peter Mackley - From Radio to Riviera Royalty Published in DJ Mag April 2013 "How did you end up on the French Riviera?" That's the question I get asked most frequently. The short answer is that I came over for summer work 20 years ago, and I'm still here. The longer answer involves a number of rather strange decisions and some huge slices of luck. It's a story that wouldn't have been the same if it wasn't for a summer job on a camp site, a karaoke bar in New Orleans, Shirley Valentine .... and a scratched  vinyl single of La Bamba! Would any of this have happened if it wasn't for Steve Wright! "That's who I want to be" said a 12 year old me! In those days he was an up-and-coming jock on late-night radio Luxembourg, and I was growing up in Belgium with no access to English TV.  My best friend was a little transistor radio and the presenters on Fab 208! Of course, Steve Wright went on to become a celebrity DJ and a household name. My path took me to the French Riviera, and a career as a radio presenter, "special events" DJ, Master of Ceremonies and now as event manager with Riviera Organisation! It's a career that has been exciting, challenging and rewarding, but, at the same time, it's amazing it ever happened at all! La Bamba was my first lucky break. I have never heard of this game since and perhaps it was unique to our school! Everytime La Bamba was played at a school disco, a circle was formed around the dance floor with one person in the middle. That person could choose to kiss anyone in the circle, who would in turn move into the middle and so on and so on. Of course, it degenerated into everyone kissing anyone sometimes more enthusiastically than others, and so teenage relationships were formed. How did that launch my DJ career? Well I was the only person in my school year that owned a copy of La Bamba. I found it in a second hand store and it was quickly the jewel in my growing record collection of almost one hundred singles. A friend of mine, Victor, had all the DJ gear ... but I had the music, and I had La Bamba !!! For that reason alone I became the DJ for all our school parties from the age of 13! Coming to the French Riviera was such a spontaneous off-the-cuff decision that it almost seems like destiny. At the end of the University school year, I had a regular summer job waiting for me at the University refectory but I decided to do something different! I borrowed £100 from a friend of mine and booked a train to Antibes - the next day. My plan was to get a job on a campsite and only chose Antibes because it was first in alphabetical order and it seemed like a good place to start! I arrived in Antibes early one morning in May 1988 and started knocking on doors trying to find work. I had enough refusals to start questioning the wisdom of my impulses, but by mid-morning I had landed a job on Camp du Pylone cleaning toilets. I was soon reluctantly moved to the reception as I spoke reasonably good English, and my adventure on the French Riviera had began! By this time, I had already clocked up quite a few DJ airmiles, mostly at the University of Sussex near Brighton. With my room-mate Mark, we had the highest profile radio show on University Radio Falmer imaginatively called "Pete'n'Mark". We won the award for best radio show several years running, but that was probably due to all the voting forms we filled out ourselves. Our first celebrity interview was Norman Cook, then of The Housemartins but future Fat Boy Slim. He amused himself telling us how few people listened to University Radio but we still claim credit for breaking him into the big time. Within weeks they had a top 3 hit and by the end of the year the Housemartins were at number one! Surely no co-incidence! Don't ask me what I studied! It's completely irrelevant, but the hours I spent each week preparing and presenting radio shows, pub quizzes and  organizing discos set me up for life! Every term Mark and I gambled our grant on staging the end-of-term disco! From memory, it cost us around £800 to rent the main hall, hire the DJ gear and print as many posters as to plaster every notice board on campus. We charged every one £2 to get in and we regularly made a massive £300 each which was a welcome supplement to a grant that could barely buy us enough beer. After my degree, things weren't going as I hoped. Having turned down an offer to become the University Entertainment Manager (it seemed more administration than creativity), I found myself working at the HMV in Brighton, my only experience so far of a big corporate structure. I remember being repulsed how everyone seemed to be "licking up" to their nearest manager then backstabbing them to try and get their job. On one December day, I had a visit from the regional manager offering me the job of manager of the Singles department (very tempting for someone with a long-standing obsession with the UK singles chart), but that evening I saw the film "Shirley Valentine", and the message came across loud and clear. There must be more to the world than this grey and miserable life I had created for myself. The next day, I quit my job and booked a flight to the other side of the world. Not surprisingly, my travels ended up back on the camp site in Antibes and that's where my adventure really started to take off. Three key moments in the next 12 months laid the foundations for my future career - a male beauty contest, a gamble that paid off in Monte Carlo and a rendition of Crcodile Rock in a New Orleans karaoke bar! I don't know why the in-house camp site DJ chose that day to have a row with his employer, but he walked out of his job just before he was due to host the annual Mr Pylone male beauty contest. It was one of the highlights of the summer calendar on the campsite and even the local press were present to cover it. Somewhat foolishly I offered to step in at the last minute and presented the show in English & French totally off the cuff with no preparation or notes. It could have been a disaster, but somehow I pulled it off.  It was to be the first of thousands of events that I would be responsible for on the French Riviera, and my prize was a job as the regular DJ on the campsite for the entire summer season. My pay was £20 a night but the rewards would be so much greater! After the summer season, I had no intention to go back to the UK. I still had my job in the office on the camp site and that was extended into the winter season. It was my boss Henri that suggested I contacted Riviera Radio, the local english-language radio station that I had on all day in the office. Following on from an enthusiastic application offering my services for voluntary work, I met up with the station manager Richard Yonge and to my surprise he offered me a trial show. This lead to regular shows 3 nights a week from 11-2. At the time I had no car, so after my show I'd have to hang around Monte Carlo for a few hours before catching the 5.20 train back to Antibes ... and then I'd need to be fresh to start work the next day at 9am! Crazy times - but totally exhilarating! As much as I was enjoying life on the airwaves, it wasn't making much money. Let's be honest, I was making no money and I had to fork out the train fare and the cost of a few beers. I arranged a showdown with my boss demanding full time work, but this was refused! In retrospect I'm surprised he didn't sack me for being so ungrateful for the opportunity he had given me, but at least he agreed to pay me the grand sum of £15 per show! Around the same time I was offered a chance to by a mobile karaoke machine for £10000. Jon and Errol were 2 wide boys from the East End of London. You wouldn't want to buy a second-hand car off them, but I was inspired after  seeing karaoke for the first time in New Orleans during a recent vacation. I was amazed at the excitement that was generated, mostly thanks to the presenter. I remember belting out a tuneless version of Crocodile Rock thinking if I could recreate this in France then I would be on to a winner! I went ahead and borrowed what seemed like a huge amount of money from my Dad in exchange for a second hand karaoke system  ... and a massive horse carriage to transport it all around. I persuaded my University sidekick, Mark, to join me promising great riches and the company that was to become Riviera Organisation was born! Looking back, how we ever managed to survive was a miracle. I was still living on the camp site and we ran the business from a caravan with no phone or computer or any idea how to run a business. No-one had heard of karaoke in France at that time, and there weren't even any French songs to demonstrate it. We had no real clients - only dingy bars offering us meal vouchers or a derisory percentage of takings. The whole venture was being sponsored by my radio career which ironically was taking off well now that I had decided to dedicate my energy to another project. The shows were getting more and more frequent ... and earlier and earlier. After a series of regular fill-in shifts mostly in the afternoon and a successful week-end show based on quiz questions and golden oldies, I was awarded the flagship breakfast show and all the profile that went with it. This led to dozens of gigs as a DJ or MC that I would run through my own company. I soon found myself DJ at star-studded beach parties during the Cannes Film Festival, hosting prestige awards ceremonies, organising cabaret shows starring top-ranked tennis players during the Monte Carlo Open and even presenting quiz nites in front of Prince Albert and other members of the Monte Carlo elite. The karaoke business may have been struggling but I was on a roll! People often ask me about career highs and lows, and there's no doubt that the highest high and lowest low came on the same day. It was a cold November evening in the early 2000's. Monte Carlo was hosting the World Music Awards and I was representing Riviera Radio. All the biggest selling music stars around the world were there and my mission was to capture a few fun sound bites for the next day's news bulletins. I'd attended the usual press conferences and Q&A sessions but then I struck gold big-time. Through some personal contacts, I managed to get into the VIP after-party. All the stars of the moment were  relaxed, having a good time and willing to talk. I must have collected together a dozen celebrity interviews. It was just one mega-star after another, and I was on a roll. Admittedly there were a few dud interviews amongst them: for my entire interview with Sean Paul, I thought I was talking to Shaggy (totally unforgivable as I had interviewed the real Shaggy a year earlier), the female singer from Aqua walked out on me when I asked her if she was embarrassed to be associated with such a terrible song like Barbie Girl ... and I conducted a one to one interview with the up and coming star Shakira without the faintest idea who she was! However, there was no doubt these faux-pas were more than compensated by some absolute gold dust. Britney was talking from the heart telling me how much she hated attending these sort of functions. Did I have the very first signs of her forthcoming breakdown?  Kylie play-flirted for the entire interview ... but the highlights of all highlights was an exclusive interview with Prince Albert. Prince Albert did not give interviews at the time, but despite his status and all the security around him, he's actually quite an accessible and very pleasant character. Our paths had crossed a few times previously and believe or not he regularly attends quiz-nites that I host every year in one of the Monaco restaurants, but at the time I was surprised and thrilled that he knew who I was. We chatted casually for a few minutes then I got out my microphone and asked if he would say a few words for Riviera Radio. There were a few awkward moments as security stepped in but again he surprised me by breaking with protocol and agreeing to the interview. For me it was the best interview I have ever done as I chatted casually to a remarkably relaxed and open prince. He told me how it was his mother, Princess Grace, who had the idea to start an English-language radio station in Monaco and how we were all doing her proud. He claimed to listen to my show regularly ("What else is there to listen to?") and he talked openly and candidly about life as a prince. It was an absolute gem! As I left the party, there's no doubt I was on the highest high imaginable. I had the material that would take my career to another level. I would be seen differently by my peers and listeners: a man of the stars who mixes with royalty. I foolishly texted the station manager promising some explosive stuff on the morning breakfast show. I was so keen to show off my work I went straight to production studio at 4 in the morning to start editing! What followed was the loudest scream of frustration ever heard, so long and loud that I'm sure it would have woken the Prince himself in the palace a few hundred meters away. Every single one of the interviews was on the same mini-disc and when I tried to play it, to my horrors of horrors, it was completely blank. To this day, I don't know if it was a faulty disc, a faulty player or whether I somehow erased it in my tiredness and excitement, but it led to 20 minutes of me lying on the studio floor screaming in frustration. Of course on a worldwide scale it's no big deal: no-one was hurt, no damage was done, no-one was sacked or even reprimanded. Worse still, I cobbled together some generic soundbites from the previous years event and I don't think anyone even noticed. At the time I couldn't even bring myself to talk about it as I knew I would sound like the fisherman talking about the one that got away. It was the most horrendous feeling imaginable, yet somehow totally insignificant. It seemed so important at the time, but the fact that actually it wasn't important at all made it a hundred times worse!!! Of course, I couldn't keep up the pace. Who could? In a typical day, I would be up at 4am. I would prepare my show and write the local news before going on air at 7! I would get back to my office around midday to try and develop a fledgling business then after a short power nap I would be out most evenings at a gig! Something had to give! It was clear to me that I had to prioritise my own business rather than someone else's, so in 2004 - very reluctantly, I quit all my roles at Riviera Radio. To this day, I still miss the thrills of being on-air, but I had far more important responsibilities. I was a father to two young daughters, I was a husband to my wonderful wife, Caroline, and my business was in that critical stage where it needed energy to grow or forever being condemned to a short-lived side project to my radio career. Now, over 15 years on, Riviera Organisation now operates from plush offices strategically located in Sophia Antipolis close to Cannes, Nice & Monaco. With my wife, we head an enthusiastic and passionate team of event organisers, production managers, sound & light designers, live performers, DJs and technicians.  It's a wealth of experience, talent, passion and enthusiasm, backed by full range of sound, light & audiovisual material and dozens of stylish accessories designed to maximize the overall event experience.  It's a long way from the early days of karaoke and early mornings on the radio, but the journey has been challenging, inspiring and rewarding, and shared with thousands of clients, suppliers and contacts all around the world.

“I remember when rock was young” ... the opening line of an iconic song and the moment that Riviera Organisation was conceived if not yet born. It was January 1990 in a packed New Orleans karaoke bar in the French quarter. I was a young late-night radio presenter on holiday, and I was having a blast. The crowd went crazy (or so I thought) and, to quote another famous lyric by Elton John, “I’d finally found where my future lay”. As I soaked up the mock applause at the end of my first ever karaoke experience, I challenged myself to create the same excitement, the same thrill, the same emotions in my adopted home of the French Riviera where karaoke was still a relatively new and unknown concept. Of course, it was never going to be easy and we did our fair share of empty bars and late-night basement clubs. Our best clients were paying us with meal vouchers, which was great for making friends but not much help paying the bills. Despite humble facilities, we went within a whisker of going bust, which at times seemed a slightly more attractive proposition than listening to another tuneless rendition of "Let It Be" with a heavy French accent. The key was remembering what attracted me to the French Riviera and the world of events in the first place. Our solution was to embrace the multi-national cosmopolitan community that shares the beautiful landscape and wonderful experiences that this region has to offer. By remembering the thrill of that first karaoke experience, we chose to offer a much wider range of quality international entertainment, which focuses on the joy and excitement that only live events can bring. As well as high profile radio shows, soon we were hosting hidden talent parties at legendary Monaco nightspots, quiz nights for the prince, gala dinners for global business leaders, fashion shows in St Tropez, themed events in the Cannes Film Festival, product launches for the world’s biggest brands, cabaret shows for the top tennis players, private parties in the homes of celebrities and auctions for charities that make a real difference to people’s lives. The entertainment became the cornerstone of the growth of Riviera Organisation - not just booking the entertainment but integrating it into the event, personalising it according to the occasion and always putting the guest experience first. Later this developed further to include technical production, decorative elements and a wide range of services covering the whole spectrum of events on the French Riviera. Now 25 years on, we measure our success not by the number and size of events we have been involved in, but by how much joy and excitement we have spread over the years. We take great satisfaction in knowing that the thrills I experienced firsthand in New Orleans have reached thousands of people across hundreds of events, not just on the French Riviera, but across the world.

Peter - Senior Project Manager Escaped the UK for a 3 month summer job in Antibes, and he’s still here over 30 years later. Almost sacked as a radio presenter for playing Cliff Richard in public but redeemed himself by allegedly reciting every single UK number one hit in chronological order. As a DJ, he spent hours observing the dynamics of events and the strange ways that people react to music and entertainment. He is an ardent supporter of Watford FC which is ten times more nerve wracking than even the most demanding event. Caroline - Managing Director Fully trained for the most difficult situations through a career involving wild elephants, savage wolves, teenage daughters and penguins. Guaranteed to be a success at whatever she puts her mind to, she is now the spirit behind all our events making sure they all have a conscience built on goodwill and good values with a responsibility that stretches far beyond the events themselves. In her free time, she plants flowers with a mission to improve the fragrances of the luxury perfume industry. She is also singlehandedly saving the world for the third time. Karolina - Project Manager Born in Germany to Polish parents then raised in Canada and now living is a France, rumour has it she can do simultaneous translations in 123 languages faster than Google. She is Riviera Organisation's living hard drive with instant recall of anything that has ever been published or even spoken of in the events industry. She prides herself in having quotes ready even before the clients have thought about contacting us Anthony - Project Manager Back in 2020 after a self-imposed 4 year hiatus in French Caledonia. He sensibly worked out that the best antidote to his high intensity start to his events career was to spend valuable time playing beach volleyball and swimming with turtles. He now plans to make up for lost time working an eight day week. Serge - Technical Manager If ever Mr Grumpy had an illicit affair with Einstein’s offspring, you be left with a lovable species affectionately known as nounours (teddy bear). Nounours are commonly seen tinkering with old machines, soldering cables to create a revolutionary gizmo that no one can see any use for until the day of the event when it single-handedly saves the day with technical wizardry that defies science. Richard - Entertainment Manager Our entertainment consultant is from the family behind the world’s first global DJ superstar, responsible for 3 UK number one hits and an international million-seller. Not bad for a cartoon rabbit. He is the creative energy and charisma behind so many events, with enough ideas to fill the Royal Albert Hall. He loves designing themed events as it gives him the perfect opportunity to put on an outrageous costume. Jo - Technical Manager Born into a family of event professionals, he joined the Riviera Organisation team in 2020 without a clue what he was letting himself in for. His mission is to make sure all our events are set-up tidily, on-time and to our high standards, which he still finds more relaxing than staying at home with a baby. His secret to staying calm on-site is to take out all his frustration on the rugby pitch. Honorary mention Mark - Co-Founder While everyone else was thinking of breaking into local bars, he was plotting global domination. He identified the potential and set out the long-term vision for the company. He left the company before reaching his goals in a brave attempt to become the next Terry Wogan. He has since reinvented marketing in both radio advertising and superyacht sales.

Founded by Peter Mackley in 1991, Riviera Organisation is an independently-run business at the core of a large network of professionals. A company small enough for each event to be important, and large enough to be sure of delivering the most outstanding results every time.  Our workforce is made up of multi-lingual experienced professionals from across Europe and beyond. How reassuring is it to know there’s someone who speaks your language and who shares your values?  ​ All our events are built on personal relationships with respected professionals who we have worked with for many years. These are people we can always count on, so nothing is ever left to chance.  We are blessed to live on the French Riviera all year round and have done for many years. Our unrivalled local knowledge means we can source those hidden gems that you just can’t find on Google.  We insist on quality all the way through. We provide the latest technology and stylish equipment throughout and we never stop looking and learning to bring the finest talent in the region and beyond. Over the years, we have contributed to the success of over 1000 events. Today, we use our wealth of experience to anticipate the minutest detail and to continue to innovate to keep achieving the best possible results.

Peter Mackley takes us on a tour of twelve of the French Riviera’s most stunning venues, with a personal view on why each one is special. You can contact him here for a free personalised recommendation for your own event. VILLA EPHRUSSI DE ROTHSCHILD For first impressions, nothing can beat the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Most private parties start with a saunter through the Spanish and Florentine gardens, then a view over the Bay Of Villefranche which TripAdvisor once rated as the most beautiful on the planet. Then, the event experience just gets better! The first view of the French Gardens and the magnificent Italian-styled palace is taken onto another level with the villa’s own dancing fountains. Add some live music, and I defy anyone not to have goose-pimples. The Villa has a serene yet sophisticated energy and as the sun goes down the whole setting comes alive with the most beautiful lighting. The venue lends itself to the most spectacular shows - some personal favourites are the bespoke video-mapping or the mesmerising “flying moon” heliosphere . Even better than watching the shows is watching the reactions of the guests who are experiencing them for the first time. Tip : Take your time to savour dinner in the French gardens. Some clients have a tendency to want to rush this to get on with the party - but it has to be one of the most amazing settings in the world so enjoy every moment. Fact: Baroness Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild was an eccentric lover of art and she filled the mansion with antiques furniture, old master painters, sculptures, and extension collection of rare porcelain. Among her collection is a games table that once belonged to Marie Antoinette, and a rug commissioned by Louis 14th. Riviera Organisation is an official events partner with the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and you can visit our dedicated events website for this venue here . CHATEAU DE LA NAPOULE This is magnificent castle right on the water’s edge near Cannes, and it has a completely different vibe to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild even though both make it to the short list of many clients. Its main purpose is as an Arts Foundation, and the vibe is much more cultured and relaxed. It makes sense to discover the beauty of the castle zone per zone. For example, for wedding ceremonies, there’s a hidden garden around the back then take the long walk round to take in the full splendour of the setting. The back terrace overlooking the sea has the most amazing view of the bay of Cannes, especially at sunset and then dinner in the courtyard in full view of the towers. The castle lends itself to a number of themes for corporate events - a Taste of Provence, or a Medieval Tale are a couple of popular ones. A personal favourite is when we have opera singers disguised as the castles most famous owners, Marie & Henry Clews. They’ll welcome guests with lots of fun facts about the venue, then later during dinner, they’ll reveal themselves as superb singers. Tip : For corporate events or for glamorous weddings, we can project a logo or emblem onto one of the towers. Fact: The castle was originally constructed in the 14th century, but it has been rebuilt several times. In the 19th century, it was actually a glass factory before being purchased by the Americans, Henry & Marie Clews who restored the castle to how we know it today. CHATEAU DE CASTELLARAS If I was to choose a venue for a personal celebration on the French Riviera then it would definitely be here at the Chateau de Castellaras. Sure, it’s close to my home and office, but there are many more reasons why this has always been my favourite. It has a more intimate, personal vibe compared to some of its more illustrious competitors, and events just flow seamlessly from one zone to the next. Often, we’ve organised events on national bank holidays and you can see the firework’s displays simultaneously across the entire Riviera, including the 30-minute extravaganza in Cannes. The view stretches along the entire Côte d’Azur with the perched village of Mougins in the foreground. It’s a popular choice for both private and corporate events. The Lord of The Rings launch party was held here once during the Cannes Film Festival. For weddings, there’s even a small chapel on-site for the ceremony, and 18 charming rooms where guests can stay. Tip : There are some stylish marquees from local companies that complement the castle perfectly. It’s like have one stunning venue inside another. Fact: The chateau was built in less than a year in the 1920’s. The architect, Jaques Couëlle, took inspiration from assembled architectural elements from the 12th, 15th and 16th centuries. LE BEAUVALLON I’ve seen my fair share of stunning venues, but Le Beauvallon blew me away right from my first visit. It’s the last remaining Belle Epoque building in the St Tropez area, and now completely renovated with such impeccable taste and attention to detail. The owner has collected together the most incredible art collection and the theme of contemporary beauty with a backdrop of timeless elegance runs through the entire venue. I also really appreciate the owner’s commitment to eco-friendly events, so everything that happens at Beauvallon considers our wider responsibility to the environment. The venue can accommodate up to 88 guests in 44 suites and rooms, so it’s ideal for those celebrations where privacy and discretion are paramount - and there can be a different style to the celebrations every day: a welcome drink on the North terrace, a gala dinner in the ball room, brunch by the pool … and how about clubbing in the famous Ito Pavillion, which is itself a work of art. On-site, there’s a gym, a cinema and even a dedicated karaoke room with plenty of accessories including real instruments. It’s impossible to get bored, but if you do - St Tropez with all its beaches, watersports and glitzy nightlife is just a short drive away. Tip : You won't regret arranging a fireworks display. There is a perfect viewing point down at the beach club. The fireworks will illuminate the skies above the bay of St Tropez with the iconic village twinkling in the background. Fact: The summer pavilion is designed by the Pritzker prize-winning Japanese architect Toyo Ito with Cecil Balmond. BELLES RIVES This for me is the true French Riviera experience, and the perfect setting to party in style. The Hotel Belles Rives is an art-deco hotel in the style of the classic French Riviera Belle Epoque, perched right on the water’s edge. It’s the perfect setting for a ceremony, a drinks reception by the sea, dining under the stars and dancing in the moonlight! It takes pride of its illustrious past including the association with F. Scott Fitzgerald, the writer of Great Gatsby. I’ve lost count of how many Belle Epoque and Gatsby themed parties I’ve seen here. It’s always a challenge getting everything set-up and ready for a party as it’s busy by day for the resident sun tanners and water-skiers, but I can’t think of a better location to party in style right by the sea. Tip : Check the dates of the Juan Les Pins jazz festival. Even if it makes the deliveries and logistics a little more complicated, it’s worth savouring the music by the stage of Le Pinede, which over the years has celebrated some of music’s most illustrious stars while uncovering some unknown gems. Fact: F Scott Fitzgerald made the Belles Rives his home in the 1920’s and it’s here where he took inspiration for many of his masterpieces. He also hosted many illustrious parties inviting celebrities from around the world for nights of champagne and extravagance. It’s F. Scott Fitzgerald who is credited with turning Juan Les Pins, and in some ways, the French Riviera into such a fashionable destination during the Belle Epoque period. CHEVRE D’OR It seems like the term “spectacular views” is over-used when talking about venues on the French Riviera, but it’s difficult to find a superlative that does enough justice to the breath-taking setting of the Chèvre d’Or. First of all, the village of Eze is itself a jewel of the Riviera, a beautiful perched village that’s just a stone’s through from Monaco - and what a contrast. As for the venue itself, it’s a refined luxury hotel with a 2 Michelin-starred restaurant, lush fragrant gardens and, I have to say it again, the most amazing views. It’s almost criminal not to visit Le Chèvre d’Or at some point during your visit to the French Riviera. As for events here, it’s difficult to think of a better setting for a wedding ceremony anywhere, followed by drinks on the panoramic terrace then dinner either in the gastronomic restaurant or on the terrace, Les Remparts. Take your pick. Tip : For musical entertainment, we recommend one of our acoustic strolling bands. They have the repertoire and the vibe to complement each stage of the event without intefering with the hotel’s strict music policy. Fact: The view stretches to the Italian Riviera on the east, and to the peninsulas just past St Tropez on the west. On a clear day, you can see as far as Corsica. SALLE EMPIRE The recent renovations of the celebrated Hotel de Paris are stunning, and the famous old building is now immaculate standing proudly over the newly restyled Casino Square - and that’s just the outside. Inside the Salle Empire is the most ornately decorated room on the Riviera with such precision and detail that it’s like sitting in a work of art. Of course, many of Monaco’s most glamorous events are held right here in the presence of Monagasque dignitaries and celebrities, and it’s the first choice for gala dinners for corporate events in the Principality. It is possible to host your own private casino here as a taster for visiting the most famous casino in Europe right after. Tip : For something truly exceptional, we can propose the most exquisite indoor mapping show that highlights all the beauty of the venue and traces all the minute details. Fact: Several James Bond movies have been filmed here, it’s a popular choice for Bond style themed events and all the drama that goes with them. CAP ESTEL Cap Estel is a five-star hotel 10 minutes away from Monaco and Nice. It’s hidden away on the water’s edge which gives it a very exclusive luxury feel. It’s the only venue I know where you can get married on a chess board! How symbolic could that be? It’s a beautiful mini peninsula with water on three sides and lush botanical gardens. Its family owned and retains its homely feel. It’s like hosting an event in your own billion-dollar luxury mansion. Cap Estel is truly a unique experience. It’s difficult to imagine this level of luxury and privacy right on the water’s edge so close to Monaco. Tip : If you can privatise the whole venue, your event experience will be transformed. Firstly, there will be so much more potential to what you can do, but more importantly, it will feel like you are inviting guests into your own home. Fact: The Beatles often resided at Cap Estel. Paul McCartney used to play his acoustic guitar by the pool. Inspired by the magical surroundings, they wrote one of their most famous songs “Michelle” during one of their stays at Cap Estel. CHATEAU DITER There’s no guarantee that Chateau Diter will still be hosting events by the time you read this, but, for the time-being, it’s still defiantly hosting the most illustrious parties despite a high-profile court case that is ordering its demolition. The venue is a spectacular Tuscan Renaissance-style villa estimated to be worth €57M. It’s been built up from nothing by a French architect, Patrick Diter, inspired both most grandiose Italian palaces. It’s hidden away on the outskirts of Grasse, so it’s quite a trek getting there - but wow, it’s worth the journey. For events, you’re spoilt for choice with so many splendid zones. The challenge is somehow guiding guests through all of them. There are several beautiful renaissance influenced gardens and a permanent Orangerie marquee for dining. Loud music will have to be inside, to avoid disturbing the volatile neighbours but that’s the case with most venues these days. Tip : The advice is to get in there quick while you still can. It might not be around for much longer. Fact: Some of the sights might seem familiar from the controversial Sky TV "Riviera" series telling some of the darker sides of the region, but this probably fits well as, like the venue, many of the parties here have been decadent and ostentatious. MONT LEUZE When I first worked at the site now known as Mont Leuze, it was still the Canadian University. Now it’s been restyled as an immaculate venue perched high on the Grande Corniche, so you’ll feel on top of the world overlooking the beautiful bay of Villefranche and surrounding locations. There are 3 terraces, each with a different charm, so it’s important to include all of them in the event experience. The Vista terrace is ideal for a wedding ceremony, the Terrazzita lends itself for welcome drinks or cocktails, and the suitably named “Roof of the World” can seat up to 400 guests for dinner. Mont Leuze has managed to maintain a homely feel, so somehow, you’ll feel like you are inviting friends to your own property even if it is just for a weekend. Tip: You’ll want to add some lighting if you’re dining outside on the terrace, and our festoon “stringed” lights will work a treat. SALLE DES ETOILES The iconic Salles des Etoiles is, without doubt, the most prestigious venue for events in Monaco and on the French Riviera. The “room of the stars” has hosted most of the world’s most famous celebrities in some capacity. For many years it was the home of the World Music Awards, and now it hosts the Summer Sporting Festival every year with an impressive line-up of music talent covering many different genres over 2 months. It’s also the venue for Monaco’s most extravagant fund raisers like the Bay de la Rose or the Monaco Red Cross Ball. It’s defining feature is is roof which can open-up in minutes, so all of a sudden, you’re literally dining under the stars or watching the skies light up with a huge fireworks extravaganza. The stars on stage mix with the stars in the sky Tip : Monaco’s most famous nightclub Jimmy’z is in the same building, so any partying can be extended through to the following morning - but make sure you book your table in advance. Fact: The first celebrity to perform at the Salles des Etoiles was Josephine Baker in 1974. This year, all being well, there’s be performances from legendary groups Simple Minds and the Black-Eyed Peas. NEGRESCO The Negresco is, for many, the defining symbol of the Cote d’Azur - an iconic Belle Epoque building which symbolises the Golden Age of the French Riviera. It was also the venue of from of my favourite events from the hundreds I’ve been involved in when we brought over one of my childhood heroes, Roger Daltrey, to perform for a private birthday party. The venue has the most beautiful ballroom, that some say was designed by Gustave Eiffel himself, and several adjacent function rooms meaning it can adapt to different needs. It also houses an impressive art collection built up by its recent owner Jeanne Augier. As one of my clients said recently, “it’s like dining in an art gallery”. The creator of this iconic Riviera landmark, Henri Negresco, was actually Romanian. He built the hotel in 1912 to attract the wealthiest of clients to the nearby casino. Tip : The main ballroom with its huge glass dome is beautiful, but the acoustics are challenging. You’ll need a multi-diffusion sound system to spread the sound evenly around the venue. Fact: It was at the Negresco that Louis Armstrong first heard the French song “C’est Si Bon”. He was so inspired that he went on to record his own version turning the song into a worldwide success. CHATEAU DE LA CROIX DES GARDES Nestled atop the picturesque hillside, Château de la Croix des Gardes emerges as more than just a luxury destination; it is a realm where legends come to life. With a storied legacy spanning over a century, this Florentine-style masterpiece was meticulously crafted in 1911 by Swiss industrialist Paul Girod. Commanding attention from its vantage point, the château stands majestically amidst lush woodlands and meticulously manicured gardens, an integral jewel within the esteemed 'Quartier des Anglais.' The echoes of its rich history resonate through the corridors, having hosted an illustrious array of guests - from cherished family and esteemed friends to celebrated celebrities and dignitaries of royalty. Tip : Discover the breathtaking beauty of this venue, while keeping in mind that production costs here tend to be on the higher side. Plan your budget accordingly. Fact: Legend tells that Hitchcock initially discovered the Château as aguest at one of its first parties held to mark the start of the CannesFilm Festival.

Everyone's talking about AI right now. It’s in our inboxes, our phones, even helping plan meetings (when it’s not accidentally scheduling them for 3am). It’s amazing, no doubt - and it’s changing the way we work, communicate, and create.   But if you’re planning a wedding, a milestone celebration, or a major corporate event, you might be wondering: “Do I really need an event planner anymore? Can’t AI just do it all?” Event planning at Château de la Napoule - Photo: Thomas Boyron   The short answer? AI is helpful - but it’s no substitute for a real, experienced, human event planner. Especially not here on the French Riviera, where things can be glamorous, unpredictable, and delightfully complicated.   Here’s why.   1. AI Doesn’t Know the Region - We Do   Planning an event on the Riviera isn’t just about choosing a venue. It’s about knowing which supplier just closed for August, which DJ is always late (but worth it), and whether a luxury villa in Èze is likely to annoy the neighbours if you want to party past midnight.   These are details no algorithm knows - but your planner does. We don’t just Google; we call, we confirm, and we already know the backstory.   2. AI Gives You Options. A Planner Gives You Confidence.   Yes, AI can generate dozens of venue ideas, send you colour palettes, and even suggest catering menus. But more often than not, it leaves you overwhelmed.   An experienced planner cuts through the noise and says:   “These two options fit your brief, your budget, and your vibe. Here’s why I recommend them.” And just like that, decision fatigue melts away.   3. AI Doesn’t Read the Room. Humans Do.   Planning events isn’t just logistics. It’s emotion, people, timing, nuance. Maybe you’ve got three generations of family to keep happy. Maybe you’re navigating corporate politics. Or maybe your best friend is having a mini meltdown over the seating plan.   A great planner knows when to step in, when to push back, and when to simply say, “Take a breath - we’ve got this.”   4. Local Connections Still Matter   AI doesn’t have a contacts book. We do.   That hidden-gem musician who never advertises but gives goosebumps to everyone who hears him? We know him. That lighting guy who can make a medieval chateau look like Ibiza for one night only? He’s on speed dial.   It’s these relationships that turn events from “well-planned” to unforgettable.   5. You Can’t Automate Trust   When it comes to high-stakes events - weddings, brand launches, once-in-a-lifetime celebrations - you don’t want a chatbot. You want someone who’s seen it all, solved it all, and still picks up the phone when something unexpected happens (and something always does).   We’re not just here to plan. We’re here to reassure, adapt, and make sure your event runs beautifully - whatever life throws at it.   6. Yes, We Use AI Too - But We Stay in Charge   At Riviera Organisation, we’re not anti-AI. We use it to help brainstorm themes, streamline checklists, and speed up admin.   But when it comes to creativity, taste, timing, and making sure your champagne is chilled and your guests are glowing - that’s still very much a human job. We make sure your champagne is chilled and your guests are glowing So… Should You Still Hire a Planner?   If you want your event to feel effortless, run smoothly, and actually reflect your personality or brand - yes.   Because while AI can help you plan a party, it can’t truly pull it off. It doesn’t have a sixth sense for drama. It doesn’t know how to charm a grumpy technician or calm a nervous bride. It can’t turn stress into joy.   We can.   And we’d be delighted to help.   Need help planning your next event? Let’s chat. (No prompts required.) Tel: +33 422 13 60 60

The whole event is a series of highlights one after another, but there’s still space for the most incredible surprise of all. These are the extraordinary moments of drama that guests will be talking about for years to come. Here's a fast-moving montage of many amazing shows that we have arranged at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, one of the most spectacular venues for events on the French Riviera. A personal favourite is the incredible Flying Moon show (heliosphere). A giant balloon rises on the horizon. Underneath is an acrobat performing a sunning visual show. She collects a sword then hands it from the sky to the bride and groom as they prepare to cut the cake. It's absolutely stunning! There's also the incredible mapping show, which is so much more original and personal than a fireworks display. The building itself becomes a canvass for a show that can be dynamic or elegant or a mixture of both. We have a number of ready-to-use templates that can be personalised with your own photos or videos. We can even add photos from the event itself on the day. What a way to tell your story! 5 more ideas for a wow factor: Personalised shadow dance show on the balcony; A full orchestra during the ceremony; A famous superstar performer; Cold fireworks and pyrotechnic effects around the garden; A drone light show For more entertainment ideas, please visit our main entertainment showcase or jump to the next page for ideas for live bands.

The French Riviera is the home to some of the world's finest upbeat acoustic strolling bands. You can navigate between different videos using the menu on the top left corner of the video. Here's our suggestion for a typical performance: 45 minute upbeat background music set during the drinks reception; 30 minute interactive singalong set between courses to step up the mood; 30 minute dynamic party set after dinner before the DJ takes over inside. A big advantage is that they need no sound system which is perfect for outdoor events with restrictions on sound. The Phly Boyz and The Troubadours are our favourite local options, and this video from the London-based Juke Joints perfectly captures the mood of upbeat acoustic events on the French Riviera. For more entertainment ideas, please visit our main entertainment showcase or jump to the next page for some suggestions for singers.

A joyful wedding celebration at one of the regions's most outstanding venues - the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild Welcome This is where the magic truly sets in, with a sprinkling of surprises that set the scene for an outstanding event. We recommend adding an acoustic guitarist or classical music to fill the air as guests soak up the splendour of the occasion. Tip: It’s worth pausing for a drink or a photo opportunity on the balcony overlooking the bay of Villefranche. It’s rated by TripAdvisor as one of the most beautiful views in the world. The Ceremony The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a venue like no other and its gardens and panoramic views offer several stunning settings for exchanging rings. It’s likely to be one of the most splendid ceremonies that any of your guests have ever seen anywhere in the world. Tip: Adding live music really does make a difference. A harpist, a string ensemble or an opera singer is a beautiful way to accompany the bride as she makes one of the most memorable walks of her life. Drinks Reception What better setting to sip champagne and mingle with guests? You’ll be surrounded by the most beautiful gardens with views of the villa, the love temple and the sea. Tip: The fountains offer a spectacular backdrop to the setting. Use them to accompany a special moment, they’ll surprise guests with the most magnificent show as the water jets and lights are carefully choreographed to your choice of music. Dinner As the sun goes down, the venue takes on a different kind of magic under the stars. The splendour of the villa will be enchanted by the most beautiful flowers with key features of the venue illuminated by scintillating lighting. Tip: We recommend our "warm & vibrant" lighting option that can be easily programmed to create different colours and moods then instantly tweaked according to the event flow or your personal taste. We suggest a warm amber glow, but you have complete control over the colours at all stages of the evening. The After-Party Inside, the venue is transformed into a contemporary nightclub with cutting-edge animated lighting and added starlight effects. Tip: It's important to make the indoor party zone the focal point of the event after-dinner. By adding lounge furniture and strategically placing the bar, guests are less likely to wander back outside and split the party.

Fun Facts about the French Riviera The South of France region is the driest region of France, rainfall is rare but when it comes you can experience spectacular downpours. You can expect around 300 days of sunshine a year in the South of France, You can expect around 300 days of sunshine a year in the South of France, making it the perfect backdrop for outdoor events. Nice airport is the busiest in France outside Paris with over 13m passengers most years. The convenient connections make it a popular location for destination events and means we can easily bring in world-class talent from Europe’s major cities and beyond. The French Riviera is the home of the world’s most expensive villa and penthouse. The Villa Leopolda in Villefranche is valued at $750m, and the top floor suite in the new Odeon Tower in Monaco is estimated at $400m. The region is also the home of many of the world’s biggest stars. Our personal favourite is the incredible mansion owned by Elton John next to a castle in Nice with stunning panoramic views on both sides. The world’s most famous stars descend on the French Riviera for the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix. We recall the excitement when Madonna took to the dance floor during one of our events at the Cannes Festival, then how empty it looked when she left with all her entourage. Monaco has its own English language radio station that broadcasts all over the French Riviera as far as St Tropez. Our founder, Peter Mackley, presented several hundred shows over a 15-year period and was host of the flagship breakfast show for over 18 months. The Monte Carlo Rolex Tennis Masters offers the biggest prize on the whole ATP tour, with the winner earning over $1m. The tournament has been won a record 11 times by Rafael Nadal, who has taken part in a private cabaret show that we organise every year starring the players themselves. Novak Djokovich, Roger Federer and Andy Murray have also starred off the court as well. Prince Albert has been the sovereign in Monaco since 2005. His mother, Grace Kelly, formed the Monaco USA association, which is the cornerstone of an excellent on-going relationship between the two countries. Every year, Monaco USA hosts a now legendary quiz which is attended by the prince himself, and he has been the quiz champion on multiple occasions. The French Riviera produces over 75% of the world’s luxury perfume from flowers cultivated and harvested around Grasse. It’s also the chosen location for parties for fashion giants like Christian Dior, Chanel, Estee Lauder and Bulgari. During the summer season, the Mediterranean is the home of the world’s largest mega yachts. The yachting community descends on Monaco every September for the world’s biggest yacht show, with over 30000 participants, and over 100 super yachts. The principality comes alive with music and extravagant events, planned by the world’s most prominent yacht brokers, charterers, managers, constructors and summer suppliers. The biggest trade fair of the year is the Cannes Lions with over 40000 delegates in 2017. It is now even bigger and busier than the Cannes Film Festival. All the world’s biggest tech companies are trying to outdo each other by organising the most memorable events, including Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Facebook. There is an urban legend that the first ever lemon tree grew in Menton. They say that when Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden of Eden that Eve took a lemon with her. She held onto it until she had found the perfect spot to plant it. She eventually found a place that was so beautiful it reminded her of paradise and planted the first pip in the Bay of Garavan! Perhaps the most stunning venue on the French Riviera is the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, host to dozens of magnificent events every year bringing in clients from every continent. It has the most beautiful gardens with the sea on both sides and an animated fountain show in the middle. As an official partner, we have created some of the most spectacular wedding celebrations and some of the most memorable event experiences here. Sophia Antipolis is Europe’s largest technopole, home to hundreds of Europe’s most innovative businesses. It is also the home of Riviera Organisation and twice we have been recognised by the British Chamber of Commerce and the Riviera Business Club, as runner up in the prestigious Business of the Year awards. The Nice Carnival is considered one of the world's major festivities. It dates back to 1294, making it the oldest and perhaps the original carnival celebration. These days, the two-week event attracts over a million visitors to Nice every year.

Let's imagine a more virtuous event industry ... From crisis comes opportunity We all know that this planet is our only home and that we need to bring about transformative changes to live in harmony. At Riviera Organisation, we're constantly reflecting on how we can do things better. There are many ways that our approach to planning events can make a real difference. By encouraging those around us to do the same, collectively we have the potential to at least preserving the planet's condition as we encountered it. Reduce transport – Are all the journeys truly necessary? The distinctive aspect of events on the French Riviera lies in the extensive travel people undertake, often spanning hundreds or even thousands of kilometers to partake. This very aspect accentuates the importance of our environmental awareness. Transportation stands out as the primary contributor to the environmental impact of events, presenting a significant avenue for effecting positive change. By eliminating unnecessary trips, streamlining deliveries, and promoting carpooling, we can potentially reduce up to 80% of the overall impact of an event. (www.ademe.fr ) Yet, numerous prospects still exist for the reduction of needless travel. Embracing local choices for entertainment, production, catering, and floral arrangements translates to fewer flights, reduced national road transport, and diminished reliance on refrigerated vehicles. Simultaneously, this approach infuses an authentic local and seasonal essence into your event. Saving energy – a fresher option A large part of energy consumption is, of course, linked to transport, but there’s also the power consumed during the event itself. LED lighting has successfully challenged traditional lights for quality which means everybody wins. Lower power consumption means lower costs and less pressure on the existing electricity circuits (and so less likely the need to bring in a generator). The bulbs also last longer meaning lower maintenance costs and less waste. Even, if a generator is needed, there’s now a new generation that can use a different type of fuel. Natural gas is so much cleaner, safer, and quieter that diesel should no longer be considered. All responsible generator suppliers will now, at the very least, offer a hybrid solution. For a company based on the French Riviera, you would have thought that solar powered generators would be the obvious choice. It’s not perfect as there is still an environmental impact of manufacturing the panels and the batteries. Yet, it’s still much better than the diesel option and it will become more common in the future. Certainly, there is an enormous potential for reusable energy within the events industry. For example, there are already new types of loudspeakers charged entirely by free energy from the sun - not just the speakers, but also the entire sound desk. It’s something to look out for and embrace as more solutions become available. What if we simply just use less power? Considerable energy savings can be made by scaling down the technical riders. Of course, the band will want the biggest sound system and the best lighting, but usually there's a sensible compromise with a more practical energy budget. Let’s communicate what energy is available and analyse realistically what is needed, then we can work together with the production team to find the best possible solution. Think local The French Riviera has a wealth of resources for the events industry, so why not take advantage of them? Not only will it save time and money, but it’s so much eco-friendlier. The benefits of optimizing transport have already been discussed, but this can be taken to another level with remote meetings via Zoom, using local crew and support staff instead of flying people in, sourcing the audio visual equipment from nearby rather than transporting lorries across the country, and prioritising the Riviera’s finest talent rather than flying performers in. Engaging a trusted local event partner, like Riviera Organisation, is one of the easiest steps you can take to ensure that your event will make sense. Doing so will guarantee synergies amongst all partners involved and save you time and money throughout the entire planning process. Sustainable decoration – avoid single use Events, by their very nature, are unique and ephemeral, but this doesn’t mean they have to be irresponsible. Single-use structures and one-off design accessories need to be completely rethought. « Upcycling » is becoming increasingly popular adding new value to objects that would have otherwise been thrown away. It makes sense for all furniture, bars, staging and design elements to be rented or re-used. The final personal touches can be added intelligently, then a fresh coat of paint can give a new lease of life. Some reusable materials like natural wood finishes are becoming more fashionable. Reusable or biodegradable fabrics can be used to create a natural yet elegant style. It’s all about the imagination of the event designer. Carpets are perhaps the biggest culprit of all! Do we really need to use as much? In 2019, over 6 million square metres of carpet was used at trade fairs in France – only 8% was recycled! The Cannes Film Festival is now leading the way following an outcry over the amount of red carpet wasted for its famous steps. Now, all carpet used during the festival is recycled or re-used. This proves it is possible, even if recyclable carpet is still under-utilised at events in France. Even so, there are alternative options, like renting better quality reusable carpet tiles or durable mats … or offering heel protectors to all ladies rather than carpeting entire pathways of gravel. Let’s challenge those creative event designers to be even more creative! https://www.zerowastefrance.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/rapport-moquette-zwfrance.pdf Minimise waste – less is more The standard of catering is a sign of prestige and affluence in France, but the amount of food that is left over at the end of an event is disturbing. Health regulations prevent it being redistributed, yet what is thrown away would feed a family for weeks. More is not necessarily better. Could having nothing left at the end of an event become more socially respectable than throwing good food away? Sure – most of the food is bio-degradable so this is not the biggest concern. Many local caterers have put into place CSG standards and should be commended for having taken great steps towards eco-friendly events. Others are just at the beginning of their journey. What about sourcing locally produced products or ecologically certified produce rather than food flown in from far afield. The French Riviera offers a variety of local delicacies, and as an added bonus, seasonal products abound with flavours. Many caterers now also offer delicious vegetarian and vegan options fit for even the most refined of pallets. Water should be a minimum requirement for all staff working at events, especially in the heat of the Riviera summer, but providing unlimited plastic bottles is clearly not in line with today’s way of thinking. A mobile water fountain makes much more sense, with reusable gourds or bio-degradable cups. Tap water with a mobile filtering system would be even better. Worse still are the lavishly packaged staff trays! Yes, they look good and taste good, but so much is thrown away. That’s not just the printed packaging but the metal utensils and real glasses – all put into giant bin bags with no chance of recycling. Multiply this by every staff member at every event they cater for and the result is astonishing. The clients or event organisers should not accept this. A self-service buffet with reusable plates, glasses and utensils is such an obvious alternative. Waste management should be on every event planner’s checklist and not just left to chance. In most parts of the world, including Paris, there are certified companies who specialise in coming in after events and treating waste. Yes, it’s an additional cost to the client but it’s also their responsibility, and there are so many areas where managing waste can even save money. (https://www.zerowastefrance.org/en/project/zero-waste-events/) Fireworks aren’t the only wow factor As the colours and shapes explode in the sky like a work of art, it’s easy to appreciate the impact fireworks have to bring a spectacular celebration to a climax. Though spare a thought for the many chemicals and small minerals released into the air. What about the leftover particles that fall to the ground that pollute the forests and the sea posing a risk to both wildlife and humans? The loud sounds can also cause fear, stress and anxiety in animals. These days, most reputable fireworks companies are taking steps to reduce their negative impact, but aren’t fireworks a little last century? After the initial squeals of delight, hasn’t it all been seen before? There are so many other ways to bring an event to a climax. Laser shows, light shows, and aerial drone shows may consume electricity and they are admittedly a temporary source of light pollution, but they are by far an eco-friendlier choice than traditional fireworks. Creative music or artistic performances can generate joy and excitement, that will be remembered years after the fireworks are forgotten. There’s something about the human connection and real emotions that can’t be built in a factory! What about a video mapping performance? It’s so much more original and personal. It can have a much more powerful impact without having to move guests to the best viewpoint. It can be used to tell your own story with a kaleidoscope of colour and an array of personalised graphics and special effects, including an intensive digital fireworks display? The financial cost is not necessarily more than a traditional fireworks display, but the environmental cost is incomparable. Reduce printing – let’s embrace the new technology Do we really need all those printed signs, especially when video screens or mounted iPads are a perfectly viable alternative option? What about invitations, ticketing or information? How much of this can be done digitally? There will be a new trend moving forward of hybrid events or “phygital” events. This is the creative merging of physical meetings with digital experiences, where “on-site” meets “on-line”. Printed signage will soon seem so last decade! Even if the printing is essential, shouldn’t we be prioritising recyclable materials and vegetal inks? Perhaps with just minor tweaks the printed material can be used again at several events! What about those printed T-shirts, jackets and staff badges? These should no longer be discarded as a consumable object, when they can be collected after an event and re-used. Making staff clothing from ecologically certified cotton or linen should now be the norm. Regular freelance staff should have their own supply of company-branded attire that they bring with them to each event. It’s common sense, but it still needs managing sensibly to avoid unnecessary waste and costs. Thoughtful gifts It’s customary to give away souvenirs or goodie bags at the end of an event, yet many of them are pointless publicity items that get stored away or, at worse, thrown away without being used at all. The obvious solution here is to make gifts relevant and useful, and, wherever possible, to make them eco-friendly. Why not think beyond disposable objects? Local produce like honey, olive oil or other regional delicacies in a glass jar are unlikely to be wasted, while you’re also supporting the local community and offering something with a relevance to the region. Otherwise, what about non-physical gifts like online vouchers, tickets to a local experience or digital photos and videos from the event? Oh, and beware the trend for cotton gift bags. You may think that they are eco-friendlier than their plastic counterparts, but research has shown that they need to be used several thousand times before having a lower environmental footprint! https://www.zerowastefrance.org/noffrez-plus-de-sacs-en-coton/ Good housekeeping - Treat the planet as your home So much progress can be made just using common sense as you would at home. You would think it would be a case of good housekeeping. If, as a guest, you use someone else’s facilities, you would be sure to make sure they were in the same state as when you found them - that’s common courtesy. As event professionals, we have to do inventories at the beginning of each event, and it’s our responsibility to return the site as we found it - that’s common sense, otherwise we bring it on ourselves to organise appropriate cleaning, repairs and waste collection. Why don’t we take on the same responsibility to the wider environment? At home, you would turn electrical items off when they are not being used so sure the same rules should apply in events, especially lighting of whole zones outside once guests have moved inside! It’s common practise for households to sort through their rubbish and dispose of everything in separate bins to maximise the potential of reuse and recycling. Not having enough time is not an excuse for not doing the same at our events. If only everyone applied the same principles to their behaviour at events as they would in their daily life, then already so much progress would be made! Eco-Synergy - prioritise likeminded partners and venues Of course, it’s so much easier if everyone is on the same wavelength with the same principles and goals. This is why, at Riviera Organisation, we’re building up a community of conscientious event planners who share our values and we prioritise event partners who are genuinely committed to making a difference. This adds value way beyond each and every event. The reputation of the whole region and industry benefits from more responsible planning. Collectively everyone wins and slowly the world becomes a better place. Voluntary donations The airlines do it, the major shops do it, so why shouldn’t we? We’re in touch with many privileged people with the means to make a real difference. We have the potential to encourage them to channel support easily and constructively to eco-friendly and social projects. By giving clients the option to round up budgets to the next €100, €500 or €1000 means contributing to a charity foundation planting trees around the world and supporting under-privileged communities. Reputable charities like www.goodplanet.org are making it easy for us all to get involved in worthwhile projects that are making a difference. It adds purpose and value to our events and our industry knowing that our work is making the world a better place. For example, at Riviera Organisation, we have planted a tree for every client we’ve had in our 30-year history. That’s now over 5000 trees - a mini forest generating a breath of fresh air every single day. https://trees.org So, why aren’t we already doing it? Without wanting to discredit the many companies who take eco-friendly events and sustainability seriously, it’s fair to say that the industry has built up a reputation for having an irresponsible attitude to the environment. It’s almost as if we have allowed ourselves to be exempt from common sense. In our quest to show ourselves as bigger, better, richer, and more successful, fortunes are spent on food, constructions and items that just get thrown away. Somewhere along the way, the event industry has lost touch with real values. This imposed break resulting from COVID-19, although tragic in many ways, is a golden opportunity. It’s a chance for all event professionals to reflect on our errors of judgement in the past, to change our mindset, and to eliminate our unsustainable ways of going about business as usual in a fragile world. Yet, we are still faced with the same resistance and excuses. Surely, in this day and age, these can no longer be acceptable: Budget – the client won’t want to pay for more expensive option Of course, there is a cost to some of these measures, although most of these can be offset by savings made elsewhere. There are significant gains to be made from reducing unnecessary transport, sourcing local partners, renting or reusing furniture, carpets and design elements, reducing superfluous foods or flowers that end up going to waste, or replacing physical signs with digital screens. It’s more about managing than increasing costs and, as event professionals, we can help with that. In any case, our view is that if something needs to be done, it should be done professionally, legally and responsibly. Cutting corners means taking risks, exploiting others to our advantage or making someone else pay. Why should the less privileged and the planet pay for our irresponsible management? The true cost should be factored into all budgets right from the outset. Time – it’s too time consuming to research or implement alternative methods Sometimes planning events may seem like a black hole eating up whatever time is available and more, but this is not an excuse. Planning eco-friendly and socially responsible events using a trusted local events company will be time efficient. You should be able to reduce your own on-site visits and production meetings, especially if you prioritise remote meetings and video conference calls. Tapping into a fully functional local network will save endless planning time with tried-and-tested logistics already in place, using a team who already know the venue and all its challenges and how best to integrate with the wider event team. Health & Safety - using eco-friendly materials is a fire hazard Security is paramount at every event, but there’s no reason why this should be any more complicated with an eco-friendly approach. Thankfully, the industry is developed enough to have a full range of certified eco-friendly materials. Like everything else, it’s about careful planning, checking all materials in advance and making sure that everything is done responsibly. Quality – local services aren’t as good as the one’s I can fly in We all prefer using the services that we know and trust, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they are better. The main reason for not using local suppliers is a lack of detailed knowledge and confidence in exactly what you will be getting. This is where your local event partner steps in, and they will be able to reassure you on the quality and other advantages of using local services. Of course, in some cases, you may not find exactly what you were expecting in this region, and there may be “better” alternatives elsewhere. However, if the client chooses to host their event on the French Riviera, doesn’t it make sense to have a local flavour running through the entire experience? Ignorance - I didn’t know there was an alternative Perhaps the biggest oversight is not communicating the importance of sustainable events and explaining clearly what each and every one of us can do to make a difference. We're convinced that every client and every guest would make more of an effort if they could just understand what they could do, and why it’s so important. Conclusion: The world needs events, they’ve been with us since the beginning of time. We need the event industry more than ever to connect and to rebuild the world as a community. More importantly, the world needs the events industry to think and act sensibly. Think less, think remote, think local, think responsible, and most importantly, think beyond the event itself. We are encouraging our event partners to imagine a more virtuous events industry, and to join us in our quest to make the French Riviera a region that cares on every level. We’re also reaching out to a new generation of event professionals who share our vision of values. The human mind knows no boundaries. But our planet does and together, we can make a difference. Responsible events are not an option or an after-thought, they are a way of thinking throughout the entire planning process. How we use our events to create value to benefit the wider community is something collectively we can all be proud of! With thanks to Comeeti for their inspirational and insightful Eco-Friendly events guide (in French)

Here's a selection of some musical attractions that will add a sparkle to any event. You can navigate between different videos using the menu on the top left corner of the video. These are ideal as a main attraction after the main course. Perhaps the best we've seen recently is the London based String Fever. They add a touch of British humour to their amazing music talent. Their movie quiz medley is loads of fun, but their "History of Music" show performed live in 5 minutes is just incredible. Here's five more of our favourites musical attractions for events in this region: Electric violinists; Disguised tenor singers; Choreographed dance shows Acapela rock band (with no instruments) Tribute bands like The Beatles, Abba or Queen For more entertainment ideas, please visit our main entertainment showcase or jump to the next page for ideas on dance shows.

It’s not just about the entertainment you book, but how it’s integrated into your event Who will be managing the talent, making sure they are perfectly briefed, on-time and raring to give a great show? Trust personal relationships, not algorithms. Next time you think about going alone on Google, ask yourself whether it’s a shortcut... or maybe just short- sighted Don’t cut costs on audio-visual equipment Going through the technical details may seem like an inconvenient detour but here is where the extra value is added or even lost. The equipment is only as good as the people behind it. Employ the best technical staff and motivate them to do the best for your event. Have a plan B Even on the French Riviera it can rain sometimes. Think through the worst-case scenario and plan for it. Chances are you won’t need it. Spend wisely Unless you have an unlimited budget, every euro needs to add value for you. Use your event planner to negotiate for you and to make sure there are no unnecessary or hidden costs. Get a great photographer Photos and videos help create eternal memories and goodwill. This will make the event everlasting. Successful events are 70% logistics and 30% creativity Never underestimate the importance of detailed set-up plans, precise scheduling and thorough briefs. The devil is in the detail and the majority of the work is done in advance. Check, double-check, and triple check everything. Pay attention to the event flow and all the transitions The event staff and the guests need to know what’s happening and where they are going at all times. Communicate clearly Make sure everyone is on the same page, and don’t assume that because you’ve written it, everyone has read it. Let the event breathe How people are feeling is more important than any running order. Stick to the plan but allow space for those joyous moments and unexpected surprises. Have no regrets Events are one-off occasions. There are no rehearsals and no repeats. Don’t leave anything to chance. Do it once and do it right! Enjoy the ride Let the event planner do the hard work so you don’t have to! They will add the experience to make sure everything blends seamlessly together throughout the event.

From imagination to reality 1 Discovery It all starts with an exchange of ideas and information. Here’s where your imagination meets our experience. This is when we establish the potential for your event and what contribution we can make. This can be arranged over the phone, on-site at the venue, or why not visit us at our Events Centre between Nice and Cannes? 2 Design This is the exciting part as we start putting everything together, and the whole event experience starts taking shape. It’s also where we evaluate the budgets and prepare a detailed proposal according to what’s important to you. 3 Details Here’s where we get to the nitty-gritty, fine-tuning all the details to make the event perfect for you. It’s when we put together the event team, and prepare the layout plans, the entertainment programme and the running order. 4 Logistics A successful event relies on successful logistics. This is where we take over to leave nothing to chance. We check, double-check and triple check equipment lists, delivery schedules, artists’ brief and finalise the detailed event brief, which defines the order of tasks and activities that happen on the day. 5 The Event Relax and enjoy the occasion, knowing everything and everyone is in good hands. Our team on-site adapts according to the dynamics and the mood on the night. You can spend time with your guests, enjoying the joy your event brings to the fullest. Contact us for a free 30-minute consultancy session, and let’s start turning your vision into reality. Remember, anything is possible and it’s easier than you think!