Siebel

Last summer, Siebel Systems, one of the world’s top e-business companies, decided to reward its employees with a picnic. And not just any picnic: Siebel wanted to throw a good old-fashioned summer blowout that would rejuvenate, mystify, and inspire its guests.

But the company’s management was worried. After all, Siebel’s expertise is in selling Internet services, not organizing parties. So how could it possibly throw a bash good enough for its valued staffers?

“No sweat,” said Eddie Kertel of AEC when called upon to help. “We’ll show those people just how important they are.”

Working in conjunction with Enterprise Events and Innovative Entertainment, Eddie and AEC delivered on their promise. By the time it was all over, more than 3,000 guests had been treated like kings and queens at the Bay Meadows Racetrack in sunny San Mateo, California. They left their cares behind and attended to the more important matters of fun and play - if only for one day.

But what a day! AEC’s staff pulled together nothing less than a party wonderland. Guests were greeted by stilt walkers and jugglers, entertained by magicians and fortunetellers, and treated to shaved ice and popcorn. This was not your ordinary day at the racetrack.

Because the guests ranged from small children to seasoned grandparents, AEC provided a host of entertainment options suitable for all ages. Kids were delighted with Penny the Clown and face-painting booths, while older children (and adults) headed for the laser tag arena, the 28-foot climbing mountain, and the bumper cars.

Meanwhile, guests of all ages could be heard gasping to Paul Nathan’s unreal magic tricks and roaring with delight as friends took turns modeling for caricature artists.

As the day progressed, the party became more and more like a carnival. Colorfully painted children ran from booth to booth toting animal balloons and handmade crafts. Puffy bits of pink cotton candy floated through the air as adults bet on horse races and sat down to receive the tattoos they’d always wanted - temporary, of course!

Elsewhere, jubilant screams of joy echoed from the 30-foot slide and jumbo bounce houses. More competitive members of the bunch tested their skills at tug-o-war battles, water balloon fights, and volleyball tournaments.

Of course, no wonderland is complete without first-rate music, so it’s a good thing Papa Doo Run Run was there to rock the crowds with beach-party classics. Guests tapped their feet to the band’s upbeat sound while feasting on macaroni salad, corn on the cob, and thick, juicy hamburgers. While the wilder party animals chugged beers and sipped wine, the tamer (and younger) guests helped themselves to a generous selection of sodas and sparkling juices.

Several hours later, suntanned and restored, Siebel’s 3,000 guests trickled out of Bay Meadows, a little more decorated and a lot more starry-eyed than they had been that morning. It was a picnic they would never forget. But just in case, each guest carried several mementos of the day - from wacky caricatures to professional photos - to remind them of Siebel’s appreciation and AEC’s magic.