Graphics Holiday Party

How do you create a winter wonderland – a blanket of candy-candy themed fun – inside an industrial warehouse? A fun extravaganza of activities, food, music, dancing and photo fun...in less than five weeks? The answer to both questions is simple – you call Underwood Events.

Quad/Graphics has long been known for its phenomenal holiday parties – planned and orchestrated entirely by internal volunteers. For the first time in 2017, they reached out for help from Underwood Events; the bar was high. UE wanted to honor cherished Quad traditions while also infusing new energy and merriment into the day.

A stark warehouse setting was a clean slate on which to build the festive landscape, but it also required everything to be brought in. It took three days to set up for the party, and UE had just a single day to tear it all down again so Quad could get back to work.

The theme? Red and white, of course. Massive balloon art – candy canes and Christmas trees - added height and color. Tables were topped in vivid red table clothes, accented with white chairs. Props built by Quad’s employees stood sentry as they always have. A stage hosted the traditional caroling done by the children with Quad executives, and a local theatre group presented their own hilarious retelling of the 12 Days of Christmas.

The food? Delicious delectables from the company’s own Quad Cuisine. A fully functioning ice cream truck from Sticks and Cones served up cold novelties, and inside a cozy gingerbread house, kettle corn popped, and the inviting smell floated cheerfully throughout the party.

The activities? Too many to count! Kids could drive a race car in the video arcade, bounce in inflatables, draw on virtual graffiti walls, play with giant Lite Brites, and hop aboard a train and carousel. Every child also received a gift-wrapped, Quad-printed children’s book. For the entire family, a backdrop in front of a custom-built fireplace was a perfect photo op.

UE added live music to the party for the first time ever, and the popular local band, The Boogie Men, belted out disco tunes and filled the dance floor the whole day. Of course, a holiday party would not be complete without a visit from Santa.

By the end of the event, 7,500 guests spent the day eating, drinking and making merry. The party was truly a joy to create and hopefully, it’s put UE on the nice list with the big guy!