As guests step into Fifty Four, they enter a world of unparalleled sophistication and luxury. Today, we're thrilled to sit down with Elvira Grau, the visionary entrepreneur behind Fifty Four NYC. With a rich background in events and public relations, Elvira's passion for creating unforgettable experiences has propelled Fifty Four to the forefront of the event industry, setting new standards for luxury and elegance. Her expertise and dedication shine through in every aspect of Fifty Four ensuring that each venue offers an unparalleled experience to its guests. From choosing the perfect venue to ensuring every detail is flawlessly executed, Elvira shares her insights on creating unforgettable experiences.
Elvira Grau, the visionary behind Fifty Four, is a true embodiment of the American dream. Born in Ukraine, Elvira immigrated to the United States, where she built her event production business from the ground up. Before venturing into the world of events, she honed her skills as a Marketing and Public Relations Executive, managing Fortune 500 clients, granting her a unique edge and perspective in her current role.
Despite language barriers and dyslexia, she leveraged her creativity and imagination to establish successful event venues. Elvira's visionary outlook first led to the creation of Space Events, New Jersey’s premier event venue. The amazing success of Space Events paved the way for Elvira and her partners to open Fifty Four NYC in Midtown East Manhattan.
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Elvira prioritizes her role as a mother alongside her husband, James, an Emmy award-winning television producer. Together, they manage Space Events and Fifty Four, infusing their venues with a unique blend of creativity, innovation, and a commitment to creating memorable experiences.
As she continues to lead Fifty Four to new heights, Elvira's journey stands as a testament to the resilience, determination, and limitless potential that women possess in realizing their dreams.
Keep reading to learn about Elvira’s 5 most important key factors to consider when planning an event!
THE VENUE
According to Elvira, selecting the right venue is paramount to the success of any event. "So many people spend so much money and end up choosing the wrong venue," she states. When considering your venue, it's essential to ask yourself key questions to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience:
THE MENU
"The menu sets the tone for your event," Elvira emphasizes. When selecting your menu, consider the type of menu or catering options the venue offers, ensuring diversified options to cater to all guests, and whether they can accommodate dietary restrictions, including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.
At Fifty Four, we have premier partner caterers who uphold the highest standards of quality and attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of your event exceeds expectations. Our fully-stocked bars, featuring two stunning marble bars and expert bartenders, promise an incredible experience throughout your event and our in-house mixologists specialize in crafting delicious cocktails tailored to complement your unique event, elevating every sip to an unforgettable experience. We pride ourselves on partnering with vendors of impeccable reputation, working hand-in-hand to bring your vision to life and create unforgettable moments at every event.
ENTERTAINMENT
Elvira believes that entertainment is paramount in elevating any celebration. Whether you opt for a live band, a DJ, or specialty performers, it's crucial to consider what best suits your guests and the ambiance of your event. When planning your entertainment lineup, explore the diverse array of talent available to elevate your celebration. Choose what resonates most with your guests and the overall vibe of your event.
"And don’t forget the lighting. It sets the vibe and the mood!" she adds, emphasizing its crucial role in enhancing the overall experience of the event. In addition to lighting, our venue offers advanced multimedia capabilities, boasting two projection screens and two plasma TVs, ideal for enriching your event with dynamic visuals and seamless presentations. Rest assured, our in-house inventory boasts top-tier equipment to meet all your event needs. With our stunning LED backlit walls and customizable ceiling panels, we set the stage for truly memorable celebrations, ensuring your event is nothing short of extraordinary.
DÉCOR & GRAPHIC DESIGN
"It all starts with a theme," Elvira notes. Collaborating closely with event planners and designers is key to bringing your vision to life. Whether you envision a vibrant color scheme, personalized motifs, or a nod to a specific era or interest, your chosen theme sets the stage for a truly unforgettable experience.
At Fifty Four NYC, we work tirelessly to transform our space into a visually stunning backdrop tailored to perfection for your special occasion. Whether you dream of personalized venue décor, customizable lighting effects, or branded LED ceilings, our dedicated team is committed to bringing event themes or branding to life in exquisite detail.
THE STAFF
"The right staff can make or break an event," says Elvira. Here are some questions to ask yourself: Does the venue offer party planning services? Is there a valet, coat/bathroom attendant? Are bartenders, waiters, and cleaners provided? Does the venue include day-of coordination? With meticulous attention to detail, our team collaborates closely with event planners to bring your vision to life. Additionally, our dedicated AV manager ensures flawless execution with top-tier equipment, providing assistance every step of the way to accommodate your specific requirements.
Planning an event is no small feat, but with the right venue, menu, entertainment, décor, and staff, your celebration is sure to be a resounding success. At Fifty Four, we're committed to exceeding your expectations and creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Contact our event experts today and let’s make your next event one to remember!
