Celebrating and Looking Back on 20 years of So Cool Events

Twenty years ago, Meg and Dean Holderman opened their doors into the unique world of special events. Kelly Murphy and Bob DeFriest graciously hosted the Grand Opening in the Panache Events showroom. The entire product offering was limited to 72” round lighted tables, ice sculptures and centerpieces but the possibilities were endless with unique linen selections and So Cool Events' creative ice centerpiece designs.

Within the week, 9/11 brought the world to a standstill.

The industry reeled with cancellations as grief and fear overtook the country. Social events were critical for survival, and we were thankful for the opportunities and the trust that many top designers gave us, including Karla Dascal with the bold design shown below:

The country, the industry and the business survived; and in 2004 the name was changed to So Cool Events. With little more than a website, the business grew and a warehouse was purchased. Contracts were signed for a complete renovation. Three days later, the crash of October 2008 hit and before any funds could be disbursed, the bank holding the construction loan filed for bankruptcy protection. Event budgets were slashed, and revenues dropped 50%. So Cool Events again persevered and secured one of six SBA loans issued during the next six months in the entire state of Florida.

In 2009, the construction project was complete and the So Cool eVenue opened with a Memorable VIP industry event.

With the down economy came more opportunities. Putting it all on the line, So Cool Events leveraged everything. The building next door was purchased in anticipation of future growth. It didn’t take long when a month later So Cool Events purchased the unique and vast inventory of furniture from industry partner and friend, Awny Khashoggi. Overnight, So Cool Events expanded into the Orlando market and became one of the largest furniture rental and décor companies based in Florida.

In 2020, it all came to an abrupt stop with Covid 19. Fear once again took over the country and we didn’t know if we could survive this time. Thankfully, social and corporate events resumed in January. We hosted the NCAA Football Championship and Super Bowl LV. Our Florida swing LPGA and PGA golf tournaments were the first to welcome back spectators. Events scheduled for California moved to Florida, including the Bit Coin conference with it’s much published Whale Party. Although our industry is still recovering, the future once again looks very bright.

Now, twenty years later So Cool Events is still standing, still growing, and still making events extraordinary. So Cool Events remains committed to working with industry partners and our clients in creating successful meeting programs with all the challenges created by Covid 19. We are truly blessed and thankful to all of those who helped us along the way.

With Orlando (Central Fl) and Miami (South Fl) locations and our trained and reliable Event Architects, So Cool Events is and will be there for you and all our valued clients.

That’s SO COOL!

Please Help us celebrate the last 20 years as we look forward to our next event with you!

#20YearsStrong, #Innovation, #KeepLookingForward, #Perseverance, #Reliability, #That’sSoCool!

Miami