Shanghai’s event planners are always on the lookout for something new, exciting and different. As expectations rise, event planners are finding it more difficult to create parties that please a wide range of clients from multinational companies to couples organizing weddings.

Organizers of a recent 1990s class reunion party made a conscious effort to add little details that make a big impact with guests. Those who attended were amazed at a poster with the words “Waiting for You in Youth” and the tablet “Grade 6, Class 2” at the entrance. The venue looked like a 1990s classroom with blackboard, desks and chairs and textbooks. Photos, awards and certificates the students used to receive were posted on the wall.

Music from that era set the mood and those in attendance were swept with feelings of nostalgia for their childhood. Each attendee was invited to share their experiences over the past 20 years. At the end of the party, teachers wrote down new wishes for their former students.

The party was a success.

People are accustomed to having dinner and going karaoke singing for a class reunion, so this party stood out and was something the guests will remember.

Tina Huang, a human resources manager, says Chinese people enjoy parties, especially ones with themes, more these days.

“I have attended a lot of interesting parties such as a Halloween costume party, ladies only party and cocktail house party,” Huang said. “Each of them had different decorations and themes, which combined to set the mood.”

Lilian Feng, a veteran party and event planner, said local people have much higher expectations now.

“Parties are now more than a simple gathering,” Feng said. “People want a new experience, stunning visuals and more activities.”

She says clients come in a wider age range compared to before.

“People from 25 to 35 years old used to be our major customers,” she said. “But now we have an increasing number of children and middle-aged customers who want a special celebration for a birthday or class reunion.”

The difficulty in planning a creative party, in Feng’s eyes, is changing people’s outdated ideas about what a party is supposed to be. She and her team usually spend a lot of time talking with their customers to discover their true needs.

Creative and fashionable party venues are much in demand across the city. They provide a variety of event options including birthday celebrations, wedding receptions, company year-end gatherings and Christmas parties.

The following venues are known for their flexibility and excellent service.

@Dream Catcher

The villa on tranquil Fanyu Road provides a home-like setting for events.

Since opening six years ago, Dream Catcher has hosted numerous parties, many planned by Feng.

She said she organized a Chinese Halloween party. Women were asked to dress like ghosts from Chinese legends. At the end of the party, the most beautiful ghost was given an award. Sets and costumes from ancient China added an elegant look.

At a Christmas party for EMBA students, Shanghai Daily newspapers were made into a lovely Christmas tree. Clowns were also invited to children’s birthday parties to perform magic tricks and make giant bubbles.

Traditional costumes, accessories and souvenirs were prepared for people who attended a party set to the backdrop of Shanghai in the 1920s and 1930s. Retro themes usually make for popular parties, Feng said.

A family with many children held a private party at Dream Catcher. The family moved from Ningbo to Shanghai around 100 years ago and has witnessed the city’s changing fortunes during that time. The party started with a sand painting show that depicted the family’s history over the past century.

A group of elderly people also hosted a grand party in memory of their time as educated youths in rural areas. The party was a tribute to youth, where local delicacies of the rural village were shaped into the form of the village’s logo and name. A series of old photographs and songs also combined to create a nostalgic atmosphere.

Address: 324 Fanyu Rd

Tel: 6280-1266

@Hyatt Regency Chongming

Hyatt Regency Chongming opened this new meeting center — The Campus — in October. The venue is designed to resemble a university campus with Lecture Hall, Activity Hall and Classroom.

The Campus is designed to foster creative thinking and the exchange of ideas much like a university class.

Spanning 1,440 square meters on the ground floor of the hotel, the space feels intimate and warm. It brings meeting participants back to their school days with its brick walls, wooden desks and blackboards.

The Campus comprises a 210-seat Lecture Hall and five Classrooms, which can be used to host all kinds of conferences, parties or private gatherings. There are three conference rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. They are connected to a lawn that is ideal for outdoor team-building activities. All meeting spaces are equipped with Wi-Fi, high-tech audio system, LED screen and other meeting facilities.

In the center of The Campus is the Activity Hall — the hub of relaxation for conference groups. The Activity Hall is composed of two open kitchens and a bar.

Guests can speak with the chefs while enjoying Chinese and Western cuisine. The Activity Hall is also equipped with billiard tables, dart boards and foosball tables.

@1933 Shanghai

A vintage record player reflects the nostalgia of The Campus, making it a nice place for cocktail and dance parties. The Campus also has six song and games rooms offering karaoke, chess and card games.

Hyatt Regency Chongming says it is the first Hyatt hotel to introduce the “The Campus” concept in China and the second in Asia after Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok.

Cicy Li, assistant public relations manager with Hyatt Regency Chongming, said The Campus is particularly popular among companies organizing parties and team building events.

“Feedback from our guests has taught us that The Campus is very novel and interesting, which makes meeting and gatherings a lot more vivid and exciting,” said Li.

Address: 611 Liyang Rd

Tel: 6888-1933

@Cachet Boutique Shanghai

Cachet Boutique Shanghai is one of the city’s trendiest venues.

Guests can live out their wildest rock star fantasies in the Panache Penthouse. With an area of 160 meters and a host of decadent party-ready facilities, people can spend a memorable night at the Panache Penthouse.

A DJ booth, full bar, Italian Bisazza-tiled bathrooms with a circular Jacuzzi bathtub, a fully equipped kitchen and even a separate guest toilet provide the ingredients for a fun party.

Leayin Li, marketing and communications manager of Cachet Boutique Shanghai said they also provide party planning services for customers.

“It is a popular party venue that suits both individual and business needs,” Li said. “Families usually host private birthday parties while companies organize cocktail parties to promote their new products. It’s also been used to display jewelry from the world’s most prestigious brands.”

The hotel is located in a 1920s stone building overlooking Shanghai’s main commercial and shopping street of Nanjing Road W.

Owned and managed by Cachet Hotel Group, the 45-room hotel has undergone the beginnings of a spectacular makeover by celebrity fashion designer Jay Godfrey. A new lobby, art salon and new interactive rotating art gallery space provide loads of opportunities for event organizers.

Art is also a defining experience at Cachet Boutique Shanghai. In cooperation with Art+ Shanghai Gallery, curated spaces throughout the hotel showcase contemporary artworks and installations by local artists.

Address: 1388 Huamu Rd

Tel: 6169-8888 ext 6899

@Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai

The hotel provides guests with tailor-made events in its party rooms and at Adventure Zone, which are particularly popular with children.

Families can personalize their holiday or birthday party with flexible banquet facilities in the hotel. They can choose from options including floral centerpieces, cartoon character hosts, different photographic backdrops, matching theme setups and interactive games. Even a bouncy castle is available.

The Adventure Zone is designed to appeal to children’s fantasies. Covering an area of 700 square meters, the indoor playground and recreation center have three slides — Hyperglide Astra, Double Drop and Demon Drop.

The Adventure Zone slides and age-appropriate “play zones” were designed and built by UK-based Taylor Made, a leading manufacturer of children’s play equipment. More play facilities will be introduced this year.

The “Jingle Jungle,” “Pirate Ship” and “Circus Circus” party rooms overlook the slides and range in size from 23 to 65 square meters. They are ideal for birthday and holiday celebrations.

According to Vicky Tian, communications manager of Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai, the party rooms and Adventure Zone have attracted numerous expatriate families living nearby since opening in 2011.

“During school holidays, teachers and students also host school theme parties,” Tian said. “We offer our guests very personalized planning services based on their needs.”

Address: 1388 Huamu Rd

Tel: 6169-8888 ext 6899