Many IIEM students use creative approaches to document their event planning experiences. Here’s an example of an event that was inspired by Shark Tank!

Writing about a corporation can be daunting and difficult as many companies are too big to deal with for student researchers. The IAEE (International Association of Exhibitions and Events) held a three-day convention at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA from December 6th to the 8th, 2016. A small showcase of this convention was an up-and-coming corporation called Loliware that develops multi-colored, multi-flavored edible drink cups. With landfills rapidly filling up with plastic and paper drink cups, this product goes a long way to keeping our environment green.

Loliware was chosen for the reality show called “Shark Tank” where entrepreneurs go before investors (the “Sharks”) to pitch their idea and looking for funding. Two young ladies went before the “Sharks” and impressed them to a large degree. Chelsea Briganti and Leigh Ann Tucker met each other at the Parsons School for Design in NYC. They entered a food-based competition and made a big splash with their idea. Experiments with a plant-based gelatin called Agar and a molding process brought about what is now known as Loliware. The cup is translucent, sturdy with cold drinks inside, vegan-friendly and the best part is that you can eat! Loliware calls their cups biodeg-edible.

Chelsea and Leigh Ann appeared on Shark Tank in October 2015 and wowed the “sharks” looking for a $150,000 investment. To get the final $600,000 they needed, they agreed with two of the Sharks, Mark Cuban & Barbara Corcoran for a 25% stake in the company.  At the December IAEE event in Anaheim, a special VIP room was set aside for Chelsea and Lee Ann to introduce Loliware to the attendees. Bartender Lyndsy Smith served people who wished to try the cups, cold drinks from the bar. Along with glassware, Loliware products were laid out on the table in plastic wrappers.Chelsea and Leigh Ann were walking around the room wearing their customized Loliware T-shirts and there was the room was abuzz about Shark Tank which made the whole evening fascinating. Cheeses and crackers were also served by two ladies from the Banquet department. 

The event was a tremendous success and a celebration of the entrepreneur spirit. Looking forward, an obvious choice for Chelsea and Leigh Ann to showcase their range of products would be the upcoming Natural Products Expo West in March at the Anaheim Convention Center.