Thinkery's Imagine That: A Night of Play and Purpose

The Thinkery Imagine That Gala is Austin’s most playful evening of the year. A celebration where guests are invited to rediscover the joy of play through vibrant entertainment, creative experiences, and meaningful connections.

THE CLIENT VISION

This year, the Thinkery set out to take its beloved Imagine That gala to the next level, transforming it from a casual, walk-around event into an elegant, seated experience. With tables for every guest, exceptional local catering, and thoughtfully designed moments of fun, the vision was to create an evening that blended sophistication with the museum’s signature spirit of play. The goal: make this year’s gala the standout event of Austin’s gala season.

THE PLAN

Our team collaborated closely with the Thinkery to bring this elevated experience to life. After several years of hosting sip-and-stroll style events within the museum, the 2024 Gala marked a new chapter — one that called for a fresh approach and a new setting. Just a few blocks from the museum, Branch Park Pavilion in Mueller offered the perfect balance of open-air sophistication and neighborhood charm.

To meet the challenge of creating a full-scale seated dinner in a venue without a kitchen, we partnered with Contigo Catering, whose team executed an exceptional dining experience for 300 guests. The menu showcased local flavors and hospitality, setting the tone for an evening that felt both refined and joyfully relaxed.

Visually, every detail echoed the Thinkery’s playful identity. The invitation inspired the color palette, a mix of bold hues and bright florals that filled the pavilion with energy and imagination. From whimsical balloon-winged greeters welcoming guests at the entrance to fidgets and toys from Toy Joy placed on every table, the design celebrated creativity in every form.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

From start to finish, the Imagine That! Gala captured the essence of play, curiosity, and connection. Guests sparkled — literally — at the glitter and gem bar, which became the surprise hit of the evening. Across the room, laughter erupted as attendees experienced Austin Energy’s Van de Graaff machine, watching their hair stand on end in true Thinkery fashion.

Despite the venue’s long, challenging layout, our experience, detailed planning, and walkthroughs ensured a smooth flow from registration to dinner to entertainment. The result was an event that felt effortless, a seamless blend of fun and elegance that kept guests engaged all night long.

By the evening’s end, guests, staff, and board members alike were reminded of what makes the Thinkery so special. The gala raised over $350,000 to support Thinkery’s educational programs, but it wasn’t just a fundraiser; it was a joyful expression of the museum’s mission: inspiring curiosity, creativity, and community through play.