InDELible Magazine Spring 2019 | Page 14

Meet Wayne Harth Director of Membership Services and Special Events For 36 years he’s been a force in the hospitality industry, entertaining and dazzling people with his inimitable events. Now at The Del, four years strong, he is the creative visionary, in charge of wowing guests with set design, interactive entertainment and magical touches. Wayne orchestrates Beach Polo at The Del, Hallo-wine & Spirits, Gary Sinise’s Father’s Day Beach Concert & BBQ, Chanukah on Ice and the New Year’s Eve gala (to name a few), in addition to masterminding the 54 annual events for The Del’s private members. His inspiration: I love flipping through magazines and seeing the trends in fashion, music and movies. Our New Year’s Eve gala was inspired by The Greatest Showman film. I produced a high-end circus with a “freak show” cocktail hour featuring a bearded lady, muscle man and tattoo man with plenty of photo opportunities for the guests. During dinner we had a trapeze act, hula hoop show and a big production, opening dance number. His style: I like events to be interactive. I hate it when you just sit and eat for hours. I went to Spain a few years back and fell in love with flamenco dancing, so I designed an entire party around dance from flamenco to salsa and tango. I love incorporating entertainment in between courses, so people really feel they are at an event. His thoughts on working at The Del: Are you kidding? I am the luckiest guy in the world. They let me do what I do best. The Del has grown a lot in the last four years since I have been here—in how we represent ourselves and the type of parties that we do. We push the envelope and we deliver major experiences. People walk away saying, “That was crazy. I have to come back next year.” 14