Exclusive Access Has a Whole New Look

The stars of the recent Travel + Leisure “World’s Best” party at the Andaz 5th Avenue weren’t the leggy models manning the bars, the high-powered editorial and publishing executives working the room or the to-die-for lobster ravioli station that had guests leaving their modesty at the door.

The iPad took center stage at this exclusive event, where the traditional hard-copy door lists and laptop check-in stations were nowhere to be seen. Instead, a couple of finger taps on the sleek device confirmed whether guests’ names were on the list. Once inside, more iPads decorated the space as the centerpieces of several display stations, where they featured vivid shots of the destinations and hotels that made the cut on the 2010 World’s Best List. 

Looks like while we’ve been busy buzzing about the iPad’s use as an e-reader and laptop replacement, event planners have been using the device as a way to intrigue a population of partygoers who have seen it all, while combining functionality with style. 

-Andréa S.