Versant Ventures at The Boca Raton — Live Engraving for a Havana-Inspired Executive Event

When it comes to impressing C-level executives, the bar is high — and Versant Ventures delivered a remarkable experience at The Boca Raton Resort on May 15, 2025. Set against the elegant backdrop of this iconic South Florida venue, the event blended old-world charm with luxurious hospitality, complete with live music, a cigar roller, and a tactile, customized experience: live hand engraving on metal Zippo lighters for each guest.

For two immersive hours, my team and I engraved over 75 metal lighters on-site, adding names, initials, and meaningful phrases in real time — all as part of an intimate, highly curated gathering designed for the top tier of leadership.

A Havana-Inspired Night of Luxury & Detail

The evening’s theme — Havana Nights — infused the atmosphere with rich textures, Cuban jazz, warm lighting, and timeless touches. Guests were welcomed with hand-rolled cigars, finely plated hors d’oeuvres, and personalized keepsakes — each one reflecting the spirit of the event.

As CEOs and executives mingled poolside under the stars, they were invited to bring their brushed metal Zippo lightersto our engraving station, where we inscribed their initials, names, or messages while they watched. With the sound of engraving tools delicately etching into metal, the experience added an unexpected layer of interaction to a luxury networking event.

A Customization Moment for Decision-Makers

This was not a mass giveaway. This was a deliberately slow, personal, and meaningful moment for each attendee — a way to give something memorable, masculine, tactile, and timeless. The lighters were not only part of the event’s theme, but symbolic of the attention to detail that defines C-suite hospitality.

With two artists on site, we completed over 75 personalized lighters in just two hours, working at a pace that allowed for interaction, storytelling, and individualization.

Why Live Engraving Is Ideal for Executive & Corporate Events

In the corporate world, particularly among executive audiences, gifting is often saturated with generic items. That’s why live, on-site personalization offers something truly distinct — it transforms a premium item into a conversation piece, a memory, and a brand touchpoint.

Here’s why high-end companies like Versant Ventures choose live engraving:

🖋️ 1. It Feels Exclusive

Guests don’t just receive a gift — they experience the creation of that gift, customized just for them.

🔥 2. It Aligns with Sophistication

Engraving evokes timelessness, craftsmanship, and confidence — all qualities that align with luxury and executive branding.

🤝 3. It Sparks Connection

In this setting, guests naturally talked about their engravings — comparing messages, watching the process, even asking for extras “just in case.”

🎁 4. It Complements Experiential Themes

Whether it’s Havana-inspired or wine-and-cigar nights, personalized items like lighters, flasks, or glassware beautifully reinforce the event’s aesthetic.

A Seamless Addition to High-End Hospitality

One of the reasons this activation was so well received was its seamless integration into the event flow. We set up discreetly with a polished engraving station near the cigar roller and cocktail bar, dressed to match the ambiance and blend with the décor.

There were no long lines, no delays — just smooth, professional personalization that enhanced the guest experience without disrupting the vibe.

From a planning perspective, it was low-maintenance but high-impact — a dream combination for hospitality teams, DMCs, and event producers managing tight timelines and elite guest lists.

Perfect for C-Level Gifting, Retreats & Dinners

While this event was a standout, we’ve also provided live personalization at:

• Investor retreats

• Board dinners

• Luxury brand launch events

• Executive golf weekends

• Holiday appreciation parties

Zippo lighters, leather goods, decanters, and fragrance bottles are all items we’ve engraved or embossed live, offering luxury experiences with practical takeaways.

Serving Boca Raton, Palm Beach & Beyond

This event was held at The Boca Raton, one of South Florida’s most iconic and exclusive destinations. But our services are available far beyond — we regularly travel throughout Palm Beach, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and nationwide for executive and luxury brand events.

Whether you're hosting at a private club, waterfront estate, or five-star resort, we bring refined personalization, handled with precision and professionalism, every time.

Let’s Celebrate Your Next Event

If you're planning a brand activation, executive appreciation event, or high-touch hospitality experience and want to offer your guests something personal and unforgettable, I would love to connect with you.

Learn more at www.ahandfulofletters.com, follow behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram @ahandfulofletters, or reach out directly at hello@ahandfulofletters.com.

Let’s create something unforgettable together — one beautiful moment at a time.

XO,
Valentina