Open Doors Gala at The Loading Dock | Roaming AI Photo Booth Experience

We recently returned to the annual Open Doors gala at The Loading Dock, and this year we decided to introduce something completely new.

In addition to our traditional roaming and stationary photo booth experiences, we brought a roaming AI-powered photo experience that transformed guest images in real time.

The reaction said everything.

Using AI to Extend the Event Theme

One of the concepts we developed specifically for this event involved transforming guest clothing colors to match the Open Doors logo and branding.

Guests would first take a normal roaming photo, but moments later the AI-enhanced version would reinterpret the image with color palettes inspired by the organization itself.

Watching guests react to seeing themselves become part of the branding was one of the highlights of the night.

It turned the experience from “taking a photo” into something much more interactive and personal.

Giving Guests Multiple AI Style Options

In addition to the branded color-shift concept, guests could also choose from several additional AI styles throughout the evening.

Some selected a watercolor-inspired look while others gravitated toward a glamour-style portrait aesthetic.

That flexibility became part of the fun.

One of the most interesting things about AI experiences at events is how quickly they become conversational. Guests begin comparing styles, discussing which version they like best, and encouraging friends to participate as well.

That social interaction naturally builds energy throughout the room.

Roaming Experiences Keep the Energy Moving

For this event, we used a roaming setup that allowed us to bring the interaction directly to guests instead of waiting for them to approach a fixed booth.

That mobility becomes especially valuable during cocktail hours and nonprofit galas where guests are actively networking and socializing.

Rather than interrupting the flow of the evening, the roaming setup becomes part of it.

Guests can stay engaged with the event while still participating in the experience and receiving their images directly to their phones moments later.

A Stationary Booth Still Matters

Alongside the roaming AI experience, we also provided a stationary photo booth setup throughout the event.

There’s still something timeless about guests gathering together for a more traditional booth session, especially during fundraising events where groups of friends, sponsors, and attendees want a shared keepsake from the evening.

Having both roaming and stationary experiences created variety throughout the event and gave guests multiple ways to engage depending on the energy of the moment.

Training the Next Generation of Attendants

This event also gave us the opportunity to continue training one of our newer attendants in a live environment.

One of the things I appreciated most was how naturally she interacted with guests right from the beginning. Technical knowledge matters, but guest interaction and energy are equally important in live event work.

People remember how you made them feel.

Watching newer attendants grow into the role and gain confidence at live events continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of building these experiences.

Why Events Like This Matter

The Open Doors gala continues to be one of those events where guest participation genuinely elevates the entire atmosphere.

Between the roaming AI concepts, the traditional photo booth experience, and the willingness of guests to fully engage with the activations, the event felt interactive from beginning to end.

And honestly, I think that’s where live event experiences are headed.

Guests no longer want to simply attend events.

They want to become part of them.