We’re having a party! A week from today, the winner of the iQ prize will be revealed. We thought we’d celebrate with a party at the Source Bar.

I asked Cory-Ann, who along with Liz, is planning this event of the century (or at least of 2009) what she’s been doing to get ready.

Randall: What venues did you look at for this party? And why did you choose the Source Bar?

Cory-Ann: I looked at four venues, and rang countless others. With venue inspections it’s not really about what’s good or bad, but rather what suits your event the best – the exception being the one nameless venue which would have required our guests to either climb 4 flights of stairs or brave a small, stuffy elevator with the faint smell of urine.

For the iQ Prize, my directions were to find a venue that was a bit quirky. The Source Bar has a really cool pipe-like sculpture that goes through the middle of the room – I was sold.

R: What else goes into planning this party?

CA: Well food and booze are pretty much the two most important things. Liz and I will get to pick the canapes, which may involve something fun like blindfolding each other and playing pin the tail on the food menu, whilst Morgan will wield the almighty credit card which controls the bar.

Unfortunately picking a “cool” venue means requirements like where to put a projector and screen. Those requirements aren’t so straightforward, so another venue inspection is in order. When we’re there we’ll also work out things like lights, PA, decorations, and where to hide the novelty cheques.

So far the only volunteer for the ipod has been yourself – should I brush up on my Michael Bolton lyrics?

[Note: I volunteered my ipod for the event because all Michael Bolton songs involve a key change, and everyone knows, climactic key changes make a party]

R: What are the judges doing now?

CA: Right now the judges are relaxing – all the work is going to take place during the day on July 8, when the shortlisted teams come in and do their presentations Dragon’s Den style.

R: What are you doing day to day to get this party ready?

CA: At the moment the main thing is informing the judges and shortlist, then it’s just about getting the word out and sorting out all the requirements that I mentioned before, plus building an extensive list of things we have to take which ranges from highlighters to 8 bottles of champagne.

R: Anything else you want to add?

CA: Come along! (but please email me first).