In the event planning industry, tradition often takes the front seat due to its comfortability and ease of duplication. But why settle for the familiar when you can create extraordinary event experiences? Continuing our journey from our last discussion in Thinking Outside the Ballroom, we are diving deeper into how innovative lighting, dynamic staging, and engaging content can transform an ordinary event into an unforgettable experience.
Lighting: Painting the Event Space with Light
Typical event lighting often sticks to basic setups that highlight the stage but neglect the overall atmosphere of the space. A transformative approach involves using lighting creatively to paint the entire venue with light. Utilizing gobos and textured lighting highlights key areas and adds visual depth and engagement throughout the space, creating a more immersive experience for attendees.
A wall full of colors or the client’s logo spread across the venue can transform a ballroom into a truly dedicated event space. With the ease of changing colors, placement, and movement, this strategy can easily set the tone for the event.
Backdrop: Beyond Drapes—Creating Dimensional Stages
The standard use of drapes as backdrops in events often results in a flat, uninspiring visual experience. To add dimension and interest, consider utilizing three-dimensional elements and custom structures. For instance, creating a life-size backdrop that embodies a brand’s theme can make presentations more engaging and memorable. An example of this was a life-size replica of a Denny’s restaurant for a franchisee event. This not only served as a unique backdrop but also allowed the CEO to make a memorable entrance through the diner’s front doors, directly onto the stage. Such creative backdrops add depth and intrigue, transforming the stage into a dynamic focal point of the event.
Innovative Layouts: Tailoring Spaces to Content
Most event layouts typically follow a pattern, with chairs facing toward the front of the room, but not every event fits the typical mold. Depending on the goal of the event, adaptations may need to be made to fit their presentation style. Examples of this could include:
- In the Round: When the stage is in the middle and the audience is surrounding every side. This is great for musical performances (like Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour) or when a speaker can continually move.
- Multiple-Themed Stages: When the stages are placed throughout the venue with multiple seating areas—such as mimicking a broadcast studio with different zones for interviews, discussions, and presentations.
- Catwalks: A long elevated walkway leading to the main stage with audience members on both sides. Perfect for photo ops and if you want speakers to have a build-up before coming to the stage.
While a typical front-facing stage works for many events, an innovative layout could be the difference between people remembering your event when sign-ups come next year.
Extraordinary Event Experiences with Legion AVS
At Legion AVS, we specialize in creating extraordinary event experiences by implementing these innovative strategies. Our expertise in lighting design, creative backdrops, and dynamic layouts ensures that every event is not just seen but felt by every participant, leaving a lasting impact. Connect with us to discover how we can help transform your next event into a standout experience.
For further insights and innovative ideas, watch episode 6 of our Vodcast, where we dive into cutting-edge event planning techniques.