Creating the best corporate event requires meticulous planning and an eye for detail, with event styling playing an essential role in whether the event is a success or not.
From the venue lighting to the table centerpieces, all the design elements influence the event ambiance. However, because corporate events have a unique atmosphere, getting the vibe just right without help can be difficult.
To ensure you create a successful corporate event that captivates your attendees and makes your clients happy, use these top corporate event styling tips.
Top Corporate Event Planning and Styling Tips
From aligning with the company branding to choosing the right custom lighting, here is everything you need to know about corporate event design for success.
Choose a Theme
While you can choose a corporate event theme, your client might not want one. If that’s the case, that’s okay–skip this tip for the next one.
However, if your client does want an event theme, you’re in luck! Corporate events in the past were notoriously stuffy and formal. Today, however, many corporate event planners are challenging the status quo and styling their events with fun themes.
If your client is open to a theme, have fun with it. You can choose a creative theme and still keep your event professional. Once you choose a theme, let it guide your decoration choices. Adding fun corporate event styling to your portfolio is also a great way to market your venue.
Use the Company Colors
Whether or not you’re using a theme, it’s a good idea to incorporate the company’s brand colors into the corporate event styling. From napkins to flower bouquets to event signage, add the company colors and company logo wherever you can.
Create a Grand Entrance
The corporate event entrance is the first thing attendees see. It sets the mood for the event. If the entrance is captivating, you’ve already won over the event attendees.
So, get creative with your corporate event entrance. Make sure it fits the theme, utilize the company colors, add signage with the company branding, and “wow” attendees with its size and decadence.
Utilize The Venue Height
Expand your event design by utilizing corporate events' vertical height. Consider the type of vertical space you’re working with. Is the ceiling high or low? Are there ceiling fixtures that can work as decor tethers? How do you work around them?
Next, choose your decor. Use flower arrangements, brand banners, and drapes to create depth. If your ceiling isn’t high, opt for horizontal pieces that don’t make the venue feel small and stuffy, but rather add depth to the space.
Engage All the Senses
A captivating event experience requires event planning that engages all the senses. Use different colors, patterns, and textures in the event design. Incorporate scented candles and food bars in the event planning. Lastly, play with sound. Layer the event with soft ambient sounds, a relaxing live band, or a chill playlist.
Leave Space For Socializing
The desired outcome of corporate events, from company team dinners to entrepreneur meet-ups, is making connections. To facilitate networking, consider leaving space for socializing during the event planning process.
For example, make sure the bar area is open, so people can move freely from one group to another. Have high tables scattered around the venue for groups to gather around with drinks and appetizers.
Make A Photo Zone
A photo zone is an essential element of event design and marketing. Provide a stunning branded backdrop and a professional photographer. Your client can use the photos to further their social media marketing and you can use it to grow your portfolio.
Narrow Down Suppliers
If there is one thing to take away from this article, it’s to simplify corporate event planning by working with fewer suppliers.
Organizing events and working with more than a handful of supplies is draining, confusing, and expensive. Find suppliers who offer a variety of services or bundle packages and stick with them.
For example, work with a signage company that provides signage design, prints, and installation. You’re paying for one service instead of three and get to mark three items off your to-do list without having to hire extra labor.
Provide a Stage and Microphone
If your corporate event has a guest speaker, an auction, or a party game, provide the event organizer with a stage and microphone. A sound system and microphone are also important for large corporate holiday parties and product launches.
Play With the Event Lighting
Lighting is essential for creating the event ambiance. You can use traditional corporate lighting, which is bright and cool-toned. Or you can have fun with the lighting and add colors to the corporate event.
Whichever you choose, use a variety of lights and test the placement to ensure there aren’t overwhelming shadows. Lastly, use the lighting to highlight the company banner, the stage, and other focal points.
Bring Life to the Event With Plants
Again, traditional corporate event management will have you believe corporate events need to be ultra-professional and modern. You can do this, of course, but you can also liven it up with plants.
Plants are a great way to bring life to an event and provide a pop of color. Plants also have mood-boosting effects, a great event marketing business strategy for product launches and company get-togethers.
Prepare For Unexpected Expenses
Event project management requires forethought and nowhere is it that more important than with corporate event planning. Even if you account for all the event details, there will always be unexpected expenses.
For your peace of mind, always have extras of all event items, including food, on hand. Also, include a small allowance in your event budget for emergency expenses before and during the event.
Conclusion
Corporate event design will make or break your event. Fortunately, there are tried and tested ways to elevate your corporate event design and engage attendees.
Choose an event theme, use the company colors, utilize space and human senses, play with lighting, and leave space for socializing. These are just a few of the tips guaranteed to improve your next event.
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