Evolve Events has identified a
growing trend for themed conferences, meetings and dinners, as companies
put more effort into their event planning in order to engage employees
with their corporate brand.
More and more, we are being asked by
our clients how we can make their events more impactful, punchy and
memorable. We are seeing a shift towards a more stylised and interactive
approach to get key messages across.
A carefully selected theme
helps to unify attendees’ focus and efforts, by providing an ‘umbrella’
concept under which the agenda, speakers, activities and related
materials become more effective.
Bringing everyone together can
also create a feel good factor that many events fail to deliver. Basing
them around an activity such as singing, dancing or playing sport goes a
long way towards improving team bonding. And a sense of achievement is
guaranteed because participants can learn a new skill during break-outs
or by completing a teaser activity at home before the event.
Teams
can then show off new skills to their colleagues and face the critique
of the judging panel (getting the staff to judge their bosses is always a
winning role reversal).
My top 10 tips for styling a conference or event
1. Give plenty of notice to delegates to create a sense of excitement and anticipation
2. Invitations and goodie bags should follow the theme
3. Choose a venue that is sympathetic to the scheme – a townhouse for a
1920s event or an empty space, such as a warehouse, that can be taken
over and styled to suit your brand and styling idea
4. The theme should be apparent from the moment guests arrive – provide
some elements that reflect it (such as feathers and sequins for the
1920s). Place professional dancers, lookalikes and props outside –
perhaps a vintage car to pose in – and inside the venue
5. Continue throughout the day with themed touch points
6. Use a bespoke set – it can really make a statement and convey key messages
7. Link graphics and animations of presentations to the theme – this makes
them visually memorable – and carry the key identity for the theme
through to printed collateral
8. Breaks and meals should follow the scheme, with appropriate music and permances
9. A gala dinner is an important element of the styled conference and is
an opportunity for delegates to truly embrace the theme, through
dressing up and learning a related skill
10. Theming an
entire conference may not be appropriate. Think about the meeting topic
and consider selecting only key parts, such as a gala dinner.
Any comments? Email sarah@mashmedia.net
