Create Spectacular Events without Being Extravagant
Keep your events classy, not flashy, with these design tips
by Aubrey Blankenship | Published in January 2009 budget | decor | event design | it report | Departments
Bailouts of firms like AIG has put the spotlight on corporations and the way they spend their money. Incentive trips, product launches and events are still necessary business tools, but now planners are faced with the difficult task of creating experiences that impress attendees but don’t make the company front-page news for frivolous spending.
“The belt is even tighter now, and we must be especially sensitive to the current economic climate by giving events an element of minimalism without undervaluing the event and its ultimate goals,” says Lisa Kupelian, co-owner of Michigan-based L.A. Productions. To do that, the word is casual.
“The style of your event should reflect the times,” say Julie Mullen-Kaminski and Elizabeth Grace of Boynton Beach, Fla.-based Echo Point. “Garish galas are out. Stylish, trendy, casual parties are in.”
Candace Jarkow, CEO of New York-based Maverick Events, agrees. “Less is always more. I think candlelight is always the way to go for any evening or private event — tons of votives!” Monochromatic looks can also create that stylish-but-not-extravagant feel. “Consider an ‘all red’ party — think ‘hot, hot, hot,’” says Mary Coch, a partner at Boston-based Corinthian Events. Coch recommends providing inexpensive cuisine to match the theme, such as pasta with red sauce or tomato soup. To enhance your décor with no added cost, Coch suggests using the guests themselves. “Further enhance the theme by inviting guests to dress in red and create ‘living décor’ in the room,” she says.
Mitchell Crosby of JMC Charleston recommends pairing upscale with casual to create a unique theme. “Change your black-tie gala award night to blue jeans and black tie,” he suggests.
Also consider making décor items work double duty. Cecilia Padilla-Quillen, director of convention services for the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau, suggests asking local vendors for raffle items and using them as centerpieces and other décor.
Or, choose a venue that requires few additions. “The better, more impressive, naturally beautiful, or innately fun the venue is, the less likely expensive décor or props may be necessary to add to it,” says Bob Desautels, senior manager of convention services for the Indianapolis (Ind.) Convention and Visitors Authority.
Taking his cue from the new “staycation” trend, Scott Marshall, owner of Newburyport, Mass.-based Seacoast Events, held his client’s event at the group’s conference hotel, reducing transportation costs. “The client was able to host a beautiful event without the perception of overspending on an off-site venue,” he says.
But one thing hasn’t changed for the events industry.
“As event planners, our job remains the same,” says Kupelian. “Make any event sparkle and shine despite the budget and constraints, while meeting our clients’ every expectation and making everyone in attendance feel like
a VIP.”
About the author: Aubrey Blankenship
Aubrey is the senior editor and art director of Event Solutions magazine.
Contact: aubrey@event-solutions.com