Bringing out the Background

Selecting the right backdrop can make a world of difference, no matter what kind of event you’re planning. They can enhance a space, add character to an otherwise standard room or even assist in branding for trade show exhibits and corporate events.

“For corporate events, it is ultimately the focal point or centerpiece for communication,” says Chris Casey, senior director, senior event producer and purchasing manager for event marketing agency GMR Live’s Entertainment Group. “It serves as a reminder for corporate-funded events that if a big-name band is onstage, the brand/client on the backdrop is responsible for bringing that experience to the consumer.”

Of course, choosing the right backdrop means knowing what’s available and what’s popular. Here are the latest trends, according to leading backdrops suppliers from around the country.

Grosh Backdrops and Drapery: Enhancing the trade show experience.

Tropicals, circus banners and Austrian puff drapery are three of Grosh’s most popular requests, says Jane Copeland, director of sales and marketing.

Backdrops have also become popular for trade shows and exhibitions. “Backdrops can really enhance a trade show by tying in a theme, or having product and vendors unifying,” notes Copeland. “For example, every year Ski Dazzle LLC uses several Grosh snow- and winter-themed backdrops as décor for their L.A. Ski Show and Snowboard Expo.”

Gerriets International Inc.: Printing on new materials.

Event planners are getting more creative with the fabrics and materials they’re printing on, according Alicia Sapienza, sales and rental manager of Gerriets International. “We’re seeing a lot of people wanting their logo printed on velour,” she says. “But you can print on almost any medium here, and that allows for a lot of possibilities.”

The company’s projection screens are also particularly popular, as they can be used as backdrops or for projections, she says.

Backdrops Fantastic: Custom digital backdrops.

For Backdrops Fantastic, new technology has allowed for new trends. “Something still relatively new to the industry that we continue to focus on is not only producing hand-painted images, but also preparing the image for digital print,” says Charles McCullough of Backdrops Fantastic. “While doing this, we spare no details, ensuring that the print has top-notch clarity.”

Another trend, room sets — a combination of backdrops that creates one seamless image — “transform any size venue into an experience,” he adds.

Dream World Backdrops: Going back to tradition.

Bev Pamensky-Murray, president of Dream World Backdrops, says she’s noticed that most planners are sticking to what they know works.

“This year people have been using a lot of traditional themes — ones that they know have worked in the past,” she says, such as Paris, Venice, New York and Vegas drops.

Pamensky-Murray says this trend may be the result of tougher times, and planners, like everyone else, are more aware of their budgets.

But one new trend she has seen, which she expects to continue strong in the fall, is customization. “We have done more custom backdrops this year than ever before,” she says. “These are great for trade shows, exhibits and corporate events where people want their own logo.”

Aqua Visual FX Inc.: A billboard made of water.

A “waterfall billboard,” one of the newest trends in the industry, can offer a highly unique backdrop. Through user-friendly software and design capabilities, a “sheet” of water is produced that shows custom-animated graphics, shapes and even text images through a programmed sequence of water droplets.

The company recently did a 2,000-seat corporate event and used a water billboard behind the DJ. “We lit it up with lights,” says Lorenzo Cornacchia, the company’s vice president and director of operations. “The effect was just ‘Wow!’”