Corporate events can have the negative connotation that suggests they may be stiff, boring, or stale. People often think of hotel ballrooms with brown bag meals and a underwhelming displays when they think of events in the corporate space. We are here to prove all of these concepts outdated. Keep reading to discover the unique ways to showcase your brand at a corporate event that is sure to delight, inspire, and engage all in attendance.

Let’s take a look at a corporate event hosted at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay to further explain.

Create a vision and goal for the event

Before anything else, it’s critical to think of the goals of the event. Are there any protocols to consider? How do you want guests to feel throughout the event? What do you want attendees to take away? In addition to answering these questions, take the time to consider any specific needs such as audio/visual, number of attendees, time of year, and all other crucial details. Once a clear vision is created, then it’s time to select a venue.

Pick a venue with multiple spaces for use

Selecting a venue is the next step to bringing the event to life. It’s important to consider all the details you outlined in the initial planning stage. It’s also imperative to consider your brand values and persona when deciding on the space. With so many venues available, consider which will best reflect and/or compliment the brand in a distinct way.

The reason we recommend selecting a venue that has multiple spaces for use is to add dimension the event. This allows the event to evolve naturally as guests move through the space. Additionally, this gives you the opportunity to surprise and delight those in attendance. Creating dynamic events, such as using multiple spaces within the same venue, keeps attendees engaged.

Considering using multiple venues and hosting events offsite

Another option when expanding the space for hosting a corporate event includes offsite activities. This allows you to create an even more dynamic and engaging event for all in attendance. Consider how you can further demonstrate your brand values through the projects available. Creating something unique, supporting a local business, trying foods, and volunteering with others are a few unique ways to further integrate branding in the corporate event space.

Use lighting to transform the space

As outlined in our previous blog post, lighting has the ability to completely transform an event space. This is an effective way to add your own colors, logo, and design to the venue. We love using lighting to enhance the branding throughout an event because it is efficient, effective, and limits the need for additional decor depending on the venue and overall goals of the event.

Provide takeaways that reflect the branding

Whether it’s the materials from the event, or a gift for attending, branding should be reflected throughout. If gifts are suited for the event, try offering something in a variety brand colors. Adding the logo to items is another option to further showcase the brand.

Work with high quality caterers

Catering is an extremely effective way to elevate an event and create dimension as well. When you work with high quality caterers, you often have the option to create a menu and variety of offerings. This presents an additional opportunity to showcase a brand as well as it’s values.

You may also consider a signature cocktail as a fun way to delight guests, when appropriate.

Provide entertainment and offer engaging activities

Now it’s time consider how the brand will be reflected through the entertainment provided. Whether it’s curated music, a live band, a guest speaker, or something else we encourage you to put careful thought into this aspect of planning.

Additional activities, whether onsite or off, allows the opportunity to further showcase branding as well as show appreciation for those in attendance. Are there any skills you’d like attendees to develop? Trying something new is a great way to allow guests to bond and broaden their horizons.

As you can see, there are so many ways to highlight branding when planning an event. We love to consider all aspects of the brand when planning the primary goals and objectives, to the additional activities, as well as catering.

Looking for more unique ways to showcase your brand at a corporate event? We are here to help!

There are many elements that go into bringing an event to life. For instance, we work with a wide range of vendors to enhance the setting for an event. This often includes caterers, furniture rental services, floral designers, musicians, and audio/visual professionals as well. Lighting is an effective and efficient way to transform a space with flip of a switch. From defining a space, highlighting features, setting a mood, and altering the room entirely, there are so many ways to utilize lighting in events. Let’s dive into some examples to show how lighting can transform an event.

Up lighting

One of the more traditional ways to use lighting in events is called up lighting. This is when the light shines upwards to create a dramatic effect. This is a great way to highlight the perimeter of the space and create ambiance without harsh, overhead lights.

Up lighting can be used for a wide range of events. Here are a few examples including how we’ve used it to transform a tent for a wedding reception as well as an indoor space for a corporate event.

This type of lighting is effective for transforming the ceiling as well as creating more interest around the perimeters of a space.

As you can see, up lighting is a simple way to illuminate a space while reducing the use of overhead lighting.

Chandeliers

Chandeliers, and pendants alike, are a grand way to bring an element of elegance to a space. The intricate details and dramatic presentation enhances the atmosphere in a very unique way. There are a wide range of styles that each bring a different layer to the overall ambiance.

Market lights

Market lights are a great way to add an element of whimsy and charm to an event. Softly lit bulbs hang from a strand and often draped from above. Similar to market lights there are string lights and fairy lights that offer a similar effect.

Whether used sparingly or in excess, market lights help create an enchanting ambiance.

Candles

Candles bring an element of romance and intimacy to an event that is unparalleled by other forms of lighting. The use of candles is an effective way create more dimension within table settings. Additionally, they can be used to create dramatic moments and moodiness throughout an event space.

Pin spot lighting

Pin spot lighting, or spot lights, are useful to highlight a specific element or feature within a space. This type of lighting allows different aspects of a space or event to remain in focus, even as other lighting is adjusted or lost throughout the day.

This type of focal lighting directs attention and can aid with the flow of the event.

Neon lighting

Neon lights have a long history, particularly in businesses and retail space. They are also extremely useful in events! Neon lights provide a an element of playfulness to a space adding to the overall festive atmosphere.

Color lighting

Another way to add a touch of vibrancy to an event is through color lighting. This is a very effective way to transform a space. With color wash lighting, there are a wide range of hues to choose from that can instantly change the atmosphere.

Color lighting works well for creating a branded atmosphere. It can also be a great way to shift the energy of an event as it evolves.

Specialty lighting

There are so many ways to use lighting in an event, including some very unique elements. Dance floors, entertainment, and focal points can all be highlighted with the use of specialty lighting.

Mixed lighting

There are many times that we use several types of lighting to create something new and completely unique. Mixing colors, styles, and types of lighting brings a layers and depth to event design.

Lighting can be such an integral part of event production when done well. Whether you’re looking to add an element of intimacy, create a dramatic effect, or completely transform a space there is a lighting option to assist. If you need help with bringing your event vision to life, we are here for you. We are so excited to share our expertise of lighting and event production.