GUEST BLOG by Key Events

We have all become experts at branding. Not only our own, but that of our clients who require this from their events, and their event designers. Here are some great ideas from futuristic to old-school from Key Events. They have a great "It List" on their site that I love to visit; it's always full of concepts like these in all different areas of event planning and design.
David Merrell, Creative Director, AOO Events and Lead Design Dawg

Showcase Your Brand at an Event

By Kelly Stoneberg, Key Events

Display a Colossally Sized Logo as Your Focal Point Displaying your logo at an event is one of the oldest tricks in the book, but these days you have got to think big and outside the box in order to get guests to even raise an eyebrow. Draw their attention with dramatic, larger-than-life letters such as those pictured below. Cover them with different textures, colors and prints to convey a deeper brand message. These letters are sure to create an aura of brand presence and relay a substantive statement to guests.

Stream Your Message on an Interactive Image Wall It's about getting guests excited and energized around your brand. The gesture-controlled wall display reacts to movement, projecting animated images customized to support your desired theme and messaging. The size and glow of the interactive wall draws in the initial interest but engaging the guests' senses is what keeps their attention and makes your brand all the more memorable.

Immerse Guests in a Graphic Experience Using 3-D Projection Mapping This new technology takes simple image projection to a whole new level, creating the ability to turn nearly any surface into a dynamic video display (photo above). Recent advancements in software and projection quality simply blow away the audience with a realistic visual experience related to your messaging. A simple building facade or ballroom wall can be transformed into anything from a tropical rainforest to a crumbling building.

Use Your Product to Enhance Event Mood Through Decor and Lighting The mood and theme of your event are instantly projected through the decor and lighting you select. Why not combine these two essentials to create one major "wow" factor? Raise brand-conscious decor up and away from eye level and work the lighting into the adorned experience. Think chandeliers created from your product, floating colored light panels and logo laser cut lanterns.

Create an @Event Social Community: There's an App for That! Social Media's ever-expanding influence has hit our industry and can easily increase the impact of your brand's presence at an event. Mobile apps for social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter are creating new ways for guests to become the driving force of your message. Displaying real-time pictures and positive feedback that guests tweet with your hashtag or Twitter handle (i.e. #123event or @yourcompany) during the event is a great way to build your network and create a brand buzz online.

Bring the Stage to Life With a Holograph Projection With so much to distract us these days, it can be hard to attract and maintain your attendees' attention during a presentation or keynote. Swap out the podium for a high-def 3D holographic video projection system which brings a life-size virtual image of your speaker or products to the limelight in a whole new way. This strategic special effect is sure to make jaws drop, all while creating an incredible mesmerizing brand experience. If Tupac can make a comeback from six feet under with a hologram performance, imagine the brand messaging impressions you can make at your next event with this innovative tech tool!

It's All About the First Impressions -- Snail Mail the Invites You may be thinking that this isn't exactly innovative, but sometimes we have to take a step back and revisit the roots of basic event planning. The invitation is your opportunity to introduce people to your brand before they even arrive. While most event hosts are simply blasting our impersonal RSVP emails or online registration sites, go old school to stand out from the crowd. Snail mail your branded print invitations. Yes, that's right, lick and stamp! While it may be more challenging to incorporate your brand and message into a 3x5 space, there's something intimate and down-to-earth about receiving a physical invitation these days. Traditional innovation at its best!


 
About Key Events
Key Events partners with companies to develop targeted marketing events and destination management services that exceed business objectives, build community and engage attendees. Based in San Francisco since 1990, Key Events is a member of the Hosts Global Alliance, a rapidly growing alliance of Destination Management Companies currently representing 51 DMCs and one cruise alliance member around the globe. Key Events provides corporate event planning services, transportation services, local tours, dine-arounds and other customized programs in any city you like through a global network of firms. To learn more, please visit Key Events.