Actividades: A good lighting is critical in any event. Not only does it help to create an atmosphere and to highlight elements or areas in the event, mark the pulse of the event, etc., effective lighting can help increase productivity, comfort and give a pleasant working environment, whilst reducing energy costs. The difference between good and bad lighting can make or break a mood and overall comfort of your meeting. Wherever lighting is required, the effects of correct application, light contamination and energy efficiency are of paramount importance. Here are some simple steps: Select the necessary watts Choosing the right voltage of the bulbs can mean a big change in your meeting. Study the configuration of the venue or meeting room to see where are the areas that require more light than others. Select low energy consumption bulbs that provide high-quality light and use much less energy and last longer (Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs, CFL, for example, also do not emit the heat as incandescent bulbs). This way you can avoid “blinding” attendants by having too much direct light in the room and cut down the emission of heat and lower electricity consumption. LED it out The simplest fix you can make right now to your existing incandescent lights is to switch them to CFLs. However, there are plenty of other lighting technologies out there as well, the most promising of which for the future seems to be LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes). LEDs don’t heat up like incandescents, and they last longer and are more energy efficient than both traditional bulbs and CFLs. Its different applications cover areas such as light decoration and outdoor lighting for buildings and structures, lighting and mood setting indoors, light decoration for parks and gardens, etc. For example, available in the market is the Simplicity LED light-bulbs from Philips. These bulbs have a cool design and don’t need to be covered up with shades – and they can be turned on and off (and even change colour and brightness) with a simple twist or tap directly to the bulb. The brand has also other LED options such as a lamp that changes colour to match any colour you show it (see photo) or LED Bulbs that can be (re)adjusted by twisting for the colour and atmosphere right at the source. Make as much use of natural light as you can When selecting a venue for your event, make sure it has as much natural light as possible, especially when there are no projections involved. It will not only help you cut down costs and energy use but it helps create a healthier atmosphere for attendants (exposure to sunlight affects the mood, is less tiring for the sight than artificial light, etc). In case of meetings with long duration, select a room with large windows and natural light to avoid turning on the lights for as long as possible; in case of needing artificial light try not to exceed the necessary quantity of light required. Another option is to choose venues that apply energy saving systems. Currently, more and more venues are starting to apply these systems. For example, panels that can collect sunlight on the building’s roof and funnel it via fiber optics to different rooms– completely eliminating the need for artificial lighting. Some even combines the transportation of sunlight with fluorescents and a photovoltaic energy system - so during the day your lamp emits real sunlight from outside, but at night emits fluorescent light, powered by the solar panels. Outdoor lighting Light contamination has increased dramatically in the last few years. So, when organising outdoor events try to use as little artificial light as possible. In the case where alot of artificial light is needed in the event, it is simply better to hold the event indoors. Take advantage of the beauty of natural light and treat your attendants to a sky full of stars via a tent with a transparent roof. Use a few low lights and lots of candles for a more intimate and comfortable atmosphere. Guests will surely love it!