Actividades: Even though heavy-prop themes for events such as a beach or a pirate boat party is not very attractive to event planners these days, you will still need to have an idea what the event’s mood and atmosphere should be like. Let your guests explore the theme Invent something new. Many planners are moving away from familiar replications of a specific time or place and hatching more abstract ideas. Don’t be afraid to design a theme that is not immediately recognisable. Increasingly prevalent are concepts that allow attendees time to piece the inspiration together themselves, such as letting the guests go through a series of unnamed dreamscapes and deriving the theme themselves. Put the theme around the client or the product Depending on what the event is about, for example a product launch, try inventing a theme that highlights and relates to the product such as the colours, the shapes, the unique selling points, etc… or even scents that reflects the products or to project the mood of the event. For example, something refreshing and citric for a fresh and relaxing atmosphere, something musky or sandalwood for a more elegant and sophisticated appeal or use colours to define different moods: orange for a young, lively ambience, dark red for elegance... Then apply this into the decoration, the catering and all elements in the event. If you are organising a product presentation, the same phenomenon applies; the brand has to be visible but more importantly, relate it in a subtle way with the canvas and multimedia projections centred on the brand. Too much presence can give negative impact… but of course, you can give opportunities to experience your product: to try it, see a demo, its impact, etc. Go authentic A truly classy way to get the mood and atmosphere of a theme is get the guests to the place that has it all. For example, if it’s a Venetian party for an incentive group, consider bringing the guests there for the real and authentic experience instead of trying to build the atmosphere and getting actors to try to project the ambience. It could have a bigger implication on the budget, better than do it well or not to do it at all. A half-baked experience is a sure way to event failure. For regionally themed party, why not consider a lesser known spot to give the guests a sense of adventure while at the same time, a true immersion into the local favour and culture? For example, if you are having a typical Spanish party, instead of going to a big and tourist known city, consider a small and lesser village. Decorate the idea Drop the obvious props. It is no longer that direct in projecting themes. It is not about putting a cardboard Eiffel Tower on the venue that says “Welcome to France” that give the sensation of being in France. Though props are still useful in the decoration, try to get the guests integrated into the theme by giving them experiences or activities that they can really get into the theme. For example, for an immersion of the theme, set up a 360º audio-visual presentation with sights and sounds of France in the venue that envelops the guests in the event, conjuring the mood of a destination rather than re-creating its miniature. Think of presenting the destination with your own abstract interpretation instead of presenting the literal and obvious elements. Use lighting effect Lighting is the single most important element when designing a modern event. In the pursuit to give different atmosphere, lighting is one valuable, versatile and affordable way to do just that. Combining lighting and projecting motifs on highly hung fabrics can give compelling effects. Choose different colours to give different moods. Leave open spaces for lighting and atmosphere while placing furniture such as chairs and couches are placed in more intimate clusters. Consider simplicity Simplicity is not stupidity… for example, a simply decorated buffet spread can be more attractive that one that is packed with decoration. When tastefully done and presented with small classy details and colours, simple decoration can outperform a heavily decorated event. Today, minimalist is the in thing. For example, a simple square vase with a floating tea light and flower petals on a small cocktail table can be more intriguing than a large floral centrepiece, depending on the event. Play with foo When running out of ideas, the creation of an event-specific, colour-coordinated cocktail can add some jest into the event. Another way is to “colour-code” the food, like serving a specific coloured jelly beans or candies during a cocktail according to the product or the event. Depending on the event and the crowd, some people may be thrilled to have blue pasta while some maybe completely turned off. Know your crowd and act accordingly. Know when to tone it down. Be careful not to make the theme so dominant that you lose sight of what the whole event is about. The real challenge is getting the balance with all the elements in all aspects of the event.