Don’t underestimate the power of great event design.

So, you think you’ve got your event nailed? You’ve got a great line-up of content and speakers, and it’s all been meticulously organised.

But have you put the same amount of effort into your event design? You know, the magic that makes your event come alive, and enthrals your attendees from start to finish? When you fail to invest in or prioritise creative event design you risk presenting an underwhelming, and less than memorable experience – despite all the time, money and effort you’ve put in.

It’s all about your attendees!

Why is event design so important? We’re glad you asked.

The bar has been raised significantly when it comes to event design. Whether it’s a college musical production, a corporate or a trade event, audience expectations are higher than ever – especially when they are paying to attend. (And most attendees will only make the mistake of going to a poorly executed event once, no matter how worthy.)

To engage, impress, and delight your attendees from the moment they walk in the door, you need to present a seamless transition from one element of the event to the next. And to achieve this, you need to keep in mind The Big Three of event design.

What are The Big Three of event design? (Hint: Staging, lighting, and sound)

1. Staging for success

Today’s audiences can be hard to impress. Which is why event staging is so important when you need to make a good impression.

What is staging exactly? Well, staging is the process of designing and constructing your stage (that’s logical, right?). This includes all the event technology you need to support and enable things like lighting and audio, sound effects, video screens, projection elements, LED walls, and special effects.

Professional staging is critical to delivering a professional and polished event - it not only enhances your attendee’s experience but supports your event theme. And a professional production company can work with your event planner to design and execute a staging plan that’s memorable for all the right reasons. They’ll also take care of the logistical element of staging that’s a crucial component for success, including sourcing, delivering and setting up everything needed (on time and tested), and observing the many safety precautions involved.

It can be quite technical, so it’s not a good time to rely on amateurs, no matter how enthusiastic.

2. Lighting the way

Using static lighting at an event is an opportunity missed! Great event lighting evokes an emotional response. It sets the mood, directs audience attention, highlights products and presenters, creates energy and a sense of the dramatic, deflects attention from less-than-optimal features of your event space, and can increase the overall level of fun and surprise.

Event lighting can range from decorative – where you add colour and texture to the venue (not forgetting the exterior), to special lighting for key moments. It can welcome and guide your attendees through your event – from entrance spotlights on a red carpet, to a strategically lit stage in brand colours, to building tension with dimmed lights that change to a crescendo of flashing lights as a key presenter or headline performer is revealed.

All of which requires a creative plan, immaculate setup, spot-on timing, and flawless execution.

3. Surround your audience with sound

Sound design can make or break the attendee experience. Like lighting, sound enhances your attendees’ emotional response to what they are seeing and experiencing. The careful use of music adds ambience and pace to the event – be it upbeat, soothing, or dramatic.

It takes skill and knowledge to balance music volume levels to complement, not overwhelm. And to deliver unfailingly clear and consistent audio to capture the voices of speakers or performers.

There’s no excuse for mic failures, or poor projection that leaves your back-of-the-room audience straining to hear what’s being said. If you are recording or live sharing your event online, then clarity becomes even more important, as you can’t go back and fix it later without some effort!

If you’re running a quality event designed to impress and attract return registrations, then you can’t afford to take risks. Investing in trained sound engineers is a critical component of your event success.

Why use a professional production company for your event design?

No-one wants to be responsible for that slightly (or very) uninspiring event where the music was too loud, the lighting lacklustre, the atmosphere ho-hum, and the speakers inaudible.

Using a professional production company like CCT Productions not only minimises the risk of stakeholder and attendee disappointment but adds a level of polish and creativity born of years of experience. Plus, you’ll have access to all the trained resources you need to ensure the flawless execution of your vision.

It must be said that we’ve got a bit of a rep when it comes to event design. And it’s a good one! So, ask us how we can make you – and your next event - look and sound great.