For some people, “setting the stage” is just a play on words. But for event planners, it’s literally part of the job! The stage is where all eyes will be for the majority of any conference, and no matter how dynamic a presenter may be, a lackluster stage can bring them down with it (not to mention, boring attendees). So here are some creative staging ideas that can make any conference event stand out—while staying on budget.
Giant Lettering
Made popular by the famous TED Talk events (you can see TED lettering here), giant letters are a great way to make a three-dimensional impression on attendees and they’re easy to create. Simply cut large letters out of styrofoam using stencils, then paint and coat them. They’re lightweight, so they can easily be transported to other events, and are a great way to make a big impact with little effort or cost.
Gobo Lighting
Nothing is duller than drapes. Unfortunately, many stages found at hotels and other conference spaces don’t offer much more of a backdrop than that. However, a gobo light (GOes Before Optics), also known as logo lighting or monogram lighting, can project words or a large corporate logo onto the drape or another backdrop. Gobos come in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of your lettering or logo, and add visual appeal to an otherwise boring stage.
Art Displays
A great way to add local flavor to your event and create an amazing backdrop is to create an art display. Reach out to local artists, who are often hungry for exposure, and let them know you’ll be hosting an event and would like to feature their work on stage, making it available for purchase to attendees during breaks or dinner. Not only are you supporting the community, you’re also getting an eye-catching backdrop (a mixture of paintings, photography, ceramics, sculptures, and assemblages is ideal) for little or no cost!
Plexiglass Podiums
It may seem insignificant, but the right podium can make a big impact. Except for the most dynamic speakers who know how to work a stage, many presenters have a tendency to cling to their podium for “safety,” which means your audience will be focused on it as well. Although it’s tempting to use the free but dated wooden ones that many venues will provide (often scratched from years of use and abuse), rent or invest in a plexiglass podium. Often described by attendees as a “floating shelf,” plexiglass podiums are sleek, modern, and go with just about any stage setting.
Green Scenes
When conferences span several days or even an entire week, sitting in an enclosed room for eight hours a day can be psychologically draining. According to the Journal of Environmental Psychology, event attendees given a flowering meadow “green roof” scene versus an urban roof scene experienced better-sustained attention. So, consider bringing the power of nature to your event. There are venues for renting hedge walls and other greenery, but if that’s out of your price range you can always purchase reusable faux hedge walls or create your own vertical plant display using crates.
Stage Lighting
Stage lighting can make presenters come alive, while being easy on attendee’s eyes. But, you have to get it just right; you don’t want attendees straining to see, or provide so much stimulation that they turn away. Lighting should complement the event and create an ambiance. Colored uplights, in corporate colors or other themes, can also add a burst of color to stage corners while not being intrusive to the presenter.
Stage Carpeting
Celebrities and others just seem to stand out—and look better—when working the red carpet. Take a page from their book and give presenters at your event the red carpet treatment. Okay, it doesn’t have to be red, but a carpeted stage, combined with the right lighting and backdrop, can really make a splash (and provide a splash of color). Plus, no more noisy heeled shoes distracting from the speaker as they move about the stage. You’ve heard the saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” So remember, just because an event may be all about taking care of business, doesn’t mean the stage can’t be a bit more playful. If you’re planning a conference event or convention of your own and want to get creative, contact us at One Way Event Productions rental company. We believe that the right staging makes events more engaging!
