he Stage Can Make or Break an Event
Event planners put a lot of effort into bringing a corporate event idea to life. The event stage is the end result of all their hard work.
Poor stage design can diminish an otherwise effective and informative presentation. Low audio, insufficient or overly-bright lighting, and inappropriate decorations can distract from the content of the presentation and reduce its impact.
Great Stage Design Transforms a Good Event Into an Exceptional Experience
The first few notes of a concert or musical can really set the stage for the performance. For most guests, this is where the excitement begins.
The same can be said for how lights gradually increase in brightness to shine on a guest walking onto the stage and towards the podium.
Professional stage sets combine audio, video, lighting, and decor elements to create an atmosphere of excitement. When combined strategically, these elements transform a good event into an immersive experience that helps event organizers achieve their goals.
Here are four steps for designing an effective stage:
Step 1: Find the right venue.
Choosing the right venue starts with outlining event requirements. Factors affecting venue choice include location, size, number of rooms, furnishings, and guest services.
Step 2: Prioritize audio quality.
Most event types have a speaking or musical component, making audio quality a priority for event planners.
Even the best-designed stage cannot compensate for poor audio quality. Without the ability to hear what is being presented, guests cannot derive much value from the event.
Effective sound design is integral to the set design process because it helps define the overall atmosphere and impact of the presentation. Some elements of audio design to consider include audio equipment, placement, and configuration within the event space.
Step 3: Choose lighting that best highlights your event’s most important features.
Modern lighting systems have more features than ever before, giving designers multiple options to customize the ambiance of their event. For example, some fixtures can shine light over the entire stage, while others focus on a smaller area. Other important lighting design factors include brightness, strength, and color temperature.
Step 4: Complete the experience with stage props and decorations.
Decorations complete the stage by adding visually-interesting elements that enhance the presentation. Some stage design ideas include corporate logos, plants, flowers, digital banners, and stage backdrops.
5 Quick Tips for Successful Event Stage Design
Mastering the basics of event design takes time, training, and experience. Here are some extra tips to help guide you through the process:
1. Make full use of your corporate or community logo.
Ensure your guests remember the event by placing a large logo in a visible space on the stage. You can also use a 3D model placed on the side of the stage for a striking visual impact.
2. Avoid distracting decorations or equipment.
Decorations that do not have complementary design elements may distract your audience. In addition, be sure to remove any power cables or projection rigs if possible.
3. Make sure your screen is accessible to everyone.
A well-placed screen ensures everyone can see it clearly from any location in the room. Choose a screen with a standard 16:9 international HDTV aspect, and use text large enough to be seen by attendees sitting in the back row.
4. Save money by renting equipment instead of buying.
Buying equipment might make sense for some types of events, however most of it becomes obsolete before it reaches the end of its useful life. Renting event equipment for large events is usually a better idea, and helps organizers save money in the long run.
5. Consult with lighting and audio specialists.
Effective lighting and audio design for large corporate events usually requires expert guidance. Mistakes in both areas can cause long delays and quality issues that negatively impact event attendees.
Set the Stage With Oklahoma’s Event Production Experts
Kramer Productions helps you set the stage for a successful event with the latest audio equipment, lighting fixtures, furniture, stages, and tents for events of all types and sizes.
Contact our event equipment rentals & sales professionals for a complimentary consultation.
