Reinventing our new website reminds me of repeating an event for a client year after year and trying to out-do the year before. We’ve all been there – the hours, days, stress, changes and then the time for it all to come together happens, and it’s spectacular- better than you could have dreamed. You are blissful, thankful that you have an amazing team, production partners, talent beyond, the perfect venue, stunning decor and delicious food. You’re glowing, giddy with the ah-ha moment (my personal favorite moment and why I continue to do this!).
Your clients are happy – a toast is made, glasses raised and everyone is on Cloud 9. Then someone says it and the bubble pops and my stomach drops a bit. I know we’re going to have to out-do ourselves next year! It’s true we do ~ but it’s too much to think about right now. I just want to bask in success.
Well a month later, and it’s here we go again on to produce an even more outstanding event that the year before. After having a bit of distance a new project that seems daunting, can now begin to be conceptualized. Fresh venue search, new location, new country all play into the creative process and journey that we’ll take over the next year to produce the next {tradeshow, gala, general session, celebration dinner, etc.}.
My tips are try to always stay current with event technology, destinations, hotels, pop culture (I wish I had more time for TV series + movies). My favorite time for TV is on long flights where I can binge watch a series or see a movie on my never ending list! I watch food and style trends on Pinterest, follow successful friends and planners on social media and scan interior design and travel magazines and travel. Themed events are endless, so brainstorming on themes that will fit the venue is always a joy.
Searching for the perfect vendor to set the mood or enhance the experience can be a key component in changing things up year after year. Networking and connecting with other planners in the industry and going to their events helps keep me open to new ideas.
It’s a true joy to have the task of reinventing an event and clients who are open and looking for outside of the box ideas. I’ll leave you with a few of my new favorite things that have been produced on my most recent events.
Paper Flowers – Made by hand at the request of Client + Production Team for back wall of stage
LED Wall to Shorten/Separate a Room – To create two spaces within a large tent, a LED wall that opened was installed. It was a digital waterfall all night, until the doors opened to reveal an amazing dance floor behind.
Hand Made Object out of Flowers – Our event logo was a hummingbird. The Design team envisioned these floating birds and the production team and amazing florist brought them to life.
Runners Instead of Full Linens – Tabletop decor is endless but lately I’ve been using wooden tables with runners in all different directions (longways and across the short side) made by the local artists in the traditional methods for handmade tapestries of the country I’m in. It’s a great way to add color and showcase the local artisans and traditions.
See you soon!
XX
Stephanie + the SpotOn Team
