Lighting Equipment for Corporate and Special Events
If you've ever been to a company Christmas party where there's lots of money to spend, you've seen the power of lighting at its finest. Strobes, spotlights, special effects—they all come together for a night of wonder and excitement.
Utilizing all the different types of lighting applications really is the best way to transform a meeting or gala into an exciting, elegant environment.
So, what are lighting steps you can take to ensure a successful corporate or special event?
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Surveying the Event/Company
Some points to
· What type of function is it—general session, awards dinner, gala, wedding?
· What is the facility—convention center, hotel ballroom, church, temple, tent?
· How many guests are attending? Will they be eating, and is it sit-down or buffet?
· What size are the tables? What are the room dimensions, and are there chandeliers that alter the ceiling height?
· Is there a theme, and what are the colors being used?
· Will there be a throng of partiers dancing the night away?
· How long is the event?
These are all important questions to ask and get answered before you can effectively plan the lighting design.
In addition, you'll want to consider some of the other important event questions:
· Will there be entertainment or a keynote speaker? What are their lighting requirements?
· What is the size of the stage? Will guest speakers do their thing on stage with a podium or on the dance floor?
· Who are the hotel's convention services manager, engineer and house electrician?
· Are there rigging points, and do we have to use hotel riggers?
· If the facility doesn't have sufficient power, can you bring in a generator?
Lighting Specific Places in the Room
Once you've gathered all the facts, it's time to develop a room layout.
Of course, you'll want to figure out how to light the entire room first, so that guests can see each other during happy hour or during times when dancers have taken a break or the speaking has stopped. The room shouldn't be too dark, but it shouldn’t be lit 100% by house lighting either.
Think of original and creative ways to light the centerpieces, floral arrangements and buffets. Also, consider lighting that is flattering to the guests and entertainers, enhances the theme of the event and accentuates the interesting features of the venue. Experiment with color, spots, washes and projections.
Preparation. Imagination. Implementation. Following these three steps will help to ensure inspired lighting for any corporate or special event!