Branding is the single most important element for any event. Branding brings the product to the forefront, impressing the product in the mind of everyone present. Both corporate and entertainment promoters place their logo on all press materials and advertisements for events. Instead of allowing them to forget who threw the party, you have to follow through. Branding the event reminds them who is hosting the party and informs guest who may just be along for the ride. Careful not to bully your audience, presenting the logo in innovative and creative ways leaves an positive and effective impression.

What is the best way to brand an event? The options are endless but budgets are not. I would like to present three possibilities that I have found to impact on the guest without breaking the bank: Lycra, gobos, video, and ice.

First, white Lycra reflects much like a projector screen, capturing everyone’s attention. A simple gobo in an ETC Source 4 Leko with a lighting effect such as the H20 250 leaves an impression. Stretching Lycra into modern abstract forms then setting up a morphing lighting effect gives a projected gobo life and visual interest.

Second, ice sculptures are simply interesting. Unfortunately many ice aficionados only see them in the store lighting and do not explore other lighting possibilities. Simply cross washing ice with color makes every corner and roughed edge explode with light. As a color changing fixture fades from one hue to another the ice comes alive, reflecting and refracting the light waves.

Last, take a jpeg of the logo and key out the back ground or the image. The easiest way to get the logo on the screen is acquire a laptop with an S-video out and set the logo as the back ground on the second screen. Most popular night clubs have an Edirol V-4. If the venue has TVs but do not have any video mixing gear, V-4’s usually rent for less than a hundred dollars. Any abstract video or even camera work of the party gives the voyeurs something to remember. From playing sporting events to a video of the DJ, the ever lingering logo in the corner or center of the screen reaffirms the name and effectively brands the most popular visual in any venue: television.

Hopefully my rambling has helped you generate ideas for your next party. These effects are readily accessible and inexpensive. Using light and video can take a promotional opportunity and make it effective.

Above Picture on Left: A Gem Am I promotional event at the Grinnell Building
Above Picture on Right: Pravda Booth at the Bartenders Bar in Charlotte