1. NEW TRENDS IN EVENT
DESIGN & PRODUCTION
By Rhonda Spindler

2. NEW TRENDS IN EVENT DESIGN &
PRODUCTION
2014 has brought about many new ideas and concepts within the event
industry in design ideas, décor elements, and methodology as well as many
forms of technology to enhance event production techniques.
The following are some of these new concepts…

3. MARQUEE SIGNS &
LIGHTING OPTIONS
Whether it’s spelling out words like
“LOVE” at a wedding or “BAR” at a
large outdoor event, or exaggerating
the happy couples initials, marquee
signs are being used all over in events
and décor. The retro displays can be
used as signage throughout the event
landscape or as a way of conveying a
message at any style of event.
Alternative lighting options such as
industrial lights, all white Christmas
lights, mason jars with candles, etc. can
be used in a venue to provide layered
light effects and various levels of
lighting for drama and interest.

4. SHAPES, PATTERNS & COLOR
Single color themes are no more. Expect to see
greater use of color blocking with geometric
shapes and other fun patterns.
Event design tends to follow décor design trends
which currently are showing multiple colors with
simple black & white designs, making it easier to
take dramatically different colors and combine
them into one visually impactful event.

5. RUSTIC MODERN
DECOR
The conventional idea of taking a
rustic look and adding décor
elements such as mirrors, metallic
centerpieces, marquee signs and
feathers in event décor & design can
add a modern touch to a traditional
rustic event complete with mason
jars, exposed wood furnishings and
farm-to-table catering. Adding an
industrial flair to traditionally rustic
designs is also increasing in
popularity, using rusted pipes, natural
stone, chrome finishes and exposed
engineering to create a modernized
Industrial Revolution-style design.

6. UNIQUE VENUES
Traditional banquet halls and religious
institutions may see a decline in event
production as consumers look towards
unique venues for their events such as
warehouses and barns.
The Gatsby sensation of 2013 has turned
clients on to venues with opulence and
majestic features, such as old-style
mansions, museums and country clubs.

7. UNIQUE VENUES
Museums, airplane hangars, warehouses,
concert venues, and college campus
hotspots are very popular venues now.

8. TECHNOLOGY
Faster Check-in
Any type of technology that speeds up
check in is going to be hot. The use of
apps and tablets for event check-in is
not new but is gaining popularity.

9. SOCIAL MEDIA +
TECHNOLOGY
The concept of seating guests based on
their social connection is not new but
2014 was the year more event
professionals used social media apps for
this purpose. A new breed of apps are
making seating a social experience.
Thanks to the wonders of social graph we
can now sit next to our friends and
colleagues. Airlines and ticket resellers
are adopting social seat selection and
event professionals are quickly adapting
to the same social technology. Awkward
seating moments will be a thing of the
past.

10. LIVE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Currently only 27% of registration
providers offer live
accommodation options upon
ticket purchase.
Apps that address this issue have
been around for a while but will
certainly begin to gain more
popularity with event
professionals.
Hotel options are among the top
10 most requested features by
event planners. Those who offer
such services will be extremely
popular.

11. Hiring a photographer for an event will likely always be a
given. However, with new technologies (the prevalent trend In
event design & production), leveraging the media created by
your attendees is quite another story. As visual content is so
very important, so then is the importance of collecting pictures
and videos created by attendees. Yes, there is an app for
that!

12. One page websites are not just a trend, they are
thought to be more effective, convey better
storytelling and to decrease bounce rates while
impacting on conversions – guests will not navigate
to multiple pages and potentially exit. Their attention
is captured with all information on one page. It is a
cheaper alternative to costly custom developed
solutions – a very successful new trend indeed.

13. Themed weddings are still trending with ‘Zombie Weddings’,
‘Super Hero’ or ‘Disney Princess’ weddings etc. These can make
for a lot of fun and diversity in event planning. Also, some varied
ideas such as having children carry signs saying "Here comes the
Bride" or "Your Bride is coming“ in place of traditional flower girls.
Wedding theme and flowers colors: this year brides are opting for
the pale pinks, nudes and blush shades, and carrying that color
theme throughout the celebration. Or at least for now…. The hot
new color for weddings Spring 2015 is ‘Green’!
THEMED WEDDINGS

14. Creating customized apps for meetings has become almost mandatory for all conventions.
Of course tech matters today, but entertainment still does, too. Major A-list acts make the event.
Anything customizable with the client's brand is always very effective.
There has been and continues to be a big trend in including celebrity chefs and keeping abreast of all the
new trends in food and beverage.
There’s definitely a focus on creating content that is authentic and specific to target audiences but more
importantly to individuals within those target audiences. It used to be the shotgun, one-size-fits-all approach
was good enough. Smart organizations are looking for experiences and campaigns that are authentically
designed to speak very specifically to individuals.
Digital silent auction technology for fundraisers, DIY food and beverage stations that "feed and water" guests
while subtly showing sponsors, and the enduring power of surprises at events -- unexpected locations, clever
reveals and the like – these are trending high.
MORE TRENDS…

15. BY RHONDA SPINDLER
Learning's from this research are that there seems to be two major categories in event trends. One
which is more the esthetic: décor and visual aspects which provide for new ideas in venue type,
color & pattern, and décor elements – which evolve just as décor trends do.
Then there is the technology factor which is becoming more and more prevalent with many new
applications that can enhance event design and production.
In summary, there are more venues and décor options available on an on-going basis as these
trends naturally change and event planners need to have a finger on the pulse of these trends.
Certainly there is much, much more in the way of technological applications available to today’s
event planning industry which can be greatly advantageous to the outcome of today’s events. In
short, there will always be new ideas and trends that can help event planners create more exciting
events and improve the processes along the way.