Page 60 - DMGT304_EVENT_MANAGEMENT

Unit 2: Concept and Design of Events

2.8.8 Innovative Sites Notes

The purpose of creatively designing your environment is to provide a dynamic atmosphere
within which your guest may experience the event. Nonetheless, the event planner is increasingly
faced with the challenge of finding innovative, creative environments in which to stage their
events. Curators of museums and public buildings in record numbers throughout the world have
begun setting fees and offering their buildings to groups that wish to host a reception or meeting
in a novel atmosphere. With these new opportunities for use of public space come increased
challenges for decorators, who must now cope with the increased demand for atmospheric props
in place of flats, banners, murals, and other more traditional scenic devices. Use this list to brainstorm
with your event stakeholders to determine the best venue for your next event. The possibilities for
exciting, innovative, and offbeat event sites are infinite. It is important, however, that your selection
be logical and practical in terms of location, parking, setup, budget, and use of space.
Wherever you turn, you will find new products and new services available to help you transform
an environment for a creative special event. Many unusual products can be found at gift shows
(trade shows featuring new and unusual gift items), antique stores and shows, flea markets, used
and classic clothing stores, hotel closeout sales, and other businesses selling off stock.

2.8.9 Amenities and Furnishings

The possibilities for linens, silverware, glassware, centerpieces, and even costumes for servers
are greater in the profession today than ever before. Sites, sources, and suppliers for these items
can be found in journals such as Event World, Special Events, and various industry newsletters.

Notes Edible Centerpieces and Displays
The centuries-old European custom of including elaborately designed food displays as
part of the decor is finally becoming popular. This important area of setting design can
range from fancy carved crudités for the hors d’oeuvres to elaborate centerpieces carved
from thick dark chocolate. Today’s special events professionals are as concerned with the
aesthetic appeal of food selections as they are with taste. When incorporating food into an
overall design, remember that ultimately, most food is intended to be eaten. The display
must be accessible to guests and still look appealing after guests are served. If possible, a
server should offer the first guests who visit the display a serving of the decorated or
carved item. This will help encourage other guests to help themselves. You may wish to
prepare two versions of an item: one for show on an elevated, lighted platform, and one
for serving, placed within reach of guests. This will allow every guest to appreciate the
work of your culinary artists throughout the event.

2.8.10 Decorating the Environment

The decorating profession has undergone a rapid transformation than ever earlier. Today, making
it lovely involves a specialized professional in touch with the latest styles and products with
which to create specific environments that will satisfy guests’ individual needs. Today’s designers
are creating more profound, if only temporary, works of art to frame special events. Sixty years
ago special events were most often held either in private rooms, private clubs, churches, public
sites, or hotels. Modern decorators are faced with the challenge of turning almost any conceivable
space into a suitable environment for a special event.

From football fields to tractor–trailers, today’s decorators must display more imagination,
creativity, and skill than ever before to keep pace with changing styles and trends. The designer/
decorator’s craft is one of transformation.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 55