Page 61 - DMGT304_EVENT_MANAGEMENT

Event Management

Notes Regional customs and geographic location may determine to some extent what types of products
are used for some events. But expanded delivery services, which allow suppliers to express-mail
almost anything overnight, have enabled designers and decorators to obtain almost any product
for a special event, regardless of location.
One challenge that decorators face is designing an environment that will satisfy both primary
and secondary audiences. Creating designs and products that will translate to television, film,
and still photography is becoming increasingly important. Consequently, when formulating
design ideas, consider both the primary and secondary audiences—who will view this event
and in what format? Perhaps the design will be detailed in such a way that it will show well in
close-up photography.
Many stock decor items available in today’s events marketplace did not exist 60 years ago.
Synthetic fibers and plastics have become increasingly sophisticated, enabling the fabrication of
countless imaginative pieces. Even as these lines are written, products continue to be developed,
providing greater selection at lower cost. Trying to describe all the products and techniques
available to the event practitioner is impossible. The following discussions will introduce you
to some of the more popular products and the imaginative ways that some innovative special
events planners use them. Their continual exploration of new ways to satisfy clients’ needs is the
ultimate key to creative design.

Interactive Decor

Today’s guests want to be more than just spectators at a special event—after all, movies and
television provide plenty of opportunities to watch fantastic special effects and see gorgeous set
designs and wonderful performances. To provide more than just a passive viewing experience,
the event designer must create an environment that allows the guests to participate—to be
actors in the decorator’s dream world.
At this point it is sufficient to understand the significance of creating a design that will meet the
needs of the guests. Today, any site can be transformed through decor, using a variety of products
and techniques. Regardless of the site and the decoration details, however, the designer’s objective
remains the same: satisfying the guests. To accomplish this goal, the designer must involve the
guests in the event as much as possible through their senses, their activities, and their emotions.

Self Assessment

State whether the following statements are true or false:
11. When attempting to satisfy the needs of guests, remember that the only four senses are
important.
12. Like five winning cards in the event manager’s hand, combining the five senses—tactile,
smell, taste, visual, and auditory—to satiate the needs of guests is the primary consideration
when designing the event environment.
13. The olfactory system creates instant emotional and creative reactions within your guests.
14. The reception area may create the first impression, but the main function area will
determine the effectiveness of the overall design.
15. Today’s guests want to be more than just spectators at a special event.

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