How to Throw a 90's Themed Event

How to Throw a 90's Themed Event

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Since throwback everything is back in style, throwing a 90’s themed event can be a great idea. There are so many memorable moments during this era, from clothing to music that still have a huge impact on the trends occurring today. If you really want to do this the right way, you’ll need to bring Brooklyn to wherever your event will be held.

VENUE

First, you need a venue. Since this was an era where there was a lot of dancing, you want someplace that has enough room to make it happen. Think “street style” and you’ll get the idea. You should consider having a block-style party. This will allow the street to come alive with graffiti, fire hydrants, front porch steps and more. You also want to dress the buildings to reflect the era.

Customization is key. You want to make sure you study the pictures and videos of that era so no detail will be overlooked. For something of this magnitude, authenticity is key. What other types of props will help this come alive? Think taxi cabs, hot dog carts, boom boxes, overalls, big earrings, and a lot of color. The permits for this type of event can’t be missed, and having additional lighting that can be turned on as night falls is important.

DECOR

Second, you’ll need an event company that can provide the props you need to make things come alive. Even though it’s a party, you want to make sure you have ample seating and a place where the food can be served. Having a huge tent, or a graffiti-sprayed building where there are different food selections can make this a lot of fun.

MUSIC

Third, you’ll need to find the right DJ. For a New York setting, this is one of the most important elements of your event. Music, and played the right way, counts. Setting up a street rap battle would be an exciting element to throw in the mix, with opportunities for everyone to sign up. The object of this party should be having everyone dancing from the moment they arrive, to the minute they say goodbye. You want to have artists performing those songs that never go out of style. Music from these artists still have an impact, and their presence will take things over the top.

Think about the popular TV music shows of this era. You have MTV, BET and their video shows. Bringing back those hosts and other celebrities who were on the shows would be a major power play, paying homage to those shows that set the standard for how music content is delivered today.

Last, but not least, you have to consider marketing and parking. Making tickets accessible, and ensuring you have a venue or area large enough to fit a crowd of people, plus providing a way to get to the event, either through public transportation or parking areas is key. Everyone loves the 90’s. Do the event right, and it will be one of those memories that will be talked about for years to come.

Three Ways Event Furniture Designers are Becoming more Techie

Three Ways Event Furniture Designers are Becoming more Techie

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Technology is taking over in every aspect of life. When attending events, one of the most important elements that keeps everyone happy is connectivity. Whether working a table or sitting in chairs, being able to keep any electronics working and charged is key. Having a conference, meeting, exhibit or event? Pull everything together with tech gadgets that enhance your space and provide everything you need.

For event furniture designers, this takes things up a notch, opening the doors for experiences that cater to the needs of the attendees. There are a number of ways this is done, but here are three specific ways that have turned into winners:

• Functionality

The Tech Tablet Chair provides an integrated experience, with built-in USB and AC outlets to accommodate any venue or event. These chairs have a number of features, including and in-arm charging panel, swivel tables, storage berths under the chairs, and the ability to connect to other chairs for a forum or small roundtable. These chairs allow attendees to stay engaged, without worrying about whether or not they can find an electrical outlet. Additionally, the table is large enough to accommodate the use of a laptop, tablet, or writing pad.

• Style

Although these chairs are functional, they are also comfortable and stylish, integrating into any décor for the event. The unobtrusive soft dove gray color makes it a fitting selection for meeting rooms. The sizing of the chairs are useful for any layout.

• Comfort

Imagine having to sit in a chair for the entire day at a conference or symposium. Uncomfortable seating can make this a nightmare. These chairs not only provide style and functionality, but equipped with soft cushions and larger armrests, these chairs can be utilized all day with no worries.

Event planners can use these chairs to create any design. From the chairs that may need to be on the stage, to those in the audience, they provide technological ingenuity and usefulness. Another good idea would be to have these chairs in lounging areas, and also in the social media hub to monitor whatever is going on, direct attendees to their destinations and navigate any electronic displays.

These chairs help create a world where technology can dominate and take events to the next level. From every part of the venue, chairs can become part of the action without interrupting the flow. For those design teams that specialize in corporate events, these chairs set a new standard for implementation and sound delivery.

Now, all an event planner needs is a reliable power source and they can take it from there. It’s a new revolution of meetings and how things get done with technology leading the way. Creating experiences that make the difference can now be reimagined for everyone without compromising the need for technology. It’s a step in the right direction, and a new way of getting things done.

Adding this type of furniture to their services will not only put them ahead of the game, but will help enhance their brand.

How the Event Pros Are Designing Over-the-Top TV Premieres

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How the Event Pros Are Designing Over-the-Top TV Premieres

As a TV watcher, you wait at the edge of your seat for the premiere of your favorite shows, right? You can’t wait to see how that cliffhanger from last season plays out and are just so happy to be spending time with your favorite characters again. It’s exciting! Well, imagine how exciting it must be to attend a premiere party for a popular show like "Game of Thrones." As if the start of the show wasn’t exhilarating enough, event pros are creating TV premiere parties that blow everyone away. The key is to come up with a themed party that’s inspired by the subject matter of the show. Take a look at these over-the-top premieres while considering how you could use these examples as inspiration for your own event.

"Game of Thrones"

You wouldn’t take this article seriously if it skipped "Game of Thrones," so let’s start with this one. The show’s seventh season premiere included a screening and an amazing after-party at LA’s Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Classic Parking garage rooftop. This event was put on by Billy Butchkavitz Design for HBO, and it even made a space with no elevator access work by adding bridge and ramp structures guests could climb to reach the roof.

To enhance the atmosphere, a live orchestra gave the background music for the screening. The design team was able to fit the theme of the show by projecting flying dragons and characters. Mood lighting helped create the feeling of winter that fits the show’s premiere, while paper costumes, sculptures and other themed displays decorated the space. As if the show wasn’t enough entertainment, there was also a DJ, dancers and stilt-walkers to wow guests.

"Will"

By attending the premiere of the show "Will," guests got to go back in time while enjoying surprising modern twists. TNT created an Elizabethan party fitting of William Shakespeare, while the unique event let audiences know that the show would put a fresh twist on a classic.

The premiere screening took place on the lawn of Bryant Park in New York, while the party was at Bryant Park Grill. With the help of Empire Entertainment, TNT was able to perfectly fit the theme. The decor matched the unique feel of the show, with a mix of skulls and rock posters alongside fancy chandeliers, tapestries and books. The party also offered an experience, with street fair vendors for snacks, punk rock music, tattoo stations and a photo booth with themed props.

"Snowfall"

It sounds complicated to throw a themed premiere based around a drug epidemic, but FX showed that any subject can have a great party with its "Snowfall" premiere. This one was also complicated by the fact that this is a brand-new show, so the premiere didn't come with a built-in audience. But the themed party was sure to build excitement.

The event team recreated the show’s setting of 1980s Los Angeles with a downtown L.A. pop-up event that was open to the public. The area featured creative graffiti, '80s-style decor and time-period accents like a cassette tape-shaped table. They finished the look with an impressive wall mural showing L.A. streets. The style got visitors into the feeling of the setting and time period, creating interest in a new series. 

The best TV premiere parties were able to create an experience that fit the theme of their shows. These cases offer some examples of how this type of event can be pulled off with flair. How could you adapt these ideas?

How Brighten Up Your Summer Events With These Theme Ideas and Tips

How Brighten Up Your Summer Events With These Theme Ideas and Tips

Renting a venue is just the first step to making your summer corporate event a success. You need to bring in the bright, exciting feel of summer so that your guests are glad to have chosen your presentation over other possible activities. Here are some ideas that should give you inspiration for planning your expo:

First, a Caveat: Make Sure the Theme Resonates with Your Brand

If your theme is summery, but doesn't tie into your brand's image, you'll miss a powerful marketing opportunity. Be sure to keep your event on-point as well as fun. This way, your guests will firmly connect your brand with the experience rather than thinking of it as a generic sponsor.

Roses and Wine

The aforementioned roses and wine theme was done to great success by Kim Crawford Wines, which wanted announce its new rose wine in grand style. It filled its area with roses and even had a bar made of live rose bushes. The roses were very summery, and they tied in perfectly with the launch of the new rose wine. On top of that, there were enough roses that just looking at the event area made an indelible impression – and connection with the advertised product.

A Rocking Summer Night

This type of theme is great for many companies that cater to younger audiences, but it's perfect for companies associated with making rock music. What better way to show off instruments, amps, stage lighting rigs, and other musical equipment than to have people come and experience the sounds and sights of professionals using the products? Hold the party outdoors under strung-up lights for that summer feel.

Have a Barbecue Party

Everyone loves to eat, and barbecuing is a quintessentially summer activity. This makes a barbecue a perfect event for any company that wants to be seen as fun and exciting while avoiding faddish trendiness. For maximum impact, make the event large enough for a huge number of guests and cook the food over one or more showy firepits.

Always Make Sure Everyone is Comfortable

The level of comfort expected will depend on your audience and the type of event you're holding, but it's always important to avoid the chance of outright misery. For outdoor events, one great way to do this is to offer branded umbrellas. If the event is on the upper-class end, provide them as part of the package. Otherwise, set up kiosks and sell them at reasonable prices. Be sure to keep the cost within the "impulse buy" range – the more people buy them, the more your brand and event name will be seen later on!

Other ways to ensure comfort include providing cushioned seating, decent plates and utensils, and easy-to-navigate pathways between tables or exhibits. If your event uses disposable serveware, be sure to have plenty of trash cans and recycle bins set up so people can conveniently offload them once they're done with their food and drinks.

For a spacious event space in sunny Miami, consider Soho Studios. We have both indoor and outdoor areas that can be customized to match any theme you choose.

Brighten Up Your Summer Events With These Theme Ideas and Tips

Brighten Up Your Summer Events With These Theme Ideas and Tips

Renting a venue is just the first step to making your summer corporate event a success. You need to bring in the bright, exciting feel of summer so that your guests are glad to have chosen your presentation over other possible activities. Here are some ideas that should give you inspiration for planning your expo:

First, a Caveat: Make Sure the Theme Resonates with Your Brand

If your theme is summery, but doesn't tie into your brand's image, you'll miss a powerful marketing opportunity. Be sure to keep your event on-point as well as fun. This way, your guests will firmly connect your brand with the experience rather than thinking of it as a generic sponsor.

Roses and Wine

The aforementioned roses and wine theme was done to great success by Kim Crawford Wines, which wanted announce its new rose wine in grand style. It filled its area with roses and even had a bar made of live rose bushes. The roses were very summery, and they tied in perfectly with the launch of the new rose wine. On top of that, there were enough roses that just looking at the event area made an indelible impression – and connection with the advertised product.

A Rocking Summer Night

This type of theme is great for many companies that cater to younger audiences, but it's perfect for companies associated with making rock music. What better way to show off instruments, amps, stage lighting rigs, and other musical equipment than to have people come and experience the sounds and sights of professionals using the products? Hold the party outdoors under strung-up lights for that summer feel.

Have a Barbecue Party

Everyone loves to eat, and barbecuing is a quintessentially summer activity. This makes a barbecue a perfect event for any company that wants to be seen as fun and exciting while avoiding faddish trendiness. For maximum impact, make the event large enough for a huge number of guests and cook the food over one or more showy firepits.

Always Make Sure Everyone is Comfortable

The level of comfort expected will depend on your audience and the type of event you're holding, but it's always important to avoid the chance of outright misery. For outdoor events, one great way to do this is to offer branded umbrellas. If the event is on the upper-class end, provide them as part of the package. Otherwise, set up kiosks and sell them at reasonable prices. Be sure to keep the cost within the "impulse buy" range – the more people buy them, the more your brand and event name will be seen later on!

Other ways to ensure comfort include providing cushioned seating, decent plates and utensils, and easy-to-navigate pathways between tables or exhibits. If your event uses disposable serveware, be sure to have plenty of trash cans and recycle bins set up so people can conveniently offload them once they're done with their food and drinks.

For a spacious event space in sunny Miami, consider Soho Studios. We have both indoor and outdoor areas that can be customized to match any theme you choose.

How to Make Your Corporate Event or Party Eco-Friendly

How to Make Your Corporate Event or Party Eco-Friendly

Every company can get extra goodwill by making their event or corporate party more eco-friendly. However, it can seem hard to do this when you have to serve or entertain large groups of people. How can you minimize the environmental footprint of 100 or even 1,000 event attendees? Fortunately, there are ways to set up your events so that even large ones have elements that are easier on the environment than their alternatives. Here are some ideas you can implement without much trouble:

Choose Reusable Tableware

Washing dishes requires soap and water, but the alternative – paper and plastic – is even worse for the environment. Paper production uses much more water than washing, and it typically results in large amounts of pollution thanks to the use of bleaches and dyes in the production process. Plastic, of course, is a petroleum product. Even worse, plastic doesn't degrade within a reasonable timeframe (some say it takes 500 years to disappear). Eliminating both paper and plastic is clearly the eco-friendly move.

Serve Vegetarian Meals

A good caterer can make vegetarian food taste great, and if your event calls for snacks and sandwiches instead of dinners, your guests may not even notice that meat isn't on the menu. The environmental benefit results from the efficiency of growing vegetables and grains compared to that of raising meat.

Why avoid meat? Raising meat animals produces pollution in the form of animal waste, contributes to greenhouse gas levels due to methane excretion, and requires more food since the feed has to go through another layer before it gets to you. Plants are much cleaner to grow, and they're more efficient because when you eat them directly, you essentially "cut out the middleman" of the food chain.

Hold Your Event in a Big City

When you have your event in a big city like Miami, your guests will be able to reach the venue via public transportation. This, of course, cuts down on the amount of gas used and air pollution produced. As a bonus, the area will have plenty of other things to do after your event ends, and your guests will love the extra entertainment possibilities.

Use Digital Signage

Many events are festooned with a wide variety of posters, pennants, and other printed materials. When the event ends, all of this paper is simply thrown away. Avoid all of that waste by using digital signs. Thanks to today's lightweight flat screens, these signs can be mounted in stands as well as hung on walls. Since they're digital, there's no need to throw them out when the current graphics become obsolete. Simply program them with new images for your next event. Alternatively, rent digital signs and simply hand them in to the rental company after your event ends.

Use Recycled Paper for Printed Materials

Digital signs eliminate the need for much paper, but you still may want to print out programs, brochures, or business cards for your event. In these cases, use paper that is totally or partially recycled to minimize your ecological footprint.

Avoid Plastic Water Bottles

Provide reusable bottles instead and have refill stations set up so guests can get more water as it is needed. If you just can't see going without the traditional plastic kind, set up recycle bins to collect them as they're emptied. Look for water brands that use recycled plastic for their bottles, too.

Rent Durable Materials

Venues such as our Soho Studios offer the chance to rent props, carpets, and other essentials for your event. Choose this option to avoid needlessly throwing away or endlessly storing items that could actually be used for years. If you do buy your own accessories, donate them to charities if you won't be reusing them.

Use Energy-Efficient Items

Many events require special gear. Make sure to choose the most efficient versions that will do the job. One suggestion is to make sure that you have LED lighting whenever possible. These lights are some of the most efficient readily-available ones on the market today.

Mention How Eco-Friendly Your Event Will Be

Helping the environment is great on its own, but the purpose of a corporate event is marketing. Be sure to let everyone know that your event is as green as possible and mention specific steps you've taken to make it that way. This will ensure that you get the expected bump in goodwill.

These are just some of the ways you can make your event more eco-friendly. Even if you can only implement some of them, you'll have a greener event than you would if you used the old-fashioned versions of everything.

For a highly flexible venue in Miami, choose Soho Studios. We have up to 70,000 square feet of configurable space and rental options for all major event elements.

Event Trend: Neon Logos and Artwork

Everyone likes lights, even when they go out. Neon lights are getting a lot of attention, and they’re popping up in unexpected places. From urban club lights to feminine spotlights, neon signage, apparently, is right on the money. Let’s check out the latest hits.

Neon and Corrugated Metals

As a décor choice, neon signage atop corrugated metals, apparently, is a big hit. The Medair New York gala—back in March—capitalized the look. Artists like Shepart Fairey, alongside other performers and artists, have fermented a modern urban vibe by revitalizing age-old neon looks.

Graphic Whites

Graphic white neon signage, too, is becoming popular. It’s a little high fashion, but it certainly works. Rodarte and Coach recently used graphic white neon to promote themselves, taking charge at Musso & Frank in Los Angeles. We feel straight-white neon signage works due to its simplicity, classiness and adaptability. Really, it’s one of the best graphical choices luxury brands can aim for.

Between the Paintings

Moving in an odd direction, event designer Tinsel & Twine outfitted New York’s IP Soft’s holiday party by surrounding neon signage with paintings. Sure, it might’ve been a masquerade ball event. That said, there’s something creepily in-tune with audience desires by combining suggestive neon lights between classic portraits, graffiti and eye-catching chandeliers.

At Classy Dinners

Speaking of classiness, pink neon has experienced a resurgence at event dinners. American Express and Girlboss have been running a tastemaker’s campaign with branded neon signs. Pink has always been a solid choice, but its sheer brightness has been a turnoff for many. Fortunately, inaugural dinners are seemingly immune to the radical design choice.

Cacti?

That’s right: cacti. The H&M Loves Coachella launch in Times Square featured neon cacti. The Atomics played, celebrating alongside 200 brand-lovers amidst a neon desert backdrop. Cacti might be a little unorthodox—display-wise—but if it works, who cares?

Cartoon Signage

Classic cartoon signage, of course, has made a 2017 appearance. It’s always been a design choice, even if it’s fallen into obscurity in recent years. When Coach celebrated its 75th anniversary, however, the signage returned. Cartoonish neon works well when gritty, urban landscapes are advertised. Whether it’s a motel sign, a rocket ship or a Las Vegas star design, neon is a solid installation choice.

If your event wants an “emergency runway” look, or if it’s simply installing a sign collection to hit a modern market, you’re in luck. Today’s leading brands are already leading the way, and they’re pulling off difficult looks fantastically. Get creative, and light up your event’s night with this year’s leading trend.

How to Transform a Blank Canvas

Even if a business has money, they’ve still got it rough when it comes to event planning. Sometimes, the space isn’t there. At other times, unconventional avenues make it hard to let loose, get the point across and attract new customers. When thinking outside the ballroom, it’s important to consider your audience. Transforming a blank canvas into a full-fledged event isn’t easy, but it’s possible. Here’s how:

Turn Small Shops into Networking Gatherings

If you’re stuck with a coffee shop, fear not. You can still use the free Wi-Fi, attract customers and dish out branded swag. Coffee shops are today’s pop-up shops, and they’re surprisingly good venues for small businesses lacking funds. You can still cross-promote your other options, staying true to a frugal budget while meeting the locals.

Use Park Space for Active Market Promotion

These days, most brands utilize the sporty, get-up-and-go lifestyle to promote. We live in a world where even videogames are getting more active. If you’re stuck with a field, make use of it. Parks might seem unconventional at first, but they’re incredibly capable event properties. Set up a gazebo, have a cookout and promote your product to passerby.

Turn a Tram Ride into a Town Tour

Sometimes, all the venues are booked. Have you considered your mobile options? Today’s town visitors—and even the residents—are using cross-city tram services, brewery carts and even carriages to see new sights. Give your customers a look through your business’s eyes, and give them something to remember. Travel is memorable, and you needn’t spend tons of money on a good trip.

Book it In an Airport

If you’ve got extra money, try out a pop-up experience in an airport. A surprising number of brands, like NGO Miseror, have created entire digital campaigns centered in airports. Aside from the obvious high-traffic benefit, airports are unique places which guarantee visibility. If you’re expressing yourself in an airport, you’ll definitely be seen.

Check Out the Local Lodge

Similar to the cross-town experience, a one-night stay in a lodge isn’t a bad idea. A lot of marketers, in fact, are bringing their customers closer by instilling a sense of sincerity. If you can get your customers talking to one another, you have an experience.

Not every event relies on flashy event spaces, huge banners and unique technology. Sometimes, simpler is better. It’s called experiential marketing for a reason. Even if the event is small, you can instill a sense of wonder by planning your event correctly. Check out your local area’s offerings, and get to work on your brand’s experiential canvas.

Event Trend: Photo Booth Ideas for 2017

Few things bring guests together like a photo booth. Whether you’re presenting a new product line, getting creative with an expo or simply want to land a new brand perspective, installing a photo booth is a good idea. We’ve already seen a few photo booth trends in 2017 worth mentioning, and we’re sending them your way. Check out these awesome, tech-centric photo booths, and take charge with this year’s latest gadgets.

One: The LEGO Photo Booth

LEGO’s UK flagship store installed the world’s first “Mosaic Maker,” which is a photo booth capable of transforming self-portraits into LEGOs. A lot of brand providers have taken advantage of the trend, coming up with inspiring, unique ways to change the visitor’s face. LEGO’s mosaic kit, available after the photo is snapped, lets customers shape their own pictures.

Two: Movie Photo Booths

Apple, among other big tech providers, has expounded upon the recent Face Place photo booth series. It’s honored as the nation’s “Manufacturer of the Year,” and it isn’t toning down its creative approach to everything customer-centric. The Movie Photo Booth utilizes marquee-style lighting, Apple’s own green screen technology and digital photo sets which harness fantasy film backgrounds. Spice up the typical photo booth experience, and give your guests something to remember, scene-wise.

Three: The TapSnap Photo Booth

Whether you’re putting together a small event, a corporate soiree or a lavish expo, a TapSnap photo booth can enhance your visitor experience. It focuses on the customer’s perspective, using today’s leading technology to offer customized digital photo options. It’s rentable, too. Powered by a well-trained staff, TapSnap is quickly becoming a leading photo booth rental option.

Four: Social Media Booths

Social media has become a popular photo booth tool, and brand are using Facebook and Twitter log-in prompts to capture online moments and build brand awareness. These photo booths still have in-depth photo options, and they still showcase a variety of digital snap options, but having social media accessibility has changed the game.

Five: Gif Booths

Gifs have been around for a while, but they’ve only just taken off in the photo booth world. Alongside slow-mo booths and g-force “wind booths,” gif booths are becoming a staple of mall-based marketing events. Once again, social media plays a part. Facebook’s introduction to short-looping video has only fueled the trend.

As technology becomes increasingly integrated into photo booth technology, customers will start expecting lavish displays. Online metrics, social media and even virtual reality have come a long way. Today, even small marketing campaigns benefit from unique photo booth ideas. Where do you stand?