Event Trend: Live Art Demonstrations

At most events, one of the primary goals is to have everything done and perfect before the audience arrives. Now, many event planners are turning this idea upside-down. The new trend is to have the audience watch as key parts of the set are completed on the spot. Of course, this doesn't refer to having your guests watch men in overalls and scaffolds hammer plywood panels together! Instead, it's done by having live art demonstrations as part of the exhibition. In these, actual professional artists draw murals and other artworks during the events. Many are fascinated to be able to see the process as it unfolds.

Several variations on this idea have taken place over the last few months. Here are a few that may bring you inspiration:

The Discovery Venice Consumer Pop-Up Preview Event

Here, a surfboard artist was brought in to paint boards as people waited. Fitness gurus Gabby Reece and Laird Hamilton hosted the preview event, which surely made the early guests want to come back to see the full exhibition.

Outward Bound National Benefit Dinner

Who needs candid photography when you can have an artist sketch out key scenes of your event as they happen? That's what was done at this non-profit event, where artist Michael Arthur sketched on a visible screen as presenters talked.

3 Days in Miami Festival

Put on by Red Bull Sound Select, this event featured an artist who drew both posters and portrait pins on the spot. These were handed out for patrons to take home as souvenirs. The unique nature of such mementos will surely keep Red Bull in guests' minds for years to come.

Keep a Child Alive's 13th Annual Black Ball

This charity ball celebrated the spirit of the AIDS activism of the 80s with events including a live art installation by British artist Shantell Martin.

Choosing an Artist for Your Event

In order to be successful at a live installation, an artist must be able to work fast and tune out distractions. To ensure that everything goes without a hitch, be sure to ask your preferred artist if he or she can work under these specific conditions. Of course, you should also make sure all of the details are known and settled, such as: What will be drawn, what style of art you'll get, and similar aspects. This way, you can be sure that the results will match the brand image you want to portray.

For a great venue for your next event in Miami, try Soho Studios. We have 70,000 square feet of space that can be configured for almost any event. You won't have any trouble fitting a large enough canvas inside for your live art displays!

How to Host Dynamic (and Successful) Influencer Events

When you are banking on an audience of influencer types at your next marketing, fun, or another unique event, there are some key decisions you need to make and implement even before the big night in order to attract and bring in the all important influencer, one big secret to a successful event. Always remember that in the world of events-- attendees with the power to get your event information to the masses-- either through social media outlets such as Twitter or Instagram, the press, or some other form of publicity, are the big-ticket guests of the night.

Influencers are the movers and shakers of the event world which and as a result,  they are usually in high demand.  Your first touch needs to generate curiosity and interest enough so that they will want to learn more about what's happening, why, and where.  In short is this something they think is worth their time?

Because you are selling your event, brand, and more to the influencer, you'll want your invite to be perfect.  Electronic invites, while much more economical, are just not as effective as good old fashioned hard invites. Our suggestion: find out your influencers optimal contact time and send a hand-delivered, well-designed and impressive invite as a personal touch.  If you must send an emailed invite, refrain from using one of the online vendor products such as those found on Evite.  Instead send a personalized email from your personal account.  Influencers also want to know their presence will be valued and that the event organizer-- in this case you-- values them.

Once you have determined your target audience (Social Media Sweetheart or an A-list Celebrity who lives locally) be sure to court them appropriately always putting your best foot forward.  Don't forget the SWAG bag, or red carpet treatment promises.  Narrow the field and really focus on several key influencers who have an appeal to your targeted groups.

Known influencers are often drawn to events where they are able to interact and engage other influencers like them.  It's true.  Just like the choir kids in high-school hung out with the theater kids, key influencers want to be around other influencers.  These alliances are beneficial too, as you may want to encourage their involvement by inviting your chosen influencer to recommend a venue, artist, host, or speaker.  This will increase their investment and interest.

The right Event Influencer at the right time and the perfectly planned event can yield a home run event for your organization, product, and brand.  As you plan remember that their involvement is key and you should place an optimum on attracting them to your events for a win all-around.