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.

AT&T Draws Consumers with Graffiti Art and Music

The Austin City Limits Music Festival offered far more than audio art. AT&T U-verse, stationed near band favorites, utilized the power of graffiti to promote its new GigaPower television and Internet service. Hosting engagements aligned with the event’s culture, the AT&T U-verse approach stayed true to the music festival while adding its own touch.

Two Long Weekends

AT&T commenced its project over two three-day weekends last fall. It offered local artist demos, a recharge lounge and astounding “quick delivery” giveaways. Additional to its digital tactics was a lifestyle activation event geared towards AT&T lovers abroad.

Festivalgoers began interacting with U-verse several months before the event ever started. The brand’s declaration of Austin City Limits representation featured a speech discussing title sponsorship. U-verse similarly created an Austin City Limits mobile app, engaging consumers within trivia contests, during festival pass giveaways and throughout the event.

AT&T’s support didn’t stop there. Users with big social media presences were invited into one-on-one conversation channels with U-verse. Participation resulted in festival ticket giveaways and visibility across AT&T’s music festival area.

The Tight-Knit Social Media Community

The AT&T U-verse style didn’t create itself. In fact, its influencers spanned across a multitude of online platforms. The brand teamed up with Vine celebs, bloggers, Snapchat favorites and Instagram gurus. Its social media partners told the AT&T story through their lens—which was a remarkably innovative approach to flexible marketing outreach. Vine influencer Frank Danna, in particular, impacted AT&T’s display positively with a four-vine special triggering over 500,000 loops in days.

Of course, the brand’s social community was guaranteed a well-deserved break from the in-event action. AT&T hosted a U-verse footprint refuge, granting attendees soothing relaxation from festival performances. Televised football games and device recharge stations were installed to grow the comfortable couch environment.

Artist Team-Ups

AT&T’s image was boosted by several ACL artists, including Alabama Shakes, the Foo Fighters and Gary Clark Jr. Hosting an exclusive festival documentary, the musicians slated the host footage for a February release. Packing performances, interviews and a unique eye on Austin’s rich culture, the video will soon be available on Direct TV and AT&T platforms.

AT&T knocked it out of the park during ACL. The event’s highlights brought the festival to a peak, pairing the area’s unique culture with an all-encompassing U-verse marketing platform. Rich with confidence and creativity, the AT&T approach to experiential marketing certainly entices the imagination.