Designing an event takes more than a beautiful venue and great location (admittedly, those do go a long way). You’ve got consider the decor and lighting, almost as much as you would have to spend time over the guest list. First impressions are important - especially if you are throwing an event for your company - and event design goes a long way when creating lasting memories. We’re sharing the best event design ideas that we have picked up during our time in the business. 

If there’s one thing we know that can transform a venue, it’s the right lighting. There are so many event design ideas when it comes to lighting. Gobo lights, such as the ones available at Projected Image, are increasingly popular in 2018, casting brilliant designs or custom logos for your brand on any surface. You could even go so far as to project your business name on the ceiling or walls of your venue. We have also noticed a sharp rise in the use of paper lanterns at events. Filling the blank space that is the ceiling (and saving on electricity) - the benefits of hanging lanterns are exceptional. They also double up as a unique event design, meaning your guests are more likely to share images, perhaps even on their company’s social media platforms. 

​Similarly, photo backdrops provide a fantastic focal point for your event - encouraging guests to get interactive, one of the biggest event trends of 2018. For your photo backdrop, you could incorporate your brand’s products and colours, for example. Layer different shapes and textures to give your guests a reason to take a picture at the wall. For event design ideas on a budget, consider materials that are easily customisable: tissue paper and balloons etc. 

Photo booth hire is the trend we don’t expect to die down - certainly not in the near future. Everyone loves a good photo from an event, particularly one that boasts good filters and plenty of exciting props for your guests to have fun with. Not only one of our top event entertainment ideas, as well as design, but they also break the ice between attendees that may not know each other. Nothing brings people together quite like a picture of them wearing a handlebar moustache. You can also go as fun and zany as you would like with photo booth hire, while still in keeping with your brand image.  

​Speaking of balloons, the ceiling is often left out of event design plans. It’s understandable, as you have other things to prioritise. However, hanging paper lanterns or blowing up balloons to cover the ceiling can be cost-effective and exciting. The aim of your event is to get people talking, and this unique event idea will do that and more. 

​Flowers are no longer on the ground in 2018. We’ve seen a massive boost in popularity for hanging florals from the ceiling and creating an almost enchanted fairytale effect. This event design idea also allows you to save money on table arrangements. Instead, making your guests look upwards and creating a sense of excitement. A simple garden, with some hanging lanterns, will help fill your venue. 

​Interactive events are the most significant trend of 2018. Long monologues to an audience in a plain function room have been and gone, and you’ve got to keep your prospects interested. That said, there’s nothing like retro arcade game hire or carnival funfair games to add to the decoration of your venue. Allowing your guests to get hands-on and relax at your event also pushes them to your primary aim: networking and promoting your business. They are likely to take much better memories away from an event such as this, incorporating innovative event entertainment, rather than being talked at for several hours. 

If you would like to discuss event entertainment options, get in touch with one of our team today for expert advice and entertainment hire. 

It’s time to start planning your 2018 events, and ensure they stand out. While there are several important factors to consider when hosting an event, you should never forget entertainment. We’re sharing our top trends and ideas for entertainment hire.

​2018 is the year to get interactive with your guests. While inviting guests to your event for a sit-down meal and a speech may have got you somewhere 10 years ago, it will not cut it today. You need to give those attending the reason to buy your products and services and, hopefully, share images across their social media platforms. Interactive event entertainment are the buzzwords of this year. Give your guests the chance to get hands-on and relax, allowing you to (gently) push them towards your primary aim. By encouraging them to take part in your entertainment hire, you have the chance to introduce yourself informally and start a discussion regarding your products or services. They’ll take away much better memories from this type of party entertainment, effectively achieving everything you hoped. With the rise in digital technology and live streaming, interactive event entertainment keeps audiences coming. 

Technology within the event entertainment industry is exploding. New and popular technology is a rich source for event ideas. We predict 2018 events are going to feature more videos and live streaming etc., so give your guests the reason to share. The likes of 3D Projection mapping at your event is massive, with planners utilising the tech for speciality shows and large-scale trade shows. Incorporating tech into your corporate entertainment will, likely, improve your social media impressions, thus converting into revenue. 

We’re not ahead of our time in saying robots might soon be a feature of your events. They have long been popular corporate entertainment ideas, providing interactivity and the wow-factor. We are not expecting you to purchase a 10 foot robot for your next trade show, but it’s worth looking into what the market can offer to enhance your plans. 

​While tech is ever-increasing in 2018, we’re not quite ready to say goodbye to the ‘good old days’. Vintage event entertainment has certainly not had its day, with more planners turning to vintage theme hire this year. The likes of vintage accessories and games are looking to prove a huge trend, and we have party entertainment in Newcastle covered. Our carnival funfair games are the perfect choice for celebrating the bygone era. The joy of carnival funfair games are twofold (in fact, tenfold). Not only are they nostalgic, but also interactive. There’s no sitting around, as everyone can get involved and throw their weight behind the Test Your Strength machine. 

If you would like to discuss options for vintage party entertainment Newcastle, get in touch today with one of our team and start planning your events for 2018. 

If there’s one thing you can take away from this article, it’s to think outside of the box - particularly when it comes to catering. Food can be just as entertaining as games (although, we challenge any food to defeat our retro Pacman arcade machine). If you are opting for a sit-down dinner at your event, make it a show. You could produce creative food, or even have a band performing in the background to entertain your guests. This year, we’re already seeing a lot of ‘cirque buffets’. This trend refers to trapeze artists, and other circus acts performing while food is served. There’s nothing more entertaining than watching a circus act while tucking into your food and wine. 

​As providers of event entertainment, we know the importance of standing out from the crowd. Seen in 2017 and carrying through to 2018 with increasing popularity is the use of speciality entertainment to welcome and wow the guests. Think aerial artists throughout the venue, stilt walkers, pole artists and fire breathers greeting your guests as they arrive. The overall effect of speciality entertainment is unique, interactive and engaging. You can also expect most of your guests to share photos of a brilliant trapeze artist, maybe even produce a write-up of the event.

​If you would like any more help discussing event entertainment or even party entertainment hire in Newcastle, give us a call today. ​

​As we settle into 2018, we need to start the process of planning our events. The New Year brings plenty of exciting new trends, and we are sharing our top tips to throwing a fantastic event. Keep on reading for our best corporate event ideas of 2018...

​All good corporate events start with an excellent idea, one that represents the brand’s values and core strategy. It’s not enough to simply ‘throw a party’ but to entice the right guests, find the correct event entertainment and create an image that represents and understands the brand's objectives. For example, a carnival-inspired event isn’t a style that would suit a law firm. While you need to stand out and be considered exciting, you cannot stray too far from your brand values with corporate event ideas.  Detailed prior planning also helps you gain insights into the budget, manage how much of it has been spent, alongside when and where.  

​One of our top corporate party ideas is to pick an event suited for guests. When hosting a trade show or product launch, for example, a central location is recommended. You need an area that is accessible for the majority of your guests, and in a sought-after location. It’s also worthwhile looking at large spaces, such as function rooms within popular bars when it comes to corporate event ideas. You need a position that is easy to get to and offers good public transport links and parking, as well as accessible entrances. 

​A hotel or conference centre will not cut it in 2018. This year is all about unique corporate event ideas and venues. The wow factor starts as soon as your guests turn up to the occasion. If you are hosting a product launch or event regarding a new business service, you want your guests to walk away needing your brand. To do so, you need to offer excitement and a reason to work with you. Make a statement by looking into the most popular bars and restaurants within the city, but always inquire as to whether they have enough space for your event and guests. If you opt to follow our corporate event ideas and choose a unique venue, you are likely to entice more guests, particularly those your company is looking to attract. 

​Industrial is a theme we are seeing a lot of already in 2018, and it’s one to look out for with office party ideas and corporate events. The industrial trend perfectly complements most brand values and, most importantly, looks good. While you want your guests to buy what you are selling or discussing, your event needs to look good. First impressions count in the business world, and you need to make a statement as soon as your guests arrive. Think copper structures, concrete and steel accessories to help decorate your venue, or your pop-up stalls etc. 

​Props are the next big trend in 2018. A DJ and a photo booth aren’t enough (although, the photo booth is always fun). However, it’s not just any props that are part of our unique corporate event ideas, but giant props. Think outside the box (literally) for your event. You could place huge social frames around your venue, as a fantastic way of engaging social media and encouraging your guests to share pictures of the party. Similarly, if you are throwing a product launch, you could incorporate the product into your props. A London cosmetic campaign event boasted the slogan ‘keep calm and cherry on’, and placed giant, photo-worthy cherries around the event. If it’s not a corporate event and you are just looking for office party ideas, you can still use the idea but perhaps use props more relevant to your industry. 

​Food no longer has the backseat at events. Catering expectations are high in 2018, especially as the foundation to all good corporate event ideas. This year, event planners are expected to push the bounds of creativity and produce food that is truly astounding (and social media worthy). You could create edible cocktails that feature your company’s colours, appetisers boasting your business logo and so on; the possibilities are endless. You could even follow the Pinterest trends and combine food with event entertainment, with DIY popcorn and cake stalls, for example. 

As mentioned above, you cannot forget event entertainment. In this day and age, where guests expect to be entertained from the start to the finish, you must offer them some incentive to buy your product or work with your company. Corporate entertainment ideas have come a long way in the past decade, and you can hire almost any game. As event entertainment hire experts, we offer a range of services for your corporate party. Our most popular is casino theme hire, with roulette tables, poker and blackjack available. The casino theme is looking to hit huge heights in 2018. Likewise, summer events could incorporate the fun of the fair with carnival hire. Think ‘roll the ball’ and ‘basketball shootout’ for event entertainment. 

If you would like to discuss corporate entertainment ideas, get in touch with one of our team today who will ensure your event is memorable.