Branding your event is one of the most important things a corporate event planner can do. The brand drives every decision and keeps plans on the right track for success. In addition to providing great speeches and great music, you need to remind your guests that this is your company’s event. Branding creates a focus for guests and narrows choices for planners. It’s just something you’re going to want to do, even if it might cost a little more.
To properly brand your event, you need to consider the following aspects:
- Theme
- Colors
- Food
- Signage and Decor
- Branded party favors
Choosing a Theme
When choosing a theme for your event, remember that the theme should be broad enough to be inclusive for your guests to understand, but focused enough that they don’t forget that this is for your company. It should flow with the brand. It should be uplifting and fun.
Choosing Colors
Your brand is going to dictate your theme, and therefore your colors. Pick two or three colors that you feel speak to what your brand is. Use one as the primary color, and the other two as accents. Valuable tips are to use color conservatively and sparingly, as you don’t want guests to be overwhelmed.
Choosing Food
Thought should be put into the food for two reasons. First, it is a way to thank those for attending. Second, it can help set the theme. That ultimately is good for the brand. Food can, and probably should be coordinated with the theme or brand if possible.At minimum, your event will need bottled water and some type of refreshment, like snacks and candies. Wrap these items in branded packaging to present a professional, unified image. For instance, you should opt for modern fusion of organic food if “natural” is part of the brand. It is a slight detail but will speak volumes to those attending that you are attentive to how your brand comes across.
Signage and Decor
Attendees notice the things they see first, so make their first impression an interesting one they will remember. Signage focusing on your brand will go a long way. Decor ups the ante on branding. Using flowers, plants, and items that have the same colors as the brand helps keep it in people’s memories.
Branded Party Favors
Branded party favors are a fun way to promote your brand and help people remember you after they leave. The best-branded party favors are ones people use every day, like pens, calendars, paper tablets, sticky notes, and hats. Every time they use it, they will see your brand. They can’t help but remember it and even inadvertently advertise it.
Creating a cohesive brand for your event isn’t difficult, but requires some creativity and thought. Planning well in advance ensures you can have all the details ordered and in place when your guests arrive.
