Planning an NYC event requires a massive amount of attention to each detail. Catering considerations, decor, immersive entertainment, and others all have to mesh and function seamlessly. By that same token, immersive lighting considerations can arguably be the difference between a mediocre event and one hailed as out of this world. If you’re an NYC event planner organizing any level of event, here are some event lighting considerations to wow both guests and your clients. Consider this one of your new knowledge essentials.
1. Know Your Space
Understanding how light interacts with an event space takes a small understanding of physics. However, there are some shortcut concepts that you can use as an event planner to develop a working knowledge of “good lighting.” It would also be wise to make sure your event space has the electrical access necessary to power your lighting visions before you etch your plans in stone.
Understanding where the entertainment, presentations, or visual displays are located is a good start. Lighting directs attention and enhances preexisting aesthetics. As an event planner, you’ll want to make sure that the type of lighting you’re using, from spotlights to ambiance, plays to a space’s strengths and highlights the event’s focal points. At the same time, lighting choices need to avoid illuminating any weak points of a space. No one wants to stare at a random bright corner just because someone turned a spotlight the wrong way.
2. Remember to Layer Event Lighting
Along with its role in general visibility for event guests, light, like a painting, can have layers and depth. Warm or cool tones can be layered with colored accents, while dynamic, fill, and key lighting help develop a space’s aesthetic. These brilliant lighting effects add depth and dimension to a venue space and enrich the visual landscape. Create unique layers of light with LED strips, wall sconces, and decorative hanging fixtures.
3. Take Advantage of Technology
Most of everything is automated or integrated with AI technology nowadays, and it’s fantastic to embrace the realm of New York event planning. Intelligent lighting includes automated or programmable fixtures that can create synchronized lighting sequences or shows, specific movements within an event, and enhance entertainment, music, or performances.
Battery-operated or wireless lighting is another piece of smart technology that can help mitigate venue limitations. This allows less demand on in-house outlets or electrical access, giving you more flexibility in lighting placements. This also cuts down on cable clutter and elevates the overall look of an event.
4. Don’t Forget Tech Support
One of the most important aspects of immersive lighting is to make sure you have a great audiovisual tech support individual or team on your event logistics crew. You’re going to be busy enough as an event planner on the days leading up to an event. Troubleshooting lighting or technology snafus can easily consume you and your time when you should ideally be overseeing and delegating to make sure everything runs smoothly.
These Tips and More at The Event Planner Expo 2024
Of course, there are so many more elements that go into a successful event planning business than knowing how to create a fabulous lighting experience at your client’s events. The Event Planner Expo 2024 this October is the event of the year where you can both learn event planner insider tips and share your professional knowledge, all in one place. Register for your tickets here and plan on a mind-blowing few days in New York this fall.
