Clever event lighting helps businesses shine

Nothing transforms a corporate function from drab to fab like clever event lighting. But with increasingly sophisticated technology providing endless options for wowing your audience, it's easy to be blinded by choice. So to help you get started, we've put together some event lighting handy hints.

Be creative

You don't need to spend a fortune on hi-tech special effects to make an impact with your event lighting. Simple ideas like colourful paper lanterns and coloured bulbs can be all it takes to warm up a room and evoke an exotic mood.

Alternatively, trawl markets and second-hand shops for cheap retro light shades and chandeliers; these are sure to create an element of surprise and give you a chance to show off your creative skills.

Smoke and mirrors

If you can't afford a complete lighting package, consider hiring just one or two high-wattage lights on tall stands, and using reflective materials strategically scattered around the room. Similarly, cleverly draped translucent fabrics like scrim can enhance your lighting. Hang them from the ceiling to transform pin-spotlights.

Your name in lights

'Gobos' are templates placed in front of lights to create shapes and patterns on walls, ceilings and floors. If you've got a bit more cash to splash, consider using these to project your company logo at the back of a stage or, better still, on the dance floor – your audience will never forget you!

Video star

A cheaper and more flexible alternative to custom-designed gobos is video projection. Photographs, graphics or videos played in a loop against a wall can make a strong impact and create a talking point. Choose images that reflect your company's vision and values to really drive home your brand.

Intelligent design

For major events where entertainment is on the agenda you may need to include 'intelligent' lighting. These are lights that can move and change colour according to the mood of the moment. You'll need a skilled programmer on site to operate them throughout the evening, but the extra expense is well worth it for those once-in-a-while signature events.

A trick up your sleeve

At the opposite end of the spectrum, if your event is just a humble office gathering, consider a few cheap fluorescent-light-tube sleeves. These come in a multitude of colours and are easily applied to your fluorescent lights to soften their clinical tone. The result is a more relaxed atmosphere, conducive to mingling.

Put your business in a good light

Whether your event is a gala dinner, product launch or luncheon, every aspect of it is a reflection of your brand. The right lighting will not only create a pleasing ambience for your guests, but will spotlight your company's creative and organisational skills.

So make good lighting a priority at your next corporate event, and help your business shine.