Lighting is one of the most important aspects of a corporate event or meeting. It serves a wide range of purposes from creating ambiance, to focusing attention, signaling transitions to adding depth, with power like this, it’s important to get it right.

We’ve put together the following lighting tips that will make your program shine:

Set the tone – Create the proper atmosphere for your event with the appropriate colors. According to color researcher Angela Wright, color is light, which travels to us in waves from the sun, on the same electro-magnetic spectrum as radio and television waves, microwaves, x-rays etc. Light is the only part of the spectrum that we can see. Yet, Wright explains, that since color travels along an electro-magnetic spectrum, color is actually energy. “Although response to colors is 80 percent unconscious, they affect you physiologically as well as psychologically,” she says, citing studies showing that when, “blind people were asked to identify colors with their fingertips, they were all able to do so easily. ”Color is a universal, non-verbal language. It has a profound effect on the brain, causing it to feel tranquil or excited, angry or inspired.

The color you choose affects attendees’ energy and productivity.  High wavelength colors can help get an early morning meeting off and running. Incorporating reds, oranges and bright yellows can automatically create and an awake, high-energy optimistic space. Low wavelength colors, such as those found in nature, stir the creative juices, improve efficiency and boost productivity. Opt for blues and greens, as the combination of water and grass colors evoke the relaxed sense of well being needed for creativity. Shoot for soft colors such as light purples and sage greens to deliver a more calming, serene event space. If your meeting is running long, up the green. The color green is easy on the eyes helping to reduce fatigue, helping to keep your group calm and efficient at the same time.

Lighting Tips to make your Presenters Shine

Focus – Spotlights are a great way to quickly grab and hold your audience’s attention. The use of spotlights can quickly emphasize focal points; with follow spots helping to engage an audience prior to a speaker taking the stage. Speaking of speakers, here’s a quick tip for stage décor/lighting; avoid going for the usual black draping, you want your speaker to stand out. Since most presenters tend to wear dark suits, the black against black simply creates the ‘floating head’ syndrome, which occurs because the dark colors fade away and the speaker’s head appears to be the only thing moving on the stage. Opt for a neutral backing, such as light grey in order to make your speaker shine.

Signaling Transitions – A change in color or even a subtle dimming of lights is an easy way to set the tone for program changes. Rely on your lighting to signal a transition between speakers or presentation material, or as a way to help move attendees from one space to another.

Creating visual texture with meeting and event lighting

Adding Visual Interest – Uplighting can add depth and dimension to any meeting space. Thanks to LED’s colorful uplighting can easily be changed throughout your program. Event items, such as bars or food and beverage can be highlighted with LED’s set behind glass as in a bars, or with pinspots from above for culinary items. The lighting draws attention to the display and gives it a unique look. Pinspots are also perfect for lighting tables from above. The main issue with pinspotting has always been the cost involved due to both the technical set-up and rigging fees. But magnetic pin spots have recently hit the market making it easier to place and direct these decorative lights without the expense of rigging!

Adding gobos (precut patterns) to your space can be a quick and fairly inexpensive way to create visual excitement. Consider using gobos to add branding to entryways and event space or visual texture to blank walls.

While lighting tips such as these can impact the success of your program so can the support from experts. Enlisting the help of a partner who understands your meeting and event objectives can be key to delivering a memorable program. When you’re ready to begin organizing your next group meeting, contact the staff at Visit Newport Beach, the destination marketing organization for Newport Beach, CA. Visit Newport Beach the doors to this Pacific paradise with destination expertise, customized site visits, strong partnerships and valuable resources.