
In the world of meetings, creativity is a crucial factor for meeting professionals who are constantly under pressure to come up with fresh new ideas for their events. When it comes to décor, it can be challenging to surprise attendees and ensure a memorable experience. Fortunately, there are seasoned décor specialists who can help. Some of the staff with Event Lab, LLC based in Minneapolis, MN shared some ideas that will hopefully inspire you for your next event.

Incorporate the season, work it into the décor and bring a room alive with natural elements. If it’s winter, create a winter wonderland using bare branches, lighting and pine cones. If it is spring, summer or fall create a farmers market using vibrantly colored fresh fruit, wildflowers and vegetables.
“We are doing a lot of ‘garden’ and ‘park-themed’ parties. Perhaps it is the time of the year, but everyone is asking for fresh greenery, fresh floral and park settings,” said Becky Harris, CSEP, Director of Sales with Event Lab, LLC. “I think the trend for all this is coming from being ‘green’ and ‘recycling.’ ‘Organic’ and ‘Farm-to-Table’ are all buzz words right now. We are designing our events to be a bit more eclectic with re-claimed items and recycled vessels, tables and fabrics.”

Harris says they are also using corporate products in buffet tablescapes to tie in branding and messaging. This also plays into the vintage trend. They just did a big vintage carnival and re-worked the usual color palette. The use of sky blue, silver and red instead of the typical circus colors made the theme fresh. The look was old-fashioned with a modern approach. Another event incorporated a lot of chalkboard art, tree trunk tables, black leather furniture and white ceramic taxidermy that they called “Bavarian Chic.”

Lighting is still the rage and a relatively inexpensive way to make a big impression. “One of our designers just made a really awesome light sculpture using translucent garbage bags; the concept of using everyday materials in the décor is very appealing,” says Harris. “If you are going to rent linens, rent them in the trend colors of the season; this makes the room feel fresh and in season. If you are doing a tried and true theme, refresh the color palette to add a unique twist. Use graphic geometric patterns in the linens, pillows and lighting.”
Instead of viewing a third party event company as an additional expense, check out your options. In many cases there are cost savings because these companies already have a large inventory of props that are less costly to rent versus buying.
“Working with our warehouse selection is generally a very budget friendly approach. I think one also has to be very careful if the client says they’ll have their staff make the centerpieces or buy the ‘decorations.’ You need to ask the question how will this incorporate with the overall look and feel of the event?” said Susan Milteer, Account Executive with Event Lab, LLC.