The power of the senses: nailing the visual of your event

In the bustling world of corporate events, meetings and conferences, one factor remains paramount: the sensory experience. Nailing the visual element of your event is key to maintaining the interest and engagement of your delegates. Of the five senses, ‘sight’ is often a fundamental aspect of shaping a first impression, which can have a huge impact on event success. In fact, 55% of first impressions are made purely by what we see.

At the Royal Society of Chemistry at Burlington House, we understand the significance of creating visually stunning environments that inspire. They set the tone, create ambiance, create synergy with a company’s branding, and enhance the overall sensory experience of your guests.

From the moment attendees step into the venue, their eyes are drawn to the colours, lighting, and decor, all of which contribute to their overall perception and enjoyment. Here, we share the importance of sight in events and offer top tips for event planners to master the visual element of your next event.

1. Incorporate colour

Colours evoke emotions and set the mood for any event. Whether you’re planning a corporate meeting, a product launch, or a grand conference, choosing the right colour palette is crucial. Bold, vibrant colours can energise a space, while softer hues can create a calm and inviting atmosphere. Consider the message you want to convey and select colours that align with your event’s theme and purpose. Additionally, incorporating your brand colours can reinforce brand identity and recognition among attendees.

With weddings, for example, a colour scheme is often one of the first decisions which then dictates so many further choices: flowers, dresses, suits, table decorations and many more aspects.

2. Invest in professional lighting

Lighting plays a critical role in enhancing the visual appeal of your event. It can highlight key areas, create focal points, and set the overall ambiance. Professional lighting design can transform a plain venue into a dynamic and engaging space. Use a mix of ambient and accent lighting to create depth and dimension. For instance, spotlighting the stage during presentations or using coloured LED lights to create a dramatic effect can significantly enhance the sensory experience.

Going hand-in-hand with colour, our portable uplighters are just one way to achieve versatile, impactful lighting, with the ability to set them to any colour and set the mood of the room. This is especially useful for brands that are hosting an event offsite but need to ensure the space still looks and feels like their own.

3. Incorporate visual technology

In today’s tech-savvy world, integrating visual technology into your event can elevate the experience to new heights. Large LED screens, projection mapping, and interactive displays can captivate your audience and make your event more engaging. These technologies not only provide visual stimulation but also facilitate better communication and information dissemination.

This year, we invested in upgraded technology to make the virtual element of hybrid events a better visual experience for all involved. People are fed up with pixelated, jumpy visuals of virtual attendees joining them via a screen, making prioritising the visual aspect more important than ever in events.

4. Thoughtful decor and suitable layouts

The decor and layout of your venue are fundamental to creating a visually appealing environment. Thoughtfully designed decor elements such as floral arrangements, table settings, and stage designs can add elegance and sophistication to your event. Additionally, consider the flow and layout of the space to ensure that it is functional and visually pleasing. Create designated areas for networking, relaxation, and presentations to enhance the overall experience for your guests.

5. Aesthetic catering

Focusing on the ‘aesthetic’ of food and drink has hugely grown in popularity with the growth of social media, meaning that making catering options photo-worthy is a great way to make your event memorable. Whether a buffet, sit-down dining experience or just a sweet treat and a coffee, consider how to make it a feast for the eyes as well as tasting exceptional.

Our multi-award-winning in-house caterers, Houston & Hawkes, are experts in culinary masterpieces and strive to make catering more than just a necessary accompaniment to events, but an experience that starts with being visually appealing.

Mastering the visual element of your corporate events is essential to creating a memorable and impactful experience for your attendees. By focusing on the power of colour, investing in professional lighting, incorporating visual technology, and designing thoughtful decor and layouts, you can significantly enhance the event senses and create an unforgettable sensory experience.

We are dedicated to helping you bring your vision to life and ensure your event is a resounding success. We work with several experienced event suppliers to help materialise your vision through innovation and expert guidance.

Download our brochure or get in touch to learn more about our venue and how we can help you create visually stunning events that will leave a lasting impression on delegates and guests.