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 Always on their game and ahead of the next greatest thing, event planners proved their creative mettle with headline-making dos in 2007. So what’s in store as we settle into a new year? According to our forecasters, the industry will continue its positive run, stoked by a healthy social and environmental conscience. Read on for the inside scoop: As Canada becomes a stronger player in the international market, we'll also see more influences and imports from overseas. Virgin, Rimmel of London, Mini and Dyson were all recently showcased in Toronto and their events had maximum impact with minimalist accent decor. Glitz and glamour will take a different turn, using more lighting and audio-visual effects and less themed props. Furniture pieces will provide the perfect base element and decor emphasis will be on colour and texture rather than theme. Entertainment will slowly shift away from reality themes and return to spectator and interactive shows. Acts and motivational speakers are constantly evolving and it's always worth a second look at an old favourite, as everyone moves with the times.” “The industry will hold status quo, which is a good thing. We are seeing more inquiries about two- and three-day conferences, an area of the business which seemed to go quiet for a while there. Everybody will need to make some ecological green moves; it’s not a trend, it is the way we need to do business. On the event floor, you’ll see furnishings as décor move from high-end occasions to mainstream happenings with lots of options. While ballrooms and banquet halls are a sure thing, finding unique, alternative venues will make for the hottest event tickets in 2008. Along that line, we’ll see even more restaurateurs open their doors to event business, too.” “In the next year, food safety and the search for local, sustainable food will play major roles again with a continuing emphasis on health. Not only is it about low fat, but foods with antioxidant properties like dark chocolate, flavoured salts and root veggies will pop up a lot. Molecular gastronomy will also be something we see more of as we see chefs 'play' with utensils such as blowtorches, liquid nitrogen and other laboratory gadgets. We'll also continue to see a trend on unique cocktails that put an emphasis on the freshest ingredients including a lot of fruit infusions. Cocktails will either be over the top, or back to the classics like a dry gin martini. More intimate events, like dinner parties, will be big with more home entertainment-cooking and/or hiring event planners to give big impact to exclusive parties in their own private spaces — especially outdoors where there will be more water features, reflective lanterns and mirrors and comfortable, cosy furniture. “I think 2008 will continue to be a good, steady year as clients continue to appreciate the effects and lasting benefits that a strategically-executed event has on their employees and customers. Visual aesthetics are key. Watch for bright colours — purple, coppers, greens — that pop within clean, contemporary design lines. Event themes need to think outside the box but also ingeniously connect to current events and here-and-now happenings and trends.” “A vast majority of corporations and associations will retain their 2007 entertainment budgets, however, a few have cut back on entertainment expenditures by as much as 30%. The interest and demand for "magic" has widely increased, partly due to the expansion of Internet exposure and You-tube videos of dynamic new magicians. Exceptional service at reasonable prices will continue to be a key driver in 2008!” “Green will take a firm hold this year with more organizations mandating that their events be eco-friendly. Think web-based invites, environmentally friendly paper and products, recycling programs and serving in bulk versus single serve to reduce packaging. Venues that are designated green or have environmental programs make for smart choices. More events will focus on local products to reduce shipping’s carbon footprint and will seek out organic food supplies. As events up their glitz, attention to service details is key. Ensure adequate staffing to eliminate guest wait times, have a wine or food expert on hand for experiential interaction and inspire energetic professionalism among staff. International themes and events involving costuming will be popular as organizations step up their events. Classic sophistication is the focus. Lighting — and the many moods it can create — has the driver’s seat when it comes to décor. Royal blue, silver, metallics and transparent accents continue, joined by this year’s hues: warm browns and oranges.”
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