Event Themes 2006 BACK

Forecasting trends is always a precarious business, especially in the event industry where each occasion often dictates its own individual theme or tailors a tried-and-true with unique updated twists.

TSEvents XS spoke with several planning pros for their take on influences fuelling the fresh themes and trends we’ll be seeing in the coming year.

THE ALMIGHTY MEDIA

Kristin Harrison, Cornerstone Entertainment Concepts, www.cornerstone-events.com

Never before has television and Hollywood been such influential sources for event theme take-offs!

A Supernatural Season — Events are again gazing to the world beyond thanks to sci-fi television hits Medium and Ghost Whisperer. Look for lots of blue-lit sparkle, mysterious special effects and astrological elements. Big business for tarot card soothsayers, star-sign readers and out-there magic.

You’re Fired! — Interactive team-building events continue to follow The Donald’s approach to “reality” success with goal-oriented team tasks and board-room-style hires and fires.

Hit the Stage Singing — The Idol-franchise merrily hums along making a star out of corporate karaoke events with team contests or just for fun. There’s even “bandioke” to unleash the wild rock-and-roll wannabe in all of us. Participants get the look and the instruments to bond over lessons, band team spirit and songs, then a chance to jam with the pros.

Viva Las Vegas — Gamble on the runaway success of the televised celebrity poker tournaments with casino-style events in glitzy club settings. Roll them out with Texas Hold ‘Em tables with corporate dealers that teach as you play mixed with other casino play stations for non-card players. The spotlight on Vegas also calls the once-waning Legends Shows back for an encore on entertainment stages with reigning rock oldies but goodies such as Cher, Shania Twain, Elton John and the Blues Brothers. Quality is key.

CITY SPOTLIGHT

Catharine Fowler, Elements Event Management, www.elementsevent.com

Take a cue from Toronto’s renaissance as a hot arts and cultural centre.

Visit Middle-Earth — Toronto’s world premiere of the Lord of the Rings musical spurs theatre tie-ins and spin offs that entertain in fantasy settings that emulate a lush and cozy Shire, ethereal Rivendell or a stunning Lothlorien.

Elegant Salons — Grand renovated openings at the AGO and ROM along with the new Four Seasons Opera & Ballet House will continue to rejuvenate the city’s artistic appreciation throughout the year. Translate that heart of art into classic, salon-style performance event themes. Put on the show with dramatic operatic dinners or tie-in a major exhibit or short performances from a variety of cultures. Colourful, textural, interesting and trés elegant.

The look of the '80s returns. Photo courtesy of 5th Element Events.

OLD IS NEW

Aaron Kaufman, 5th Element Events, www.5thelementevents.com

Look to the past for nostalgic inspiration, then update.

Nouveau Retro — We do love to flirt with decades past! The bright colours, music and theme looks of the ‘60s and ‘70s remain a favourite, but look out for an upcoming revisit to ‘80s style. Hello spandex, sparkles, techno-pop and neon hues pumped up for freshness by today’s event technology! There’s a kindred spirit to the decade of our youth and many of today’s corporate event attendees came of age in the ‘80s.

RED CARPET TREATMENT

Janice Fendley, Absolute Conferences & Events, www.absolutevents.com

Up the ante with star treatment.

Awards Extravaganzas — The hot and heavy fascination with celebrity is showing up big time in pull-the-stops out corporate award events. In recognizing people for their efforts, do it right either going all-out MTV fresh, fun and rad, or upscale chic, from limos and red carpet entrances to glam attire and the best a budget can buy. Elegance and sophistication is scripted right out of old movies.

BRAND AS THEME

Taras Shipowick, Showmakers, www.showmakers.net

Let the product or corporate identity drive the event emotion.

Subliminal Event Marketing — Call it the non-theme movement, if you will, but rather than tapping the traditional theme bag of tricks, corporate events are discovering the synergy of  “experiential experiences” built around the essence of their products or brand. Strategic use of the power of colour, atmosphere, emotions and hands-on interaction is key. In promoting that new luxury car, all event elements underscore over-the-top quality and elegance that subliminally manipulate attendees’ feelings putting them in the driver’s seat.