A guest's event experience can begin far before its start time, and end much later than its wrap. Expert event producers take every opportunity to evoke a feeling, paying attention to each detail from invitations and gifting to venue design and entertainment. Read on to learn how a few of our members are executing events that leave a lasting impression.

Sara Shenasky
Senior Vice President & Executive Producer | Mind Over Madness


Aria Isadora/BFA.com

Personalized touchpoints, from start to finish, have staying power for attendees. Beginning with bespoke invitations and welcome messaging when guests check-in via apps like zkipster, to stunning Baccarat crystal glassware etched with guest names (instead of table seating cards); to instantaneous custom bag printing, like Schutz did for their Soho pop-up opening; to monogrammed social media handles on leather luggage tags as take-away gifts. Everyone loves a custom keepsake, especially when it’s emblazoned with their own name.  



Sara Shenasky 

A well-executed event theme is also always memorable. In the vein of flower bombing, I recently experienced an incredibly, over-the-top installation by @flowerculttt at HBO’s NY premiere screening party for Sharp Objects. They created a lush, overgrown garden covering a Ford Crown Victoria parked outside of The Bowery Hotel and extended the theme inside the venue via a pop-up florist offering create-your-own take home bouquets for attendees. The Gathery, who produced the event, further interwoven flowers throughout the evening by outfitting event staff in long floral dresses and serving flower-infused boozy tea cocktails. Stunningly magical.


Kelsie Bryson
Event Manager | BICOM Communications


BICOM Communications

There’s been a subtle shift towards more thoughtful event branding strategies. Instead of simply slapping a logo on everything, you’re seeing branding through colour, texture, music and so forth. As an example, you can custom design pillows to reflect the primary pattern in a fashion client’s new collection; these nuanced details keep things interesting and are scalable for any type of event.


Lauren Austin
Executive Creative Director | MKG


MKG

Make events and experiences more human! At MKG we approach experience design by first understanding a brand's humanity and then injecting those human qualities -- humor, kindness, intelligence, empathy, personality, etc. -- into the guest experience. We create experiences where people can connect with brands the same way they connect with each other. And it's that real feeling of connection that makes an experience memorable.


Miraya Berke
Founder, Event Stylist & Producer | Pop Productions


Pop Productions 

When designing an event, it's those little extra special touches that surprise and delight guests that make the experience most memorable. A unique food cart, The Haiku Guys & Gals on-demand poetry, a tarot card reader, a beautiful photo booth backdrop, a DIY flower stand, paper table cloths with pens to doodle -- it's the little moments I like to incorporate to events that make people smile and leave lasting memories.


Josh Tierney, Vice President, Strategy & Cole Griswold, Vice President | BMF Media


BMF Media

It’s been said as a moniker for the digital and social generation, but ‘Doing it for the ‘Gram’ is still wildly popular. Having photo moments that are highly picture-worthy are key. These can be backdrops or cool installations, but having an eye for what can be captured best on a phone (image or on video) and not just be seen live in person.


BMF Media

A personalization station for giveaways or customizing content allows guests to have someone meaningful to them to take home or share on social media. This could be monogramming, customizing patterns or illustrations for items or even the ability to change the overlay or backdrop to a photobooth.


Dera Lee
CEO, Dera Lee Productions


Dera Lee Productions; Photo Credit: Sean Smith

Make it inspiring: Everyone likes to be inspired! Pick a host or speaker that is inspiring and elevates your brand.

Personalization: Personalized giveaways are always memorable for guests and keep them remembering.


 Dera Lee Productions; Photo Credit: Sean Smith

Individual moments: Guests having an experience that is personal to them such an energy reading is always memorable.


Ashley Clauss
Interim Director, Experiences | VOGUE

Discovery, authenticity and attention to detail is a pretty tried-and-true formula for success. Engage the senses. Find a balance between originality and familiarity. Pray for perfect weather!