We talk a lot about events from the guest perspective, often overlooking the individuals that make your gathering memorable. We tapped the pros behind the scenes to find out what they wish event clients knew, plus the trends they see taking the events world by storm.
Ronen Rental
POV: The Photographer via Phillip Van Nostrand
What’s one thing you wish clients (brand, agency, individuals) understood about your work?
I was recently asked about my rates and the person on the other line mentioned that Getty would be cheaper. I was happy to explain that our photography services are nothing like Getty and that Getty does just one thing well: People.
We enhance the whole evening by being charming, making people feel special, getting drinks for folks if they mention being thirsty, helping people find the restroom, etc. We take pictures of the entire event including design elements, food and catering, all guests (including non-famous ones), and capture the heart and soul of an event, not just the people there. People always go away saying "You guys are great" without ever seeing a photo, and that is the highest compliment.
What advice do you have for marketing and PR professionals seeking to enhance their collaboration with event vendors and optimize their impact on event success?
Over communicate well, be punctual, be positive, over-deliver (every time), and think about how to help make everyone win.
Are there any trends in your wheelhouse you predict to be big through the rest of the year?
AI photo experiences (Like a photobooth that adds AI Elements afterwards).
POV: The Furniture Rentals via Natalie Eshkenasy, Co-Founder, Ronen Rental
What's one thing you wish clients (brand, agency, individuals) understood about your work?
Our work with brands and agencies has been smooth throughout the years. Ronen Rental's primary service is furniture rentals, but our capabilities also extend into design, and it's not always obvious to our new clients. We've been designing (and fabricating) our furniture since inception, always with the guest experience in mind, and we deeply care about the event's aesthetic. So, in addition to rentals, we offer layout suggestions or sketch furniture lounges in a space to visualize the guest flow and furniture quantities needed. Clients can brand some of our pieces with logos or artwork, and we can look into fabricating pieces we don't have in our inventory.
What advice do you have for marketing and PR professionals seeking to enhance their collaboration with event vendors and optimize their impact on event success?
Collaboration between event professionals and vendors is essential because, through this relationship, moodboards come to life, and events are possible. From our experience, when clients are in the ideation process, rental needs might be vague, and more often than not, clients ask us to come up with lounge options for them. When this is the case, we advise sharing a budget as a starting point (and iterate later).
Budget is such an important component because when vendors work around a budget alongside a moodboard, they can provide more value by proposing the furniture that meets the trifecta of budget, looks, and seating count, saving clients hours of work and mental energy.
We've seen cases where we worked on quotes based on design needs and guest count only, and proposals came way over the client's budget. Once they shared a budget, we could go back to the drawing board and offer a better-fitted proposal that worked great for their event, which is the ultimate win-win.
Are there any trends in your wheelhouse you predict to be big through the rest of the year?
We're seeing a shift towards casual, low-key environments with a more polished look, distancing from the boho-chic, reclaimed aesthetic that was popular in the past few years. From a guest experience perspective, spaces now feel inviting, conversational, and unpretentious. This trend is particularly noticeable at corporate conferences and summits, where our Pallet furniture collection has been popular. We're seeing large convention centers designed like modern urban areas, with large pallet buildouts throughout the space for people to roam around and take breaks between sessions.
At sporting events, we continue to see an investment in fan experience as an integral part of the main championship event. We're seeing sponsored viewing areas with large screens and comfortable seating, as well as activations for fans to engage in activities like mini golf, go-carts, or anything designed to maximize fun for attendees, with lounge areas for them to hang out and chill.
POV: The Event Agency via Kelly Cook, Founder, The Ardory
What’s one thing you wish clients (brand, agency, individuals) understood about your work?
We firmly uphold the no-asshole policy. The process of producing an event is undeniably demanding, and introducing negativity only exacerbates the situation. We foster a team with these shared values to make this journey as pleasant as possible. After all, if we're not enjoying ourselves, what's the point? This policy not only promotes a healthier work environment but also alleviates unnecessary stress, allowing us to focus on delivering exceptional results.
What advice do you have for marketing and PR professionals seeking to enhance their collaboration with event vendors and optimize their impact on event success?
Involve us in your event planning process as early as possible! Whether it's a corporate conference, a product launch, or a charity gala, we have extensive experience and can be a valuable addition to your team. Establishing a solid foundation at the outset of the planning process not only makes everyone's lives easier but also enhances your professional image.
Are there any trends in your wheelhouse you predict to be big through the rest of the year?
One trend that we believe should always be a priority is sustainability. It's no longer just about using recycled materials at events. Clients now expect tangible results that demonstrate their event is net zero. This shift in client expectations reflects the evolving trends in our industry.
Another trend that we see continuing to be important is the focus on connection. Attendees, sponsors, and clients all share a common desire for deeper and more authentic connections. It's not just about the event itself, but also about how all stakeholders interact with one another. We can help you create these meaningful connections that will leave a lasting impression on your event.
