Many people think of event decor as the proverbial cherry on top—the extra little something to add if you happen to have enough room in your budget for something extra. But decor is not just a nice-to-have part of an event. It is where all the flavor and texture reside in the main entree—without it, the experience falls flat.
As groups flock to Colorado to enjoy majestic landscapes, outdoor recreation, and vibrant culture, it is our job as event professionals to give them an experience that blends destination with design. Because when it comes down to it, no matter where you are, a ballroom is just a ballroom. It is not until you immerse guests in an exciting environment with an atmosphere built around them when something truly memorable happens. We are responsible not only for giving people a place to go and getting food in their bellies, but also for the emotional and social experience guests have while they are with us.
Create Buzz
You would be hard-pressed to find someone who truly believes that an event with a main design that consists of round dining tables with white linens and simple centerpieces would provide the same guest experience as an event that was built out with a dynamic entryway, lighting that elicits emotions, a customized bar, interactive stations, and inviting lounge areas. The more evocative elements create buzz and energy that permeates attendees.
And no matter what the end goal is, the event sends the message that attendees’ feelings and values were thoughtfully considered and valued.
Match Decor with Client Goals
So how do you blend everything that people come to Colorado for and take into account the goals of the client? Focus on setting the mood through decor.
For a sales incentive trip, channel the current retro trend and celebrate accomplishments with an après-ski disco setting with a glowing 360-degree bar and cocktails served in disco-ball cups, white-leather lounge chairs popped with illuminated tables and printed ski pillows, and brightly illuminated LED trees with white leaves and snowy bases. Add in gondola food stations, shimmer-wall photo ops with faux fur prop hats, and acrylic community tables topped with shearlings. Guests will leave feeling invigorated and excited.
For an executive meeting, re-create the coziness of a rustic slope-side lodge so participants can focus, get to know one another, and experience the luxurious lifestyle of the mountains. Après ski here should take a different tone with a vintage ski entryway, flannel-tufted bar surrounded by textured wood cocktail tables, generously sized leather chairs around faux fireplaces, antler-etched glassware, and plenty of ambient lighting.
Don’t let your guests walk into a bland event. Build an environment and experience that is evocative, compelling, and purposeful, and leave them with a rich taste of Colorado they won’t forget.
