Have you experienced the magic of good lighting?  Working on various product launches and exhibitions I’ve been amazed by the skill and creativity of lighting designers.  A simple additional light can transform your event from a run of the mill seminar to a stunning visual experience that leaves a lasting impression.

There are two events that I’ve managed in the past few years where we really got the lighting right.  One was an international product launch where we had the budget to bring in a dedicated lighting designer.  From start to finish I was amazed at how they viewed the event and how they could walk into the venue and see elements that could be lit, focussed and used to benefit the event.  I’m not talking about the stage - stage lighting can be slightly dull, partly because the events I organise need to focus on the product and service and not have the message confused by complex lighting.  The areas that were fantastic were those that led the guests into the event. From the entrance doors, guests were guided gently along the corridors and then welcomed to an ambient reception/cocktail area all with the effective use of lighting.  Once the product presentation had finished our guests came back into the cocktail area - a few changes of lamps and colours made the area a much more funky area complete with music and canapés.  It truly was spectacular, transforming plain white drapes into something really impressive.

The second moment which made me appreciate lighting came at a tradeshow.  We had been developing the exhibition stand over a few years, gradually adding different elements to make it create more of an impact.  However, last year we added a simple extra tube light underneath the counter top on the reception desk.  Suddenly a rather dull desk was transformed with the clients logo standing out and beckoning the visitors to the stand.

So whether you have  big budget or a small one, do look at the lighting at your event and see if just by adding one more item you can lift a dull room into something truly impressive.