Whenever you enter an event hall, what draws your gaze? It’s probably the event stage design. While there may be something worthy happening at exhibition stands or pavilions off-stage, the stage is where event attendees expect remarkable things to take place. Furthermore, when people recall what happened at an event they attended, most of what they’ll remember likely happened on stage.
Thus, event design is a crucial function of event organization and preparations. For this reason, enterprises holding company events and event organizers tasked with arranging and putting together events for clients typically outsource event design and setup to third-party contractors. This way, there would be one party or team focused solely on styling your event, including designing your stage.
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If you’re holding a concert, a trade show, an exhibition, a conference, a convention, a festival, a brand activation, or a product launch, pay attention to stage design.
Stage Design and Event Design
Stage design is part of event design, which refers to an event’s overall look and feel. Event design includes setup – the conceptualization and designation of entrances, exits, pavilions, exhibition stands, and amenities. The event design team is in charge of designing the event layout, deciding on the primary features of the exhibition hall, fabricating the components to bring the design to life, and putting everything together to realize the design vision.
Stage design springs from the event design. Event stage designers refer to the overall event design concept to conceptualize the specific design of the stage. Ultimately, the stage must be spectacular but aligned with the event concept and aesthetics.
Example Event Design
Imagine a children’s festival with a whimsical winter wonderland theme. Snowflakes hang from the ceiling, shimmering under soft, twinkling lights. The walls are adorned with murals of snowy landscapes, complete with snow-capped mountains, pine forests, and playful woodland creatures.
A large archway made of faux ice serves as the main entrance to the event hall. Inside, there are designated zones for different activities. A life-sized gingerbread house with candy cane pillars, frosting and snow on the shingles, surrounded by snow-covered trees, serves as a photo booth.
At the center of the hall is a large ice rink for ice skating. In the middle is a low, snow-covered hill with an illuminated, well-detailed ice sculpture of a snow castle perched on top of it.
Outside, there’s a sculpture of a snowman, a prince and an ice princess. Farther out are smaller ice sculptures of winter animals like penguins, polar bears and seals. All around the rink are cozy igloos that sell snacks.
Example Stage Decor
At the far end of the hall, framed by the ice rink and snow castle at the center of the event hall, is a stunning stage. Large, shimmering snowflakes hang from above the high ceiling, dazzling the eyes as they catch the glimmer of stage lights. Icicle lights drape down from the stage edges, casting a soft, frosty glow.
On either side of the stage, tall, artificial pine trees dusted with “snow” add depth, while the stage floor is covered in a white, sparkly material that mimics freshly fallen snow. At one end of the stage, there’s a grand, glittering ice throne designed to look like it has been carved out of real ice flanked by ice sculptures of woodland creatures. A faux stone pathway dusted with snow leads up to it for cohesion and dimension.
Special lighting effects simulate gentle snowfall during performances, creating an immersive experience. The lighting also changes hues, shifting from cool blues to soft purples and pinks, enhancing the enchanted winter atmosphere.
The Components of Stage Design
The above example focuses on set décor. However, event stages must not only look good but also be functional.
The following components will ensure this:
1- Screen
A large, high-definition LED screen can serve as the stage backdrop. It can depict a scene to reinforce the event theme, like a snowy woodland forest. During speaking sessions, it will display the speakers’ presentations.
Tip:
The screen should be big enough to be visible to the far edge of the designated speaking area.
2- Lighting
The lighting must reinforce the stage design. In the earlier example, stage lights can set the stage awash with cool blue, white, and silver. Decorative lighting can include icicle lights, strobe lighting, and snowflake-shaped gobos.
However, there must be plenty of functional lighting. Spotlights can illuminate solo acts, overhead lights can light the stage up during panel sessions, and various lights can provide ambiance during artistic performances.
Tip:
Equip the stage with the lights that the individual stage events call for.
3- Audio-Visual (AV) Equipment
High-quality audio equipment ensures clear sound. Make sure the stage is equipped with microphones in various configurations. You may need the following mics, depending on the specific events that will take place on stage:
- Overhead mics
- Boom mics
- Handheld wired mics
- Handheld wireless mics
- Headset mics
- Gooseneck mics
- Lavalier or lapel mics
You must install speakers strategically around the stage and the entire speaking area for optimal sound distribution. Video cameras must be placed at various points to capture and project speeches and performances onto the LED screen. The AV setup should also include playback devices for music and sound effects.
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Tip:
Consider outsourcing your event audio needs (including audio equipment) to a sound design company.
A Standout Stage
Stage design is a crucial component of event design. The stage must resonate with the event design and be functional. To accomplish this, pay special attention to stage décor, lighting, and audio-visual equipment.
Consider hiring an event design and setup company to conceptualize and execute your event vision. Event design – including stage design – is a complex job that requires coordinating the work of various players, which may include exhibition contractors, interior designers, and lighting and sound engineers.
