It's all in the Details: Materialize the Message
Materialize the message. It's a phrase you often hear in the RGI atelier. But what does it mean? In simple terms, put purpose behind every detail you can, from big to small, to drive home the reason attendees are supporting your event. From the first round of communication sent to your guests to the moment they leave the event, there should be no doubt as to why they are there and who/what they are supporting. It is all about strategic planning.
When we take on a new project, we do it with one goal in mind – to help our clients see the most significant return on investment - or ROI. Whether that is dollars raised at a non-profit fundraising gala, appreciation and celebration felt at a corporate anniversary or holiday party, hopeful feelings at a store grand opening, or excitement from a new product launch. Whatever it is, we strive to garner the largest form.
How do we do it? Well to start, the easiest way to "Materialize the Message" is through intentional branding – starting with invitations, whether they are physical invitations or electronic ones, ensuring your brand and your reason for the gathering is well represented is the first major step in your quest for large ROI!
From there, it's all in the details! Pulling your theme throughout every aspect of the decor, from the color of the linens and uplighting surrounding the room to the gobo projected on the floor or walls, strategically branding your event helps to drive home your message. We have seen clients get really creative with design elements that leave their guests talking for years after! How's that for ROI!
Recently, we did an all-in-one product lunch plus 10-year anniversary party for a beauty brand client. One way they really tied the event together was through florals believe it or not! On one side of the room was the anniversary party, while the other half of the room was the product launch. By mixing flowers in the colors of the parent company with stems in the shades from the new product, they celebrated the company's new growth – really driving home the point through a stunning combination of cascading florals from a bookshelf filled with products from both brands in the center of the room.
And finally, give meaning to your catering and cocktails! Perhaps one of the most fun ways - and let's be honest it's what your guests really care about – is pulling your messaging through your food selections and custom cocktails. This past year we did an anniversary party for a corporate client of ours where they were celebrating the success of their offices nationwide, so naturally, we wanted to be able to represent each location. How you ask? One way we did this was through the passed appetizers! From crab cakes for Annapolis, Maryland, and Chicago dogs for Chicago, Illinois, to shrimp and grit cakes for Baton Rouge, these clients knew how to #MaterlizeTheMessage!
So when you sit down to plan your next event, really think about the reason for the gathering and get strategic – pulling your message through every aspect you can to drive home your message!