ABSTRACT
For many event organisers, the ‘fun’ part of being in the events industry is the opportunity to engage their imagination and creativity through the event design process. The major influence on this process is the purpose of the event itself, as it will condition all subsequent decisions relating to the type of attendee experience that is developed. As is the case with products, services such as events are also designed, with event designers assembling a range of components into a unified whole to achieve one or more outcomes. The term ‘staging’ originates from the presentation of plays at the theatre. It refers to bringing together all of the elements of a theatrical production for its presentation on a stage. Most events that use this term take place at a single venue and require similar organisation to that of a theatrical production. This chapter explores the tools available to an event designer in creating the attendee experience, including furniture, decoration and props, lighting, sound, colour, music, staging, catering/food and beverage, talent, and event experience-enhancing technologies. The chapter concludes with two case studies, ‘Driving environmental change at Goodwood Revival’ and ‘Theming - a marketing tool’.
