Here at Octink we have unrivalled knowledge of signage – including outdoor signage, advertising hoardings, and building wraps. As an event organiser you already know you have plenty to do. Signage might be relatively low on your to-do list – but it really shouldn’t be! Let’s talk through why, and as an added bonus you’ll learn some great tips and tricks from our events team that will benefit your event hugely! In creating our event signage ideas for 2019, our extensive experience tells us that the standard of signage used to promote your brand or business can significantly impact on your company. The simple fact is that great signage attracts attention!
Events, both indoor or outdoor, are a golden opportunity to showcase your brand by using quality well purposed signage. From entrance messaging to simple directional signage, it’s important to engage your audience, have an impact and stand out from the crowd. Engagement too should start before any event where strategically placed signage can be used to get the word out and spark interest, while during the event, signs help to generate a sense of credibility and position.
Often it’s about spotting areas of opportunity to apply a brand and looking ahead to 2018 we’ve put together some high impact ideas:
1. Directional & Wayfinding Signage
First things first, it’s crucial attendees can find their way around an event. Most importantly – you want them to be able to find you! Poor signage could potentially mean a lost business opportunity.
So if it’s in your way – brand it! Use walls, floors, windows and columns to sign up with clearly marked directions and . . . keep it clean and simple! Above all else, use colour. Don’t be afraid to utilise a primary brand colour and use it throughout your event space – stand out colour sticks in people’s minds and becomes ‘attached’ to your brand.
2. Create Zones
Mesh borders, event banners, perimeter hoardings and screening runs can create a full 360 degree impact or a simple demarcation of your event space. Often acting as both high profile advertisement and screen, effective zoning can enhance audience recognition and journey in one!
3. Use your surroundings
Get creative and utilise your surroundings! Signs don’t have to be limited to a wall or banner stands! If your event is outside, try displaying a banner in between trees or use the pavement to get your message across. Other places where there will be a large footfall of people are great opportunities to get people thinking about your brand at an event – think stairwells, escalators, boats, lifts, event flags and even diving platforms!
Try to turn any unlikely object or element into a signage opportunity and remember . . . big visuals are more likely to attract attention!
Use your people too – your event staff are quite literally ‘walking, talking’ brand ambassadors. We’d recommend using them to spread the message throughout an event whilst they’re walking around the space or venue. Could you provide them with uniforms featuring event branding?
4. Use the Floor
Relatedly, why not utilise the floor for signage? Signage is typically hung or projected on walls. However, the floor is an unusual but cool place for signage. Innovative materials mean printed floor graphics can be applied easily and look great for the duration of your event.
5. Be Social
Create a buzz or hype by using signage to draw people into talking about your event on social media. Selfie walls make great photo opportunities and are a highly visual place to promote engagement with your audience. You could even implement sponsorship opportunities in these areas to help you cover some costs!
6. Touch it
Touch screens, interactive tables, augmented reality or virtual reality are perfect ways to grab attention at your event and most importantly get engagement from your audience.
Using textured signage or wallpaper, innovative lighting or 3D displays also help to heighten interest and draw people in.
7. See through graphics
Large window graphics can work well in large venues. They can be viewed from the outside but won’t affect the view from inside. Some see through graphics are also great to use during temporary events. Certain materials can be easily removed.
So, hopefully after reading that you’re buzzing with ideas to make your event a huge success. However, if you do need any more ideas or help, don’t hesitate to ask our expert event team who will be happy to talk to you about your individual needs.