As the remarkable event planner that you are, you know that a certain measure of your success will always be measured by your ability to tell the story you have been entrusted to tell. But you are not just any event planner. You are a NYC corporate event planner, which means you are entrusted with the all-important task of conveying your client's brand messaging and creating memorable experiences for your corporate event clients. This is simply how the brand speaks, what it wants to say about itself, and what makes it different from all the other brands on the block. And you have to homerun the event branding every time, especially to meet your client’s corporate event goals.
Brand messaging is kind of a big deal, so let’s talk about four ways to effectively incorporate it into your next corporate event. Find inspiration for elevating how you produce these brand-infused events.
1. It’s Called Brand Messaging, So Respect the Message
Brand messaging is born from the organization’s core values and mission statement. It is reflected in the logo they’re known for, the colors they are associated with, the font stamped on their stationery, and a thousand other representations of who they are. Let all of these details guide your decisions. For example, it might be unwise to plan a raucous event with Lil Jon rapping “Shots” if you are working with a conservative family brand. You wouldn’t plan an indulgently decadent event for an eco-friendly brand either. And you wouldn’t plan a cookie-cutter event for an exclusive luxury brand. (Not that a pro like you would ever throw a cookie-cutter event.) So, at the heart of your event production plan, center the client’s brand image and message.
2. Know Your Double Ds
The double Ds are design and décor, of course. These should be inspired by the brand’s own design elements. A shortcut to consistent visuals is as simple as using branded content signage, backdrops, invitations, decorations, and so much more. As in most things, consistency is key. Use visual elements that are consistent with the brand and its core values, and use them consistently throughout the event space. And we’re talking everything - down to using the same company font on signage and digital communications. You want the guests to know immediately whose event this is and make an emotional (positive) connection with the experience.
3. Breathe Life into Brand Messaging with Event Experiences
Make sure the experiential activities (demos, workshops, social media, and more) at your corporate events are all aligned with brand messaging. A thoughtful branded welcome gift is something your attendees can hold in their hands. A clever trivia game can shed light on some little-known brand facts. A hands-on workshop might lead participants to even deeper brand engagement. A product demonstration can showcase the benefits of a new product or service.
And lest you think photo booths are played out, event planners know they are as fun and engaging as ever. A branded photo booth can go gangbusters on social media, boosting brand engagement one goofy smile at a time.
And speaking of social media...
4. #Hashtag Branding for the Win
You are a genius, so creating a dedicated event hashtag that amplifies brand messaging while lighting up its social media platforms should be no problem. What could be more effective than a well-executed social media strategy to amplify brand messaging even days after the event? Savvy implementation in the form of such branded hashtags (or QR codes, photo ops, videos, messages, and posts—all aligned with brand messaging, of course) will elevate the event, and that, in turn, will elevate the brand messaging. Win-win!
Find Proven Marketing and Branding Strategies at The Expo
These are just a few strategies that can help you incorporate brand messaging as a corporate event planner, but there are many others. Because brand messaging is so integral to everything an organization does, it must be an integral aspect of your event. After all, who cares if you throw the buzziest event of the decade if nobody associates it with the brand that made it happen?
You didn’t miss The Event Planner Expo this year, did you? If you did, don’t beat yourself up because it’s coming right back around in 2025. And you can get your tickets now so you don’t miss a single, edge-of-your-seat announcement for next year’s Expo!
