For the sixth consecutive year, Warner Bros. Studios will host the Environmental Media Association’s awards. With an annual event like this it’s always a challenge to keep it fresh and exciting for the 1,500 guests who attend nearly every year. Throughout the years, Debbie Levin, president of the Environmental Media Association; designer Hillary Harris Events; and the Warner Bros. special events team have found five key ways to keep the look fresh.
1. Don’t be afraid of a little drama
In 2010, the event’s inaugural year, guests were seated at dining tables facing a custom-built stage. The drama created came from a huge, hand-painted image of an angel on theatrical scrim. At certain points in the program, the lighting changed to reveal this stunning image as a backdrop for entertainment. Following the show, guests could wander New York Street, enjoying food from local chefs and restaurants, and return to the tables for mingling. Mixed in with the food stations were environmentally friendly products and resources. The after-party is a tradition that continues today.
2. Change up the format
The second year, guests were seated theater-style on specialty chairs that matched the event’s high-tech theme. The stage design showcased a low-power alternative to lighting. Using Versa tubes together with the truss system that framed the stage, 25 separate looks were created, including using a combination of warm-toned colors, cool shades of blues and greens, and a mix of the two tones. The look was energetic yet only used a miniscule amount of energy—the equivalent of three household power outlets.
3. Go big
In 2012, Warner Bros. Studios made a bold departure, going from the high-tech vibe to the countryside. The main stage was designed with a 30-foot custom painted backdrop depicting a Southern France pastoral scene. Hedge walls and flowering bushes that added dimension to the design surrounded a 23-foot pepper green tree, which was custom built on the stage. Audience seating was a mash-up of several styles of natural and vintage wood chairs to complete the romantic look.
4. Be current
In 2013, the trend was vintage with a mission to repurpose and reuse “with style.” To that end, the stage featured a 900-pound chandelier that was found in the prop department. At the food station after-party, grandfather clocks, old books tied with twine, and rustic wood tables served as stylish repurposed decor.
5. Change out the format … again!
Never be afraid to at least consider changing the format. In 2014, for the first time ever, Warner Bros. Studios took the show off the custom-built stage and into the Steven J. Ross Theater. Outside, the marquee welcomed attendees. Inside the state-of-the-art venue, the Environmental Media Association’s 550 guests were treated to a true Hollywood-style award show and were later joined by an additional 1,000 guests for the after-party.
The bottom line: Annual events serve as a huge opportunity to explore creative elements, provide excitement for clients, and most importantly, attract attendees year after year.
