10 inspiring stages for B2B events

For your B2B event, you naturally bring in the best speakers and make sure the programme is strong in terms of content. But do you also pay enough attention to stage design and the styling of the event venue? These elements are crucial to the visitor experience. Here are our tips and 10 inspiring examples of designs for B2B events.

Why styling and design matter

An eye-catching stage design and carefully considered event styling set the tone before the first speaker even takes the stage. The moment guests arrive, their attention is captured. If your design truly makes an impact, people are likely to talk about it afterwards. Great design will also feature in the photos and videos guests share online. And the added impact on the overall experience will likely be reflected in higher satisfaction ratings for your B2B event.

Tips for a strong design

A few tips for creating a strong design. Before you start working with event designers, make sure the key message of your B2B event is clear. What do you want to communicate? That message should form the foundation of the design. Branding is another important consideration. Where can you incorporate your own brand, or that of your sponsors, into the details? Finally, do not be afraid to think outside the box. A striking eye-catcher or a small personal touch can leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Get inspired by these 10 striking designs

These 10 designs show how choices in materials, lighting and attention to detail can make the difference between an average B2B event and one that truly stands out.

1. 3D sets bring the stage to life

For bol.com’s Toekomst in het Vizier event, event agency Obsession designed a 3D stage featuring large-scale projections. The 3D effect brings the stage — and everything happening on it — to life.

Another great example of project management for @bol_com during their annual Inspiration Day. #eventmanagement #obsessionevents #event #events #livecomm #eventagency #eventpartner #eventprof #eventprofs #creative #creativeagency

A post shared by Obsession (@obsession_events) on 26 Feb 2019 at 12:23 PM (PST)

2. Let lighting work for you

Lighting offers endless possibilities on stage. A great example is the TEDx conference in Brussels. The red lighting, matching the TEDx logo, is used to highlight the beautiful architectural details of the venue.

#readysteady #tedxbrussels

A post shared by jokeclaessen (@jokeclaessen) on 5 Mar 2018 at 4:51 AM (PST)

3. Simple does it

No budget for an advanced lighting design? Sometimes simple solutions are enough. Take these warm, understated lights, for example. They create an intimate atmosphere on stage or in smaller areas where guests can continue their conversations afterwards.

#birthdaydecoration #birthday #butuanflorists #butuanevents #modernfilipiniana #rubybirthday #stagedecor #stagebackdrop #STeam #eventstyling #eventstylingph

A post shared by Soljin M. Robles/S-Team (@soljinmrobles) on 27 Feb 2018 at 7:25 AM (PST)

4. When the venue supports the theme

Not every event lends itself to this approach, but the venue itself can become an extension of the programme. Take the Energy Transition Summit 2018, for example. The concept for this conference, organised by the Port of Rotterdam, was developed by marketing agency Louder. The industrial styling of the submarine wharf perfectly complemented the event’s theme.

5. Make conscious material choices

The materials you use on stage and throughout the venue have a major influence on the atmosphere and overall look of your event. This sleek wooden set is a perfect example of how effective simplicity can be.

6. Think theatrically

Looking for inspiration for your next B2B event? Do not just look at other events — take inspiration from theatre as well. This stage from West End LIVE in London is a great example. The letter boards extending from the stage into the auditorium create a dramatic effect.

7. Work with shadows

Another example from the world of theatre. This stage uses shadows in a clever way — a budget-friendly and creative solution for creating a distinctive atmosphere.

8. A circular stage in the middle of the audience

One way to involve the audience both literally and figuratively can be seen in the video above. At the start-up competition Get in the Ring, the stage is positioned in the centre of the room, placing the audience right at the heart of the action.

9. Use the entire stage

There is often more stage surface available than you might initially think. For example, project text and shapes onto the stage floor, as shown above, or suspend set pieces from the ceiling.

It's about to get started #wobinyc

A post shared by joecangolf (@joecangolf) on 18 Nov 2016 at 5:53 PM (PST)

10. Make the most of your screens

Many stages feature screens. These can be used to display logos, films and photos, but also live social media feeds or live footage from the event itself. At Theater Amsterdam, your message can be displayed on an impressive curved projection screen measuring 50 by 10 metres. When used effectively, it creates a powerful visual impact.

Theater Amsterdam is the ideal venue for B2B events. Our event specialists are happy to help you explore the possibilities for styling and stage design. Have any questions? Feel free to contact us with no obligation.