“Spark.” It’s a word we hear time and time again from our clients when we start conceptualizing an event theme — and for good reason! Memorable events spark inspiration, fuel connections, and ignite emotions.
That got us thinking…what if we received a creative brief from a client and the only word in the brief was “spark”? We asked our team for their quick-fire ideas on this imaginary brief and they delivered with a whole range of ideas, from theming and activations to lighting.
Event Theme: Spark
Our event theme would be our inspiration word itself, Spark, guided by the event subtitle, “One spark is all it takes.” Proposed by one our Project Managers Kate Haleblian, the event subtitle highlights the power of the individual employee and how they can each play a meaningful role in creating collective impact. We love that it brings agency and empowers each guest. They’re not just a face in a large conference hall; this event theme emphasizes how their individual actions can drive a magnitude of change.
To set the tone for the event, we would kick-off our keynote with a motivational speaker who can share their story of how a small change of theirs created a ripple effect.
Then for one of the morning sessions, Kate thought of the journaling prompt, “What is your spark, and how is it impacting the community around you?” Attendees can take time to reflect on the question as it applies personally or professionally, and then share out their answers in groups.
Installation: Pyrography Tile Art
Keeping with this theme, we would install a large artwork in the venue created by our very own attendees. Our VP of Marketing Melissa Jones Clark developed an art installation where attendees would use pyrography tools to burn their own designs into 4×4 wood tiles. Each tile would have magnetized backs so that they can be arranged onto a large metal board, gradually building a collective art piece.
This idea won’t work for most events or venues given the additional risk from the pyrography tools; but, for the right event with a safe outdoor space for an art studio, we think it would make for a really unique experience! Pyrography is a form of art that most attendees will be unfamiliar with, so this installation will provide an unexpected application of the spark theme. If you don’t have an outdoor venue that would allow for pyrography, you can apply the same installation with a different tool or artform. Whether it’s stamping, water color painting, or collage art, there are so many fun alternatives where everyone’s individual artwork can combine into a larger display.
“The overarching goal of the installation would be “lots of sparks create new things,” symbolizing how individual contributions can ignite something much larger and more impactful together.” — Melissa Jones Clark, VP, Marketing
Attendees will design their tiles on the first event day, and then we would set up the board and hang it for display near the entryway so that the guests can see it as they enter for the remainder of the conference. At the end of the event, attendees can find their tile and bring their art home with them as an event collectible.
Design: Chandeliers and Gold Decals
When our Event Set Designer Aaron Barlow saw “spark,” lighting fixtures immediately came to his mind. He envisioned gold starburst or mid-century inspired sputnik light fixtures to highlight key areas of the venue. The chandeliers could be placed over information desks, expo booths, or lounge seating — essentially, any spot where people are physically and conversationally connecting.
To further tie it all together, Aaron imagined a gold thematic logo that would act as a visual guide throughout the event space. Gold band decals would run along the floors, walls, and directional signage to lead attendees to those moments of connection.
“Not only does this add a decorative touch, but they serve a utilitarian purpose. These elements could also be incorporated in motion graphics for the general session and breakout presentations, using imagery of sparklers igniting and people gathering to further the excitement that comes from that “spark” when people connect and share ideas!” — Aaron Barlow, Event Set Designer
Activations: Reflection Mirrors and Sparklers
For an onsite activation, our Project Manager Kate Haleblian would set up a hall of mirrors decorated with twinkling lights that would resemble sparks. Each mirror would have a thought prompt to invoke broader thinking on how they can be a catalyst for change. The twinkle lights across the halls would also make for a great photo area for attendees and encourage mirror pics to share out on social media.
And no spark-themed event would be complete without some actual sparklers! As an offsite activation, Kate would pass out sparklers to the attendees at an outdoor space overlooking a sunset view. As the guests have fun waving around the sparklers, the event photographers can capture long exposure images for a dreamy Instagrammable photo moment.
As a final cherry on top, attendees can look out for a drone show to end the event festivities. Our Chief Operating Officer Lauren Reeves brainstormed a Digital “Fireflies” closing segment, using drones or programmed light fixtures to create a choreographed light show.
“Imagine dozens of tiny lights moving around the event space like fireflies, coming together to form the event logo or a special message.” — Lauren Reeves, COO
Final Thoughts
Our team had so much fun thinking outside the box and imagining what a “spark” event would look like. While it’s highly unlikely that we’ll ever receive a client brief that is just one word, oftentimes, we are brainstorming off of a single inspiration point or description from a client. This exercise was just another reminder for our team that one spark is sometimes all you need to build out an event.
