It’s hard to imagine a world without Instagram. But 8 years ago – before hashtags, filters and livestreams – if a guest shared a brand event socially it was an added bonus, and not a brand objective.
Oh, how times have changed! Instagram now has over 800 million monthly active users and boasts a brand engagement rate 10 times higher than Facebook. While we’re all about focusing on the here and now, we always create brand experiences with a long-term strategy in mind. We consider post-event social engagements and user-generated content throughout our creative process, and always deliver on spectacular props and installations. Here’s how you can tweak your own event to include those all-important #insta-worthy moments.
#1 Brand your environment
It’s important to include a few sensational design elements and Insta-focal points at your event so people can immediately identify it on social media. What’s great about these installations is that you have complete creative control, so go wild! For some quick inspiration, booth installations make for super-chic photo opportunities, and double up as luxurious and beautiful hang-out spots for your guests. Alternatively, much like Kanye West and Ralph Lauren, we think a statement flower wall is bloomin’ marvelous!
We wanted our iHeart Media Ultimate Pool Party to be instantly recognizable, so we created the ultimate Instagrammable 3-D step and repeat backdrop out of inflatable inner tubes. Combined with beautiful people, amazing world-renowned artists, and VIP parties, this event was every Instagrammers dream. Our installations and funky atmospheric set pieces were snapped and shared all over social media- just check out the pics for yourself!
#2 Make it personal
By including small personalized features throughout our events, you can indulge your guests selfie-obsessions whilst promoting your own brand- it’s genius, right? Even something as small as cute table-setting place cards or photo-booth print-outs will customize their experience and give them a tangible takeaway and a connection that lasts beyond the event.
#3 Ensure good lighting
You know those photos on Instagram that seem to glow, with soft lighting and stunning golden effects? They’re not a coincidence, and most of the time were taken just before sunset, at golden hour. Instagram users love to make the most of natural lighting, and if a picture is dark and grainy most people won’t even consider uploading it.
As Louis Kahn said, ‘a room is not a room without natural light’– and he knows what’s up! If you’re hosting a day event, leverage skylights and large windows to maximize your natural light. And for evening events, shine lights from above to optimize your space for photos.
#4 Be meticulous
One thing that is out of your control is that people will be snapping pics everywhere. Even if they don’t notice a stained tablecloth or dusty corner, you can be assured that people on social media certainly will. To combat this, we micromanage to the max and make sure every inch of your event space is looking flawless and “on brand”. We bring a meticulousness to every creative decision, to create spaces that are designed to be shared socially.
Here at this is LESTER, we’re more than just Insta-lovers. We understand how to optimize events for social media in a way that allows you to regain control over how your event is portrayed online. We thrive at the opportunity to create iconic props and outstanding décor. For custom-built installations, or for advice on how to give your event that je ne sais quoi glamour, you can slide into our DMs right here!