New York Meetings and Events

Faced with super-tight budgets for the near future, it's no secret that planners are on a mission to extract the maximum value out of every line item. For planners who need to incorporate branding to meet client expectations, thinking creatively -- while still keeping costs low and logistics simple -- is key.

How to keep the brand front-and-center when there's not a lot of fiscal wiggle room? Here are a few of our favorite low-cost tips to consider adding to your event planning mix:

Light it up:
Theatrical projections is one way to literally cover the walls of your venue with floor-to-ceiling images of your brand. While you will most likely need A/V tech and some equipment rentals, you'll gain flexibility and save on load-in/load-out, set-up/tear-down and production costs of custom, single-use pieces.

Show it off:
In the shameless self-promotion department, a staff uniform that includes a branded T-shirt is an inexpensive must. Branded shirts should be worn by absolutely every staffer, including greeters at check-in, waiters, bartenders and support staff.

Stir it up:
Cover the bar-ware in your logo. Stirrers, plastic cups, napkins, paper plates all are fair game. Keep in mind though that the most cost-efficient option is to order items that are "ever-greens" -- items that feature just the client logo only, so that any leftovers may be used at the client's next event. Logo-only items will also be simpler and faster to produce. To save even more, look into printing the logo in black instead of the more expensive 4-color alternative.

Drink it up:
Create a signature martini or cosmopolitan for the event, and then give it a creative title using client's name. This adds to the fun and provides a free advertisement every time a guest is offered one by the wait staff. For additional branding, include a mention of the signature drink on your invitation. We think the Cvent-a-tini has a nice ring to it, don't you?

Blow it up:
Decorate your venue with low-cost blow-ups. A new campaign presented on 30 x 40 inch blow up posters adds drama and instant visual impact, without adding big installation costs. When placing the order, always insist that the printer attach the simple cardboard "easel-backs" to each blow up so they can stand on their own on tables, banquette backs, or where ever there is room to place them.

See you later:
Everyone loves a gift bag, and while they are great for branding, sometimes there isn't quite enough room in the budget for something wonderful to put in it. Our suggestion? A great, branded recyclable bag, tied with a pretty bow and a "Thanks for Attending" gift-tag to hand out as guests leave the venue.