Light it Right!

Whether consciously or not we are all well aware the lighting is a key factor in setting our everyday mood. Think how those dark winter days lead us to feeling glum, and how great you feel on a beautiful summer’s morning. The think about how important colour is to us all, the attention we put into the colour of our clothes, cars and homes! So it’s quite obvious why we place such an importance on lighting our events.

Lighting is the cherry on the top of the cake when it comes to event lighting and getting it right can make or break an otherwise great event. The finishing touch that it provides is essential whether it is to provide basic illumination or full on energetic atmosphere.

Just think of the difference between eating in the food court of a shopping centre under the sharp and stark light of the fluorescent tubes compared to that of a blank canvas white venue that has been thoughtfully and artistically lit as a unique three dimensional space for an event. Light applies a new dynamic, morphing familiar objects giving them a new shape or tell a new story.

Our approach to lighting design is focused towards setting the desired ambience, whether it is a dynamic environment with lots of energy for a product launch or a seductive mood for a black-tie dinner. Once this has been done the correct equipment is specified to create this look.

The Lighting designer toolbox is ever growing as technology breaks down the boundaries between light and video, as you will evidently see on the stage set of all the major bands; this ground breaking technology is very exciting as moods can be reflected with video.

The major technological advance has been with LEDs, which provide an exceptional level of flexibility whilst boasting green credentials as they only require a small amount of power to run them compared to conventional lighting equipment.

LEDs allow for instant changes of colour and can also create visual effects; at a recent event using LEDs up-lighters the client was able to mix their own colour choice moments before the event started, making them part of the lighting design process as well as doing something that would have been impossible with traditional technologies.

Believe it or not but the key to good event lighting is when the guests fail to be aware of the lighting, they simply leave thinking that they had a fantastic evening, this is down to the lighting being right and creating the appropriate mood.

The stage designer Adolph Appia seems to sum it all up perfectly “When electricity came into the theatre… light was only illumination. By the first decade of the twentieth century it had become atmosphere. Today it is taking the place of setting, tomorrow it may be part of the drama itself.”

1. We value our clients – we are a small company and appreciate clients who choose to work with us above the masses of event companies that exist in London, and we want to work with them again and again.
2. Personal service – where possible from an initial brief until the event itself, clients have one point of contact who coordinates every aspect of their event for them. In this way we build relationships which often last well after the event.
3. Individual events for individual clients – we do not ‘mass produce’ our events, even in our Christmas party venues each party is tailored to each individual clients needs. We do not force anything on to our clients.
4. Quality third party suppliers – when we need to bring in a third party supplier, we always use the best in the business, be it a marquee, caterer, or entertainer, we only recommend the suppliers of the highest calibre.
5. Embracing technology – we move with times, we were the first company in the UK to download the ground breaking virtual event design software, Vivien, and are now its UK Ambassadors. All of our team carry Blackberries, so you can drive them mad 24 hours a day! We are also one of the only
   UK event companies to write a Blog, giving our clients (and competitors) free advice.
6. Young Team – we are a young, highly motivated and creative team, and as such are the first to find about the latest venues, the coolest entertainment, and can base our themes around real trends (you will never get a ‘1970’s’ theme from us!)

After every Christmas season we send out feedback forms to all of our clients to see what people liked and didn’t like about our parties, below is a list of quotes from our clients:

Thank you (and everyone else involved) again for making our Xmas party a success. I’ve had lots of great comments from everyone, especially with regards to the beautifully decorated venue and lovely food.Ernst and Young

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for organising such a great Xmas party for us. The venue looked absolutely beautiful and was exactly what we wanted and visualised. For once, what we were told we would get, we actually did. It really was a Winter Wonderland. The food was really great, tasty, hot and very mouth-watering! The dj was spot on – I don’t think there was a quiet moment on the dance floor and there are a few lost voices this morning! All staff were really friendly and had a great attitude.

I’ve had nothing but really positive feedback from everyone – directors included, saying it was the best Xmas party yet. I would definitely agree.I’ve been at Modus for 5 years and this years party felt the most Christmassy, special and had the ‘wow’ factor that we were looking for. You definitely exceeded my expectations so thank you once again.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and I wish you all a very Happy New Year.Modus Group

It was a fantastic event, the room looked stunning, food was great and staff friendly. Everyone enjoyed themselves. Thanks!GSK

Thanks for all your team’s effort last Friday.It was a fantastic evening and exceeded all the expectations of the staff.. If you were aiming for a wow factor you certainly achieved it. Best wishes and thanks againAdmiral Taverns

The Smoking Ban – June 2007

Following a long period of debate the new law is being introduced to protect employees and the public from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

From the 1^st July it will be against the law to smoke in virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces. These places have been defined as follows:

· All ‘enclosed’ public spaces;

· On public transport (no change there);

· In work vehicles used by more than one person;

· Staff smoking rooms and any other indoor smoking areas

The managers of these areas and vehicles will be legally obliged to ensure that the new laws and enforced and people are prevented from smoking in these places.

The definition of an ‘enclosed’ space has been specified so that there is no confusion. A premises will be considered ‘enclosed’ if they have a ceiling or roof and (except for doors, windows or passageways) are wholly enclosed either on a permanent or temporary basis.

In effect that means nearly all pubs, club and restaurants will become completely smoke free places; which mean all those smokers will be out on the street, which will raise an interesting debate when those smokers start making noise in the street late at night which will threaten a premises’ license!

Of course, if you don’t follow the rules penalties and fines are going to be introduced:

· A £50 fixed penalty notice (reduced to £30 if paid within 15 days) for smoking in an outlawed location, this can extend to a maximum of a £200 fine if your are convicted in court;

· For managers failing to display no-smoking signs will receive a fixed penalty notice of £200, with a maximum of £1000 if you are prosecuted in court. If you occupy an outlawed vehicle and smoke in it you can face these fines too!

· Failing to prevent smoking in a smokefree place will carry a maximum fine of £2500 imposed on whoever manages or controls the premises or vehicle if prosecuted and convicted by a court.

The new laws are going to be enforced by the local councils and a telephone line (0800 587 166 7) will also be in operation from 1 July 2007 to enable members of the public to report possible breaches of the law. This information will be passed to local councils to follow-up as appropriate.

The good news is however that the government predicts that over half a million people will give up smoking and no longer will you get home from a night out stinking of an ash tray!

More information can be found at the Smoke Free England website

This article can be downloaded here: The Smoking Ban – an article from the Impulse Events Blog