Event Trends to Watch for in 2009

Happy New Year fellow readers! We here at Starfish Creative Events are excited that 2009 is officially underway and look forward to bringing you our weekly event updates each Thursday. We again commit to bringing you up-to-date information, tips, trends and event recaps that you can use, both personally and professionally. New this year, we’ve recruited some amazing industry professionals as guest bloggers to help us bring you cutting edge details on everything related to events, marketing, branding and promotions.

We trust that you are now fully recuperated from that long, hectic holiday season, refreshed and ready to look forward to all the wonder that is 2009. So, we are kicking off the year with our (un)official Event Trend Forecast for the year. Enjoy!

Décor inspired by fashion

· It’s Cool to be Blue – This year, blue is the new black. But not just any blue – think Tiffany Blue and her cousin Palace Blue (like the ocean). Spiritually, blue represents peace, stability and serenity, which is why it’s going to be the star of 2009’s spring weddings. Just check out the recent Bride Wars Movie Premiere. More practically, it's a flattering color on just about everyone, hence why it’s shaping up to become the premiere hue of this season’s hippest fashion trends.
· 1960s retro-style – With the critically acclaimed show “Mad Men” gaining in popularity, industry professionals are becoming inspired. The style influence of the early '60s is fresh, crisp and modern with a healthy dose of American practicality. Think art deco. Think Vintage. Think awesome.
· Dandy Manifesto –This theme combines the somewhat stuffy elegance of the Oscar Wilde style dandies with a bohemian, more modern, poetic, “artist” spirit. Using calligraphy & coding, muted color palettes with little splashes of vibrant tones, stripes, and photo montages techniques, I nicknamed this trend the “Modge-Podge”.

Budget-Saving Techniques

· Go Simple – This is the year where less is finally more, with smaller, more intimate parties focusing on a few modest décor elements that actually make a statement and mean something to the guests. Extravagance gives way to thoughtfulness, in everything from weddings to corporate events to fundraisers.
· Make your own Music – great music is essential, and a well thought-out iPod playlist can be just as good as hiring a DJ for thousands of dollars. In fact, the disgusting trend is that most DJ’s play off their own iPods these days anyway, so what are we paying them for again? Invest in a great sound system instead, and be your own entertainer.
· Choose-Your-Own Gift Bags – Instead of pre-bagging the swag, have sponsors set up a table at the exit area where they can flaunt their products to all, yet gift only those who are truly interested. Imagine how much waste can be saved? Not to mention, the added exposure the sponsors receive at the actual event.

Going Green

· No More Printing – Mailed invitations and printed marketing collateral are quickly becoming faux pas. Focus your energies on digital items that can be emailed or handed out on CD or flash drive at events.
· Eco-Friendly Products – There are now a million alternatives to wasteful, hazardous event supplies, from Spudware cutlery and liquid cardboard to compact fluorescent bulbs for lighting and sustainable local food products. USE THEM!
· Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – An old adage but still a goodie, actually now more than ever. Reduce the amount of waste you collect at an event by re-using recycled materials, and recycling new materials to be re-used at your next event. See how the circle works?

Keep your eye out for many more trends to follow in the coming months. Until then, happy planningJ