When you hear the words “event theme”, what comes to mind? Does the image of a bouncy castle and the sound of a thousand screaming children flood your senses? Are you reminded of an incredibly boring office Christmas party, where half of the office wore ugly sweaters even though nobody ever claimed that to be the theme? 

Forget your previous experiences, because themes are not just for children’s birthday parties, office holiday celebrations, or in-person events! At Wizard Studios, we believe that any event - virtual, in-person, or hybrid - can pull off a theme that is both appropriate and impressive. With the right strategy, you could challenge the notion that virtual events with themes are childish or lame, and could transform the way people see the events industry in 2020. Keep reading to learn how to choose the perfect theme and implement it in a way that impresses every guest, even the ones tuning in from home. 

Step 1: Brainstorm 

Begin by considering the values of your brand. What buzzword do you hope your audience will associate with your brand? Does your brand emphasize growth? Collaboration? Creativity? Innovation? Philanthropy? Fun? We could go on. Whichever value you choose should be the North Star that guides all decisions you make in regards to your virtual event. For example, if your brand values creativity, your event theme could be Cirque du Soleil. If you are a philanthropic organization raising money for a cause, you could make the theme a single color -- including dress code over video chat -- that aligns with your cause. If your brand values cutting-edge innovation, a planetarium or space museum could be an appropriate choice. Definitively identifying your central value will offer clarity in all other aspects to help you build the perfect theme. 

Step 2: Align 

Once you have chosen your theme, you can begin to plan the other components of your virtual event. Keep in mind that for a theme to be truly remarkable, it must be all-encompassing. In a pre-COVID world, that meant appropriately aligning with four pillars: setting, decor, food, and beverages. But in the world of online meetups and virtual events, think about all you can do to align your event: an array of esteemed speakers, Q&As with polls and live chats, live-streamed sections, surprise celebrities or guest artists, etc. The list is endless, but always keep in mind, is everything in alignment?

Step 3: Interact

Bring your audience into the event, not just as observers, but as active participants. For an event theme centered around creativity, consider blank canvases for guests to live paint, draw, and write messages. Depending on your theme, you can surprise your guests with a live-streamed light show. 

These three steps are crucial for planning a themed event. Although they seem quite simple, it is never as easy as 1-2-3. That’s why we are providing an example below to help you feel inspired and to better understand the brainstorming process. 

Example: 

Say you are hosting an event to launch a new travel product. Maybe that’s an app, a line of luggage, or a brand of charter jets. You want your virtual event to attract investors and encourage potential clients to choose your company for their luxury travel plans. With the vast majority of events being cancelled, you decide that the best way to stand out is to create a themed virtual event. 

Step 1: Brainstorm

Begin by asking yourself, “What are the values of this brand?” 

For this brand, your biggest selling points are luxury and travel. What’s a luxurious travel destination? Paris is a destination that is iconic for its extravagance. Your theme could be Bon Voyage, a journey to Paris. 

Step 2: Align 

You’ve selected your theme, and now it is time to brainstorm the all-encompassing aspects that will contribute the WOW factor to your event. 

Theme: Bon Voyage, a journey to Paris. 

Setting: Live-stream from an airport hangar, art museum, mansion, luxury hotel, grand library, or even a house of fashion. 

Decor: Set the stage with custom fabrication that mimics the architecture of Paris’s streets, complete with an Eiffel Tower and Arc De Triomphe. Intermixed with live-streamed speakers, floral centerpieces could include fleur de lise, and footage taken between speakers could be of candelabras and chandeliers. And lastly, a single violinist could set the mood throughout the event. 

Food and Beverages: France is known for its boissons, so invite a wine expert to talk about what viewers could pair with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Bordeaux. 

Step 3: Interact

Give your guests an active role in the theme! 

If the values of your brand evoke an over-the-top level of service, don’t be afraid to have as many interactive activities as your virtual event can allow! For this particular event, allow attendees to use a virtual photo booth that could email them “passport” pages, or live-stream a light show that evokes the Paris skyline. 

There you have it -- an event theme that is appropriate, sophisticated, well-executed, and 100% virtual. When you plan your themed event, use the example above as a template, and customize it based on the values of your brand. As with any event in our upside-down world, it makes all the difference to enlist the help of an event professional. Contact Wizard Studios to get started on your themed virtual event today!