For creative event organisers, blank canvas venues offer endless opportunities. But even the most imaginative among us can use a little inspiration.

We spoke to six event planners to find out how they transform neutral venues into amazing spaces, and we got their top tips for achieving maximum impact with minimal expenditure.

My top tips for transforming a blank canvas venue

Nadya Dunayeva

Nadya Dunayeva, Freelance Event Organiser

  • Lighting and projections make a big difference when creating the right atmosphere. These two features can visually create more space or make the space look smaller, can create any look (rustic, futuristic, bohemian, techy etc.), and even make people attending look more beautiful!
  • If you don’t know how to work the lighting and projections, you will spend a lot of time figuring it out. It’s best to hire professional help or consult a professional on a one-off basis.
  • Apparatuses can take up quite a bit of space by the walls or around the columns, and projectors need be positioned so that no one knocks them over, walks in front of them, or gets the projection right in their faces. Usually, it’s best is to hang them – check if this option is available at your venue.

A tale of two halves for Penguin Random House

Robert Enefer

Robert Enefer, The Conference People

“We organised a dinner for Penguin Random House at Old Billingsgate in London. The event was for 1,100 guests. We had made various proposals to our client for the design and dressing of Old Billingsgate for their dinner; they settled for a plan that effectively divided the space in half with the round tables for dinner on one side and with the other a more relaxed space for drinks, dancing and socialising.

“We worked with Production Bureau to light and dress the entire area, including gobos of the Penguin logo projected onto the brick walls. They also provided sound and light for our DJ and live soul band. Creative lighting is a cost-effective way to transform and enhance a space. To see what can be done, it can be a good idea to visit the venue when there is another event there or ask for pictures.

“All in all, our design worked very well and the evening was a success, even though it was one of the worst ‘snow days’ in London for years.”

My top tips for transforming a blank canvas venue

Stephanie Bevan-Moss

Stephanie Bevan-Moss, Somerset House

  • Uplighters are one of the most effective ways to change the look and feel of a blank canvas venue. When uplighters are well placed in a room, they can instantly transform the space.
  • Colour washes in company brand colours and gobo lighting are great ways to personalise the space and add texture to a blank canvas venue.
  • Projection and vinyls are also very effective, and they tend to be an affordable option too.
  • Physical equipment such as poseur tables with a simple table centre can also make a huge difference. A mirror plate with tea lights, a jam jar with some fairy lights or candles in a vase can all make an impact – all of which are very budget friendly!

San Miguel’s richly immersive experience

Adam O’Carroll

Adam O’Carroll, Fuse

“The launch of The San Miguel Rich List was held in Somerset House’s Portico Rooms and Navy Board Rooms for 160 journalists, bloggers, influencers and internal stakeholders.

“The San Miguel Rich List celebrates 19 inspirational individuals from around the world who have chosen to live life to the full and discover life’s most enriching experiences. It was key that all guests felt immersed in not only the event but the ethos behind it.

“The rooms were transformed into wildly different settings – from an underwater world to a gardener’s workshop –  to show the diversity of the subjects’ lives. This was achieved through clever use of AV, lighting set-ups, floral, and plant decoration and props.

“Immersive activities included a marine virtual reality experience inspired by marine life photographer Goran Ehlme and a 4D cave inspired by deep cave explorer Robbie Shone. This space was kept dark, with props used to make it look like a real cave and a giant screen for effect.

“The gardeners’ workshop provided a fun way for guests to literally get their hands dirty. It was themed with a metal frame supporting upside down plant pots and plenty of foliage scattered around the room.

“Elsewhere, enlarged photographs were set up on white podiums and lit from above, giving the feel of an exhibition. The bar area was given some subtle branding alongside bottles of San Miguel. In the break-out rooms, things were kept simple with one presentation screen and the walls left bare.”

My top tips for transforming a blank canvas venue

Peter Hutchinson

Peter Hutchinson, EventCity

  • My big tip for event organisers is to dream big and avoid thinking of obstacles before they arise. Use the experience of the venue team; it’s likely they’ve come across all the possible outcomes before and know how best to overcome any issues.
  • Blank canvas venues offer endless opportunities to transform spaces, however, the nature of the space means basic elements such as floorings and draping come at a significant cost – especially when working with a large-scale venue. So, it’s worth looking for a venue that offers these basic essentials as standard.
  • Another huge money saving tip is to book a venue with an in-house production team. They are most familiar with the space and can bring your event dream to reality combining light, sound and visuals, saving you thousands on outside suppliers.

Huawei calls on the high tech

Alicia Duncan

Alicia Duncan, The Mermaid London

“Huawei transformed the entire venue to replicate company branding as if it were their own head office, as they launched the Honor 7X & View 10 smartphones to the EMEA market. The Mermaid London was selected for its impressive blank canvas spaces, including the Auditorium which could seat all of Huawei’s 600 guests.

“Guests arrived through the Foyer which was set up with branded registration desks and boasted an aqua blue lighting display. During the main product launch in the Auditorium, a 12m x 4m HD back projection screen with a WATCHOUT multi-display system was set up. Alongside it were pre-positioned rigs that produced a full bespoke light show including lasers and gobos revealing Huawei branding.

“An LED HD display screen was set up in the venue’s Mezzanine space, showcasing live keynote sessions and the product launch to overflow guests. This space was also used for product displays and networking opportunities. Meanwhile, both the Upper and Lower River Rooms were branded for exclusive product experiences after the official launch event.”

Looking for more inspiration? Check out the ideas, tips and advice being shared on the EventTribe forum.