There is a very fine line between the event design and the event planning. The event design mainly refers to the actual function while planning considers the entire picture (council regulations, traffic management, security, public health, etc.). Thus, the event design is a subset of the overall event planning. It may be a subset but the event design is also the heart of the function, show or conference.
The event design is a serious undertaking. In fact, it is so serious that there are formal courses for this subject. The Certificate in Event Design costs around $1800 but opens the door to an interesting career. The graduate of this course is able to handle:
So what can I expect from the event design? Mainly it is a coordination of decor, lights, audio and visual effects. Most event designers will create a personalised function, which is suitable for the clients' needs. The basic service will include a design of:
You do not have to order everything from the event design company.
You may request separate contractors for the event catering, event audio/video and venue.
Only then you can hire an event designer to put together the entire show from your chosen resources.
This way you are strongly in control of the situation.
However, for the cost-effective option you should take comprehensive packages.
This is especially true for the theming event design.
Imagine the price to hire Mexican bands, cooks and the decor for your TV Tabasco Promotion, using separate businesses.
What's more, the stress level for such a decision would be enormous.
There are many event design operators.
Hotfrog lists at least 340 of them.
If you are looking for the cost-effective options then Hotfrog or Yellowpages are good sources to start.
However, if you are looking for a corporate and public exposure then you need to hire bigger guns.
Finesse Event Design and Management is a good choice for Melbourne customers. The company offers:
Next is the Event Equipment - a specialised event design company, which deals with audio and video presentations.
Event Equipment primarily hires the equipment but also provides technical and managerial entertainment services.
Staging Connections and Event Envy are our next choices for the event design operators.
Both companies have an extensive knowledge of professional events both within entertainment and corporate industry.
On average, an event designer can earn about $50K per year. However, it is not a permanent job but a contract. Therefore, if the event designer gets 10 contracts annually (which is reasonable) then he or she will charge about $5K per project. As for the event design companies the matter is more complicated. With them there are large overheads, complex management and more expensive losses. To hire one of those companies you may need between few thousand to few hundred thousand dollars (for a medium sized show).