Why Event Planners Should Use Distinctive Imagery

Part 5 of a 5-part series on event design

Want your event to be memorable?

Use distinctive imagery.

According to neuroscience research, we pay attention to imagery that's novel and surprising.

Moreover, we recall images that are salient; we forget images that are common.

Thanks to Ron Graham of Freeman for providing this event-deisgn tip.

NOTE: I wrote this post in 2013, not imagining that two years later I'd be employed by Freeman. Wonders never cease. 

Why Event Planners Should Still Embrace Print

Part 4 of a 5-part series on event design

Like most forward-thinking businesspeople, event planners are going green.

They're systematically eliminating printed handouts—programs, floorplans, directories, catalogs, flyers, brochures and booklets—in favor of digital publications.

But planners should think twice.

According to neuroscience research, publications printed on paper strike a deeper emotional chord than digital publications, because they engage the brain's spatial memory.

So if you want a handout to create impact, print it on paper.

Digital does have one big advantage over print, however, when it comes to stirring emotions.

It can incorporate audio and video.

Thanks to Ron Graham of Freeman for providing this event-design tip.

NOTE: I wrote this post in 2013, not imagining that two years later I'd be employed by Freeman. Wonders never cease. 

Bringing Sexual Offenders to Justice Captures CINE

I'm honored to share a CINE Golden Eagle Award, won by the talented independent producer and writer Ann Ramsey, for the training video Bringing Sexual Offenders to Justice.

The video was produced last year for the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Funding for the production was provided by the US Department of Justice.

"Beginning with a simple, three-act structure and a clear end in mind made writing the script easy," says Ann Ramsey. 

"Seeing the whole piece in my head allowed me to get the interviews needed to advance a complex story quickly."

I served as associate producer—a role far different from the ones I customarily perform for clients, but satisfying nonetheless.

As the video illustrates, well-run sexual assault investigations help assure that perpetrators are punished for their crimes.

Tens of thousands of police officers have learned from it how to run successful investigations.

Watch a brief clip from the video on the CINE Website.

Postscript: I'm also honored to announce that Copy Points is now a feature of Guy Kawasaki's online magazine rack, Alltop. All the cool kids (and me).

Why Event Planners Should Consider Height

Part 3 of a 5-part series on event design

When planners assign rooms at an event, room length and width get all the attention.

But a room's third dimension should be given equal consideration.

According to neuroscience research, high ceilings promote creative and abstract thinking.

Low ceilings promote detail- and task-oriented thinking.

High ceilings also lure attendees to linger in a room.

Low ceilings do just the opposite.

Thanks to Ron Graham of Freeman for providing this event-design tip.

NOTE: I wrote this post in 2013, not imagining that two years later I'd be employed by Freeman. Wonders never cease. 

Why Event Planners Should Cut Choices

Part 2 of a 5-part series on event design

Choices have power over us.

Too many can cause us to crumble.

If you're offering attendees too wide an assortment—dozens of hotels, seminars, menu items, networking activities or after-parties—you're doing them a disservice.

It hardly matters attendees always say they want unlimited options.

According to neuroscience research, vast selection inhibits decisionmaking.

Cutting choices to three or four eliminates attendees' anxiety and helps them decide.

Thanks to Ron Graham of Freeman for providing this event-design tip.

NOTE: I wrote this post in 2013, not imagining that two years later I'd be employed by Freeman. Wonders never cease.