Innovative Ways To Use Large Format Printing For Events
From corporate gatherings to trade shows to massive festivals, event organisers and planners are constantly looking for new ways to catch the attention of attendees and create unforgettable experiences.
While the traditional event banner has long been a staple of event marketing, the future of event branding lies in more innovative large-format printing. Moving beyond the banner, you can transform a simple space into a cohesive, immersive environment that tells your brand's story from every possible angle.
Let's think outside the box and explore a range of innovative applications for large format printing that go beyond the conventional and look at how these versatile materials can be used to create fully immersive branded experiences.
Wayfinding That's More Than Just A Sign
Effective wayfinding is an essential factor for any event. Guiding attendees smoothly from one point to the next, crowd control and safety are all tied into effective wayfinding. But what if your directional signage could do more than just point the way? Innovative uses of large format printing can turn a simple necessity into a key branding opportunity, here are some examples.
1. Custom Floor Graphics
The floor is often an overlooked and underutilised blank canvas. Custom-printed floor decals can be an additional branding tool used for more than just simple directions. Imagine a winding path of branded footprints leading attendees to a key point, or a vibrant graphic "river" connecting different sections of an event space.
These types of floor decals are not only practical for navigation but also create an engaging visual trail that reinforces your brand identity with every step. They can also be used to demarcate specific zones, such as a product demo area or a VIP lounge, with bold, eye-catching graphics that are impossible to miss.
2. Suspended Fabric Banners And Tension Fabric Displays
While large banners are nothing new, their application can be rethought. When hung from the ceiling, they create a sense of depth and a floating quality that draws the eye upward.
Similarly, fabric displays can be used to create striking, three-dimensional structures. For instance, a fabric archway at an entrance or a series of curved, printed walls can guide foot traffic while simultaneously immersing attendees in a branded environment. These lightweight and reusable displays are also perfect for events that require quick setup and tear-down.
3. Interactive QR Code Signage
Large format prints can also be useful gateway to digital engagement. A large-scale directional sign can feature a prominent QR code that, when scanned, opens a digital map of the event, a schedule of sessions, or even an augmented reality (AR) experience.
This type of interactive display quickly blends the physical and digital worlds, providing a seamless and highly functional user experience while capturing your audience's attention and promoting your online presence.
Branded Backdrops And Photo Opportunities
In the age of social media, providing "Instagrammable" moments is often a top priority for event planners. A great photo backdrop can turn your attendees into free brand ambassadors, extending the life of your event far beyond its closing time. Large format printing offers endless possibilities for creating these shareable moments, here are a few examples.
1. Custom-Printed Step-And-Repeat Walls With A Twist
The classic step-and-repeat banner is a reliable staple, but it can be elevated. Instead of a flat wall of logos, consider a custom-printed wall that incorporates thematic elements. For a product launch, it could feature a stylised, abstract pattern that mirrors the product's design. Making the backdrop a memorable art piece in its own right, not just a simple branding tool offers added value to any event.
2. Immersive Photo Booth Backdrops
A photo booth no longer needs to be a small, enclosed space, poked away in the corner. With large format printing, you can create a full-scale, immersive set at a very reasonable cost. Imagine a brand that sells outdoor gear creating a backdrop that looks like a rugged mountain scene, complete with printed "rocks" and "foliage." Attendees can pose within the scene, making their photos look less like a snapshot and more like a captured moment from a story. Make your photo booth a sought-after destination rather than a quick stop and you will be a big hit!
3. 3D And Standee Cutouts
For a truly playful and engaging experience, large format printing can be used to create life-sized cutouts of mascots, brand ambassadors, or even fictional characters. These standees provide a fun, interactive photo opportunity that breaks the two-dimensional barrier. These types of 3D style prints are particularly effective for family-friendly events, conventions, or product launches where a brand's personality is a key selling point.
Creating An Immersive Brand Environment
An event isn't just an occurrence - it's an experience to be remembered! Innovative uses of large format printing can transform a blank canvas into a fully branded world, where every surface tells a part of your story.
1. Wall Wraps And Murals
Take branding to a grand scale by wrapping entire walls with custom-printed graphics. Unlike a single banner, a wall wrap creates a complete and seamless visual narrative. This technique can be used to transport attendees to another world—a bustling cityscape for a tech conference, a serene forest for a wellness retreat, or a vibrant art gallery for a creative showcase. Wall wraps are especially effective in multi-purpose venues where you need to completely change the atmosphere for a specific event.
2. Custom Table Covers
Don't let your tables and bar surfaces be a missed opportunity. Custom-printed wraps can turn these functional surfaces into powerful branding tools too! For a product launch, a bar could be wrapped with a graphic showing the product's features, or a series of tables could each tell a different part of the brand's history. This attention to detail reinforces your message and shows a commitment to a fully cohesive brand experience.
3. Window And Glass Graphics
Large glass surfaces, such as windows, can be used for more than just natural light. Window graphics, ranging from simple decals to full-coverage, can be vinyl cut or digitally printed in full colour with both transparent and opaque options, easily transforming the exterior or interior of any venue. Perforated vinyl is a particularly clever choice, as it allows for a vibrant graphic to be visible from the outside while still allowing people inside to see through it. This can be used to create stunning storefronts, branded venue entrances, or even private meeting spaces that still feel open and airy.
4. Printed Furniture And Fabric Accents
Go one step further and integrate your branding directly into the event furniture. Custom-printed fabric can be used to create branded couch covers, chair wraps, or even throw pillows. This high-touch, subtle approach to branding adds a layer of sophistication and comfort that attendees will appreciate. It shows that you've thought about every single detail.
How To Maximise The Effectiveness Of Your Event Signage
Thinking beyond the banner isn't just about adding cool visuals everywhere, it's about using a smart strategy. When planning your event, you must consider how all of your different large format printing applications can work together to create a unified and memorable experience.
- Think About The Journey - Map out the attendee's journey from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. Where can you use floor decals to guide them? What's the first thing they see when they enter the main hall? Where can you create a shareable photo moment?
- Tell Your Story - Use a cohesive design language across all your printed materials. The wall wrap should feel connected to the table wraps, and the photo backdrop should tie into the wayfinding signage. This consistency builds a stronger, more recognisable brand identity.
- Consider The Environment - Modern large format printing offers a variety of sustainable options, from recycled vinyl to eco-friendly inks. Choosing to keep environmental concerns in mind helps to reduce the impact of any event and it also appeals to an increasingly eco-conscious audience and can be used as brand reinforcement where applicable.
By embracing these innovative uses of large format printing, you can move away from generic event branding and toward an immersive, dynamic experience that leaves a lasting impression on your attendees. Looking for professional large format digital printing, signage and display solutions for your next event? Give the team at Adgraphix in Christchurch a call today. We offer end-to-end consultation, design, and installation, custom event graphics services.
