Christmas event décor ideas using new tech

December 4th, 2017 @ Anne Thornley-Brown, MBA

In Canada, where I am based, now that Thanksgiving and Halloween have passed, Christmas is just around the corner. In the United States, while Christmas shopping season won’t kick into high gear until after Thanksgiving, November is prime festive event season.

This year, why not use some of the technology we’ve been exploring here at Plan Your Meetings for a new twist to traditional seasonal event décor? Virtual reality (VR), drones, GoPro, 3D projection mapping, DVD projections and animations are just a few examples of what’s possible. We’ve combed the globe to inspire you some of the most delightful examples.

Virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) has grown into even more of a hot trend this year and is slowly making its way into the meeting, conference and event space.

VR viewing booths have come on-steam. As we discovered in a previous story, YPO Edge, powered by Mobileye, demonstrated that it is now possible to have a large group participate in a shared VR experience.

Companies can even incorporate their branding into virtual reality whether it’s live action or animated. Here is a Christmas campaign that Coca-Cola released, initially in Poland and then all around the world using VR.

A similar approach can integrate branding into VR for association and corporate Christmas events.

Drones

Drones capture indoor and outdoor event footage from unique vantage points. This footage can be used as a keepsake video and even edited and played back towards the end of an event to ensure that participants leave on a high note.

Drones can create dazzling light shows to delight audiences of all ages. The following mesmerizing experience was brought to you by Disney, Intel and 300 drones.

Drone light shows have been created with as many as 1,000 drones synchronized in perfect harmony.

GoPro

While drones bring viewers unique angles and perspectives, GoPro footage places them in the center of the action. For example, if an event planner wants to create a winter wonderland theme and give participants in a warm climate the feel of skiing, dog sledding or dashing through the snow in a sleigh, it’s possible with GoPro.

Snow polo anyone?

3D projection mapping

3D projection mapping can be used on any surface including trees, plants, grass, snow, pavement, dining tables and dinner plates. How about adding a touch of fun to a dessert course?

3D projection mapping can bring even the drabbest event venue exteriors to life for a holiday event or the entire festive season.

DVD projections

Even on a tight budget, DVDs, simple projectors and a white screen or sheet at the window can make magic at any event venue.

Santa at my Window and Virtual Santa are other cost-effective animations for event venues.

Musical boxes and animations

With musical animations, event planners can amp up Christmas décor without blowing the budget. These items can be placed under Christmas trees, on dining tables (as centerpieces) or on side tables to enhance the ambiance.

Some are snow globes while others are 3D miniature animations of Christmas toys, activities, venues and characters. From nutcrackers and carrousels to toy stores and holiday villages, animations bring music color and excitement to any events.