As the prevalence of Team Building events in the corporate arena have increased, so has the homogenization of activities offered by event companies.  Taking a look at the website for most team building outfits, you will notice a similar array of offerings (including scavenger hunt, puzzle solving activities, and the age-old ropes course).  Therefore, in order for any events company to truly separate itself from the pack, events must be enhanced and enriched by close attention to detail.  Translation: decor, decor, decor! 

Below, Event Experience team building guru Fred Granados offers 5 tips to outfitting your event with the perfect decor

1. Alternative Atmosphere:  According to Granados, the most essential purpose of dcor is to create an atmosphere that supercedes the normal.  "Were using dcor and creating those alternative methods to help people think outside of the box."  Granados reminds event planners that, "Its the little attention to extra details that makes the event seem special to people.  Remember: If your dcor communicates that the event is special, thenthe event is special." 

2. Theming: Turning your humdrum obstacle course into a smash hit, could be as simple as using dcor to create a theme.  Says Granados, "Dont just do an obstacle course, and expect people to get excited.  Use dcor to transform the obstacle course into a military-themed boot camp."  He continues, "Whether we want to create an atmosphere of intensity, excitement, or curiosity, themed dcor is essential in communicating that atmosphere." 

3. Creativity: You dont have to spend thousands, or even hundreds of dollars to completely outfit your event with themed dcor.  Says Granados, "Anything can be turned from ordinary into extraordinary with a little creativity."  He adds, "Turn a piece of Styrofoam into an Egyptian pyramid, or turn a regular 4X4 into a balance beam."  Granados suggests using things like cardboard, tinfoil, spray paint, and extra fabric that you may have lying around, as the materials for your dcor.  "It just takes a little creativity!"

4. Costumes: Often times, event planners become so engrossed in the decorations that accompany their event, that they forget one of the most valuable dcor items: personality costumes.  Granados, who built his reputation utilizing lively and entertaining personality costumes, says that, "If youve got a pirate themed event and no one is wearing an eye patch or bandana it doesnt lend to the overall goal of creating a special event its just another something to do." 

5. Placement:  Once youve created your dcor, the final step is ensuring that it is set-up correctly at the event.  Granados offers the following: "Theres a few things to consider when setting up your dcor.  Dcor must be integrated with the functionality of the event; dcor must be balanced throughout the event area; and traffic flow must be considered dcor shouldnt impede the flow of participants through the event area."  He adds, "You dont need a lot of dcor to communicate your theme just focused dcor.  Your dcor is the extra stuff that helps bring that other reality into existence. That, in turn, helps people think outside of the box.  Thats the key."

--B. Ghorley