Stage Design for Keynote Speakers

A successful keynote presentation can set a tone, reinforce the event’s theme, and unify attendees under a single inspiring message. However, after hiring a marquee keynote speaker, you must set the stage – literally.

 Professional stage design enhances the presentation’s delivery and significantly influences how your audience receives your message. Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to tailor the perfect stage for your next keynote speaker, ensuring their message resonates and captivates.

 1. Understand the Speaker’s Needs

The first step in designing a stage for a keynote speaker is to thoroughly understand their style, preferences, and goals. Begin with a detailed consultation – ask whether your presenter prefers a minimalist setup with only a podium and a screen, or a more dynamic environment with custom props and space to move around. Align the stage design with the speaker’s persona and presentation style.

 2. Plan the Layout

Next, decide on a layout that suits the venue’s size, shape, and location. It should maximize visibility, accessibility, and comfort for the speaker and audience. Depending on your event venue, your options might include a proscenium stage for a formal mood or a thrust stage, which extends into the audience for a more intimate interaction. Decide what atmosphere you want to establish and use the stage layout to your advantage.

 3. Integrate Effective Visual Elements

With the layout set, the focus shifts to incorporating visual elements that reinforce the speaker’s message and theme. Your overarching goal is to enrich the presentation without overwhelming the content. Stay consistent with your event branding to ensure every piece of the design aligns harmoniously.

 4. Test and Adjust the Setup

The final step before the event goes live is a comprehensive test of the stage setup. Double-check all technical aspects, such as the lighting, sound, and projection systems. The planning team must also assess the aesthetic elements to ensure visual harmony and impact from every seat in the house. Feedback from the speaker, venue staff, and test audience members can provide invaluable insights, allowing for final adjustments that perfect the setup.

 Your Partner in Crafting an Impactful Presentation Space

A compelling corporate speaker can make your next event, conference, awards show, or seminar unforgettable. After investing in a distinguished keynoter, take the presentation’s impact to the next level with an expertly planned stage design.

 At MadeFirst, we specialize in transforming everyday spaces into extraordinary presentation arenas. Trust our expert team to tailor every element of the stage design to provide an immersive and memorable experience for the speaker and their captivated audience, reflecting the high caliber of your event and the impact of your business’ brand. Connect with us today to bring your visions to life.

The Psychology of Experiential Marketing

Standing out as a brand often means investing in innovation and breaking away from traditional marketing approaches to be remembered by a consumer. Experiential marketing is pure innovation in its creation of immersive experiences that go beyond the visual and engage multiple senses.

Experiential Marketing Explained

Experiential marketing engages audiences by inviting them to actively participate. This captures attention, creates memories and emotions by engaging the senses. It is the difference between hearing about a festival and being at one, seeing the lights, hearing the music, feeling the summertime heat.

Does Experiential Marketing Work Well?

The efficacy of experiential marketing is due to how it impacts audiences psychologically (if done well), namely:

Emotional Engagement: Experiential marketing campaigns are designed to evoke emotions, whether it's joy, surprise, inspiration or nostalgia, the emotional connection augments brand perception and recall.

Sensory Engagement: People are more likely to remember an experience when more senses are involved. Offering a multisensory experience strengthens audience connection, makes audiences want to share their experiences and strengthens brand recall.

Social Influence: Experiential marketing incorporates social elements with visible key influencers and curated spaces and backdrops set up for social posts. This taps into the psychological concept of social proof, where individuals look to the behavior and opinions of others when making decisions. A shared, positive experience can amplify brand perception through word-of-mouth and social sharing.

The Element of Surprise: Experiential marketing often incorporates elements of surprise or novelty, making the experience more memorable and enhancing the wow-factor of the brand.

Is Experiential Marketing Better than Traditional Marketing?

Immersive experiences and brand activations can engaging audiences on a level that traditional marketing can't. As we move further into an experience-driven economy, the brands that engage through meaningful, memorable experiences are the ones that will stand out and engage new audiences. If your brand wants to offer an impactful experience, reach out to one of our project managers.

Our Event Marketing in 2023

Over the years, the MadeFirst team has built and installed hundreds of stages, pop-up shops, backdrops, props and other projects for customers from coast to coast. Our attention to detail, outstanding craftsmanship and industry knowledge have made us a go-to vendor for leading companies like Spotify, Instagram, CMA, Pinterest, Adobe and Pepsi.

 Our favorite projects of 2023 showcase our capabilities and represent the trust our clients place in us. From grand stages at award shows to interactive exhibits at trade shows, each activation is a story of a vision made real with our expertise.

•  Art Basel in Miami invited us to be part of their weekend full of art.

• We were pleased to build the main stage for writer, director and actor Seth McFarlane’s Los Angeles holiday party, The Chalet Claus.

• We decorated a Nashville bar with disco balls and pink everywhere for a collaboration between country singer Kelsea Ballerini and the Covergirl cosmetics brand.

• Our team created a sleek stage design for Amazon’s 2023 product launch.

• Wells Fargo hired us to set up an autumn-inspired installation at Legacy Farms.

 A Portfolio That Speaks for Itself

At MadeFirst, we have a reputation for unparalleled quality, creativity and service that brings ideas to life. Our team of skilled craftspeople use high-tech equipment like CNC machines and robotic arms to transform raw materials like wood, metal and foam into artwork. Our diverse portfolio is a testament to our ability to adapt and excel in any challenge thrown our way.

 Our commitment to innovation sets MadeFirst apart as custom fabricators. We don’t follow trends; we set them. Our team constantly pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, integrating the latest technologies and techniques into our projects to ensure our clients are always ahead of the curve.

 Client-Centric Approach

At the heart of MadeFirst’s ethos is a deep-rooted belief in putting our clients first. We understand every experiential marketing project brings a unique set of challenges and expectations. That’s why we work closely with our clients from the initial concept to final execution, seamlessly shepherding their visions into the world as they imagined, if not better. It’s no wonder a significant portion of our business comes from repeat clients and referrals.

 In the custom fabrication industry, deadlines and costs are as crucial as the work output. MadeFirst excels in delivering projects on time and on budget, never compromising on quality. Our efficient planning and fabrication methods allow us to offer competitive pricing, ensuring our clients get the best value for their investment.

A Legacy of Success

Are you ready to make a splash at your 2024 event? Rely on MadeFirst to build your next larger-than-life prop, 3D advertisement, portable display, trade show booth or anything else you can conceive. Whether you have a simple back-of-the-napkin sketch or a fully realized concept, we will partner with you to bring your vision to life in a way that exceeds your expectations. Contact us today, and one of our experienced team members will gladly answer all your questions.

SXSW Installations: Where Innovation and Creativity Collide

SXSW 2024 is approaching quickly. This flagship event started in Austin in 1987, and has grown into the premier destination for innovative speakers, filmmakers and artists worldwide. At MadeFirst, we proudly create unforgettable SXSW installations that transform spaces into hubs of imagination and interaction.

The Evolution of SXSW

SXSW has rapidly evolved, mirroring Austin’s dynamic growth as a hub for live music, entertainment and arts. From its humble origins as a music festival, SXSW has become an annual combination of parallel film, interactive media, concerts and conferences that take place in mid-March.

 What began as a regional event is now an international extravaganza, drawing attendees from every corner of the globe. It’s where passion meets profession, tomorrow’s trends debut today and the boundaries of creativity expand to new horizons.

 The Experience: More Than a Festival

SXSW is a rare blend of cutting-edge technology, digital innovation, art and performance. It’s an immersive experience you must see to appreciate – and it’s a perfect fit for the one-of-a-kind services we offer at MadeFirst. If you plan to exhibit at SXSW, our artisans can make your vision a reality, whether you need an immersive marketing display, a larger-than-life prop or a stage set.

• Interactive installations: These experiences engage, challenge and inspire. They are a testament to how art and technology can meld to create something truly revolutionary.

• Technology demos: SXSW has become a premier destination to witness and interact with the latest in technology. From virtual reality to AI, the future of tech unfolds in the heart of Texas.

• Art exhibits: Showcasing artists from emerging talents to established names, the art at SXSW is as diverse as it is provocative.

• Performance showcases: Music and live performances have always been at the heart of SXSW, spanning various genres and styles that reflect the festival’s eclectic spirit.

 Why Attend SXSW?

Attending SXSW is your chance to explore the convergence of different industries, meet like-minded people and engross yourself in a transformative experience.

•  Networking opportunities: SXSW draws a crowd of innovators, forward-thinking industry leaders and creative minds. The connections you make there can redefine your career and spark groundbreaking collaborations.

• Educational value: With panels, presentations and workshops led by some of the brightest minds, attendees gain insights and knowledge that are hard to find elsewhere.

• Cultural impact: SXSW keeps a finger on the pulse of cultural trends. It’s where new ideas gain momentum, and attendees often get a firsthand look at what’s next in various industries.

Exhibit at SXSW 2024

SXSW’s consistent growth speaks volumes about its caliber. Every year, the event manages to outperform itself by attracting increasingly diverse, challenging and innovative content. It’s a cultural phenomenon that continues to redefine the parameters of creativity and innovation.

At MadeFirst, our services are a perfect match for the endless possibilities SXSW 2024 presents. Whether you want to create an awe-inspiring installation, showcase your company’s groundbreaking technology or contribute to the vibrant tapestry of art and performance, we’re ready to support you with our expertise.

 As SXSW continues to be synonymous with brilliant ideas and promising future trends, we encourage your business to participate in this extraordinary event. Join our team of ingenious craftspeople in pushing the limits of what’s possible and celebrating the spirit of innovation SXSW embodies. Our innovation, attention to detail and client dedication combine to make MadeFirst your ideal partner for your next creative endeavor. Contact us today to start the conversation about your ideas!

Experiential Marketing Examples

Today’s marketplace has thousands of brands vying for consumers’ attention. While having an excellent product is a fundamental cornerstone, it isn’t the sole factor attracting customers to your brand. Customer involvement plays a pivotal role, which is why experiential marketing can be valuable.

 What Is Experiential Marketing?

Also called “engagement marketing,” experiential marketing is far from your typical ad campaign. This strategy encourages audiences to interact with a brand in a tangible, real-world situation instead of only watching or reading about it.

 With experiential marketing, brands emerge from behind the screen or billboard and step into the real world. The result is hands-on, immersive branding materials that leave an indelible imprint on consumers.

 The MadeFirst team creates stunning, larger-than-life installations for conferences, trade shows, festivals, conventions, brand launches, sporting events, premieres and more. Our talented fabricators are experts in 3D modeling, rendering and CAD drawing, and we will work with you at every step of the way to make your vision a reality. As one of the only fabricators with a robotic arm, we can handle CNC routing, oversized props, 3D printing, foam carving and more.

 Why It Matters

According to Forbes, experiential marketing fosters a lasting connection between customers and a brand. That’s because it taps into the senses, making every interaction memorable.

 Moreover, these campaigns can be data goldmines. Every time a consumer interacts in an experiential marketing setting, you can collect more information about them. Then, you can use this rich data pool to refine and elevate future marketing strategies.

 The Integrated Approach: Bridging Offline and Online

Though experiential marketing’s essence is in the tangible, offline world, that doesn’t mean online elements are out of the picture. Integrating online components can amplify your campaigns’ reach and impact.

 Consider that the vast majority of video marketers report a high return on investment from video content. Furthermore, consumers are twice as likely to share videos over any other content type, which paints a clear picture of the power of digital media.

 Therefore, blending the two can be potent. Launching a brand-specific hashtag during an offline event can spark a ripple of online buzz. Tools like livestreaming can bring local, in-person events to global audiences in real time. Encouraging attendees to share their experiences on social platforms can exponentially expand your brand awareness.

 Make Your Next Event Unforgettable With Experiential Marketing

MadeFirst understands the power and potential of experiential marketing. Crafting a brand narrative is one thing; letting your audience live that narrative is another level altogether. Whether you’re hosting a special event, planning a booth at an upcoming trade show or launching a promotion, count on us to create an experience that can turn casual consumers into brand evangelists. Though many of our projects are confidential, we believe our portfolio speaks for itself.

 MadeFirst is here to help your brand’s story resonate offline and online. Once we’ve built your experiential marketing campaign, we’ll handle everything from trucking and storage to shipping and receiving. Our team of logicians will coordinate with vendors and clients, ensuring on-time delivery of our high-quality installations. Contact us today for all your experiential marketing needs, and let’s collaborate to build your dreams.

3D Advertising Company

If you’ve ever watched a movie while wearing 3D glasses, you have seen firsthand how immersive and impactful this technology can be. The characters come right out of the screen toward you, making you feel like you are part of the action. In recent years, the power of 3D has transcended movie theaters to revolutionize the way brands communicate with their audiences.

Benefits of 3D Advertising

Three-dimensional visuals offer depth perception to viewers, giving them a better experience than traditional 2D. And the advantages don’t end there. 3D advertising offers a unique appeal through real-time interactivity and manipulation, resulting in enhanced customer engagement. 3D ads improve sales conversion through better experience and understanding of your brand. From 360-degree product visualization to in-depth customization and even gamification, 3D allows brands to dictate the narrative and user experience.

• Personalization: 3D advertising allows users to see how a product looks from every angle. This ability to personalize online experiences is tremendously attractive, building brand loyalty and trust.

• High conversion rates: With 3D advertising, people can try before they buy. The ability to make more informed decisions will increase your repeat customers.

• Strong audience connection: The best marketing campaigns inspire emotion, and 3D advertising simplifies that task. Its ability to create immersive experiences makes the audience feel more attracted to your brand and everything it has to offer.

Ad Fatigue vs. 3D Authenticity

The average person sees hundreds, if not thousands, of advertisements every day. This oversaturation has led to advertising fatigue – when people who see your ads too often become bored and annoyed. The resulting lack of attention makes your campaigns less effective and ultimately harms your company’s bottom line.

3D visuals’ depth, interactivity and sheer novelty can shatter this monotony, leading to exponentially higher brand engagement than traditional campaigns. With 3D ads, consumers will resonate with your brand on a profound cognitive level and actively participate in your marketing efforts, building a foundation for long-term brand engagement and loyalty.

Scholars Charles Dennis and Raed Algharabat coined the marketing term “3D authenticity” to describe a viewer’s psychological connection with a three-dimensional advertisement. In this state, users view the virtual object as genuine, even tangible. Consequently, consumers are more likely to perceive brands that provide 3D previews of their products as reliable and worth purchasing from.

MadeFirst: Your Partner in 3D Mastery

At MadeFirst, we help our customers get ahead of their competitors who still use conventional two-dimensional graphics. Our talented team of artists understands the value of 3D and has incorporated it into our array of services. We have the resources and skills to bring any vision to life.

Whether you need a massive 3D prop for a festival, an interactive brand display at a trade show or a captivating 3D advertisement campaign, we’ve got the expertise to make it a reality.

So, why wait? Embrace the future of advertising with MadeFirst and make your brand stand out in a 2D world. Reach out to us today to learn more about our approach and capabilities.

Boost Sales With A Retail Space Design Strategy

Crafting Retail Spaces That Spark Sales: Your MadeFirst Guide

Navigating the fierce retail seas requires more than just a decent product—you need marketing tactics that pack a punch. Ever thought of using pop-up shops or grand launch events to elevate your brand's game? That's where we at MadeFirst, a creative design and fabrication powerhouse, can step in to jazz up your retail event scene.

Why Retail Spaces Can Be Sales Magnets

Ever entered a pop-up shop and found yourself magnetically pulled towards a product? That's retail environment strategy doing its magic. Design and presentation of a retail space can steer your customer's choices. But it’s not about putting up displays haphazardly; it's about understanding and predicting your customer's behavior, and then curating an environment that tickles their shopping senses.

A fantastic retail space isn't just about selling—it's about offering an experience. Think custom installations that turn heads or atmospherics that give your store a bold, unforgettable personality.

The Key? Know Your Customers

When your customers feel seen and understood, they're more likely to be loyal to your brand. This rule applies whether you're running a conventional store or planning a pop-up event. The trick? Dig into the data—ticket sales, social media interactions, surveys, you name it—to uncover your customer's preferences and backgrounds.

With this valuable information, you can design a retail environment that not only grabs their attention but also resonates with them on a deeper level.

Crafting a Retail Environment That Turns Heads

Ever walked into a space that made you feel amazing and in awe? That's exactly the kind of reaction we aim for when we design retail environments. Here's how we do it:

Mind the layout. A well-planned layout guides your customers naturally through the space, making them feel at ease and free to explore. And yes, keep that entrance clear and welcoming—it's your first handshake with your customers.

Play with lighting. Lighting isn't just about visibility—it's about setting the mood and highlighting what's important. The right mix of lights can subtly guide your customers to what you want them to see.

Show off your displays. Eye-catching displays aren't just pretty—they're the bait that reels in passersby. Make sure they scream "you" in every way.

Go big on visual merchandising. A consistent theme with matching colors and graphics can draw attention from a mile away. And of course, put your star products where they can shine—the spotlight.

Leverage tech. From mobile devices that offer easy checkout to interactive displays that grab attention, the right tech can elevate your customer's shopping experience to a whole new level.

Get Your Retail Game on With MadeFirst

Ready to transform your retail space into a sales magnet? No matter where you are—Nashville, Los Angeles, or somewhere in between—MadeFirst is at your service. We're all about designing stunning retail spaces that not only look good but also work hard to boost your sales. So, lets fabricate your idea, shall we?

Commission a Custom Photo Backdrop

Elevate Your Event with a Custom Photo Backdrop 

Custom photo backdrops make a signature statement about your event and create a memorable guest experience. They turn celebrations into experiential marketing activations that highlight your brand, create awareness, and entice eventgoers to engage with your organization. Today, we'll discuss the benefits of commissioning custom photo backdrops for parties. 

Designing the Perfect Photo Backdrop for Your Party 

Custom photo ops leverage proven design strategies to enhance your company's reputation. You can include your company's logo, the event name, and even an array of custom hashtags to further your event's reach. You can also add branded elements to your photo backdrop, including personalized messaging to tie into the theme of your trade show or company party.

Commissioning a custom photo backdrop to your next event can also enhance the overall aesthetics of the event itself. We work closely with your on-staff design team to create a piece that perfectly complements your vision. If you can dream it, the team at MadeFirst can make it a reality.

Creating a Memorable Guest Experience 

What's the key benefit of a photo backdrop for your fundraiser, gala, or red-carpet event? The answer is guest buy-in. When you create a memorable guest experience, it heightens the excitement and brings extra attention to your brand. 

Guest will share photos from your party to their social media accounts, spreading the word about your organization and providing greater exposure at no additional cost. Slipping your branding into the background creates powerful word-of-mouth advertising that resonates long after an event is over. 

Using a Photo Backdrop for Business Events 

Custom photo backdrops add a professional touch and polished look, sending a message about quality. It also you to extend your brand to events and ensure the impression guest have is consistent with the brand’s overall marketing strategy. This can help guests remember your company to create higher levels of brand awareness and generate more leads. When you use a custom photo backdrop for your holiday parties, trade shows, industry conferences, and other corporate events, you put your brand front and center. This lets you stand out from your competitors and other exhibitors. 

Get Your Custom Photo Backdrop 

Searching for that custom photo backdrop to create memorable connections with guests and clients? Look to MadeFirst, a full-service creative design and fabrication company with facilities in Nashville, TN and Los Angeles, CA. 

MadeFirst has 75,000 square feet of fabrication shops and handles creation, logistics, and installation nationwide for projects of any size. Whether you need custom photo backdrops, trade show displays, stage design, or experiential marketing, MadeFirst can create the perfect solution for you.

MadeFirst provides customers with superior service and quality craftsmanship at competitive prices, creating custom installations for large-scale events, conventions, trade shows, and product launches. 

Check out our online portfolio of recent projects and then contact MadeFirst to bring your ideas to life.

Brand Experience Agency

To succeed in business, it’s crucial to leave your clients and potential customers with a positive impression. By partnering with a brand experience agency like MadeFirst, your company can drive sales and set the stage for long-term loyalty. How can you create strategies that deliver reliable results over time?

What Is Brand Experience?

Brand experience describes the tangible and emotional connection consumers have while interacting with your business. For example, during a trade show, awards banquet or festival, a brand experience agency can help you develop an immersive environment that moves beyond your business’ mission or vision statement, encouraging people to interact with you on a personal level. Take the opportunity to make these occasions memorable, meaningful and as unique as you are.

If customers are negative or neutral toward your brand, they’re less likely to remember you when they’re ready to invest. The absence of a specific good opinion means you’ll lose out to competitors that offer more effective messaging.

The Three P’s of Brand Experience Design

The goal of crafting a brand experience is to resonate with people by appealing to them on three levels.

1. Perception

Engaging people’s senses lets them connect with your marketing and branding efforts more readily. Where it makes sense, consider adding audio, visual and tactile elements for holistic interactions. Sights, sounds and even smells can cause attendees to form lasting memories. Why? Our five senses work together to give us well-rounded impressions of the world around us.  

2. Participation

When you encourage event attendees to participate in some way, they’re more likely to feel satisfied that it was a good use of their time and energy. For instance, you might add an interactive element where people can ask questions or send feedback through an online message board. Or, if you want to establish a fun, friendly vibe for your brand, include games or physical installations that allow people to handle your products. 

3. Personalization

If you aren’t getting the desired results from your typical marketing efforts, try using your knowledge about your audience to segment them into different categories. Whether you create these targeted lists based on demographic factors or behavior, audience segmentation can be a highly effective marketing tactic. You can tailor messaging to different customers for a more personalized touch.

One-size-fits-all attempts to appeal to every consumer, every time, can detract from the overall brand experience you’re trying so hard to craft. That’s why it’s better to personalize based on specific brand metrics such as social media interactions or repeat event attendance.

Why Choose MadeFirst?

When you’re looking to elevate your experiential marketing efforts, it’s crucial to partner with an innovative, full-service company that pays meticulous attention to detail on every product. At MadeFirst, we have built everything from pop-up exhibits to fully immersive branded environments for our clients around the country. We combine traditional techniques like handcrafted carpentry and woodworking with advanced 3D technology, state-of-the-art software and robotic arms. No matter what you envision, we can make it a reality.

To learn more about our custom-made props, trade show booths, themed environments, pop-up shops or any of the other projects in our portfolio, please connect with us today.

The Role of Environmental Design in Experiential Marketing

Experiential marketing with environmental design is one smart way for businesses to immerse consumers in their brand. You may find this through ads that are built into urban and natural spaces, as well as storefronts or events designed with a cohesive theme. Environmental design can enhance the natural beauty of the setting while giving your brand a sense of trustworthiness. But what is environmental design, and how can you use it in your experiential marketing strategy? Read on to learn more.

What Is Environmental Design? 

In 2023, the environment is an increasingly important issue for consumers and businesses alike. Environmental design is a plan that incorporates environmental considerations into the design of natural or urban areas, whether when constructing a new building or setting up an experiential marketing activation. This may include:

• Offering eco-friendly or eco-safe options in the design

• Incorporating natural scenery into the design

• Making use of natural lighting

• Utilizing plants and greenery in the design

At MadeFirst, we often create environments that complement the urban and natural spaces which they occupy. We offer a number of eco-safe material options for eco-conscious clients to create something both beautiful and sustainably designed. 

Environmental Design For Events

Events are a great way to provide an immersive marketing experience for your shareholders and consumers. We build creative designs that allow guests to literally walk through your brand or your recent promotion. Experiential marketing events should engage the senses at every turn, but especially the eye. Environmental design is an excellent way to achieve that.

When we approach environmental design for an event, we make use of the natural beauty that already surrounds the space. This includes indoor spaces. If your event takes place on a high floor within a corporate building, we can leverage natural lighting and expansive views to enhance the design. We used this tactic for the NYFW Amazon Influencers event, where we also filled the space with greenery and flowers, utilizing natural wood pieces. 

The Civic x IG Instabeach event also included plants and greenery to enhance the beauty of the setting. This event was largely outside, against the backdrop of sunny Malibu beach. The colors and natural elements incorporated were meant to complement that setting. Likewise, the Frieze Los Angeles RUINART event included a minimalist design with natural wood furnishings that drew attention to the woodsy, natural exhibits. 

For another event, Diptyque hosted Pop Up at the Grove in LA. Because the Grove is already a well-loved setting with plenty of natural features, it was only fitting to make use of that scenery with environmental design. The pop-up was placed strategically near one of the Grove's most striking trees and in front of several other blossoming trees. Inside the store were several potted flowers and plants arranged near the latest fragrances, showing customers the natural sources for their favorite perfumes.

Create Your Own Immersive Experience

Want to create your own immersive experiential marketing experience using environmental design for your next event in Nashville or Los Angeles? Contact MadeFirst today to get started.