I think that phrase can also apply to how you put together an event. Music is a proven mood-enhancer & vibe generator. The music you choose to set the mood for your event will set the tone and vibe that you want your guests to enjoy and take away when they leave.
"Dave - DUH - this is SO simple" you say! I agree, but I can't tell you how often I walk into an event, office building lobby, meeting room that is STONE SILENT. You know that weird feeling you get when its soooooo silent. Everyone feels uncomfortable.
Just yesterday, I was visiting a global company based here in Nashville. Beautiful furniture, great art on the wall, lots of stainless and great textures - but SILENT as a tomb. I sat there admiring the decor, but felt so uncomfortable as I heard the receptionist breathing across the lobby desk. Some music playing in their beautiful entry would instantly help smooth some of the awkwardness of the silence their guests are subjected to.
"OK Dave - How does this relate to my event?"
We as event planners should be striving to create a total "experience" for our guests, including what they hear and see - not just simply checking off the schedule items & catering throughout the day.
It all starts when people enter wherever the event is held. What do your guests hear & see when they first come in? Those first impressions truly set their minds for what the rest of the event might be like.
Don't subject them to awkward silence as they enter, or through the breaks that may be scheduled in the meeting. ON the other side of the coin, if you do use music, don't rock 'em too hard - (unless you're doing a rocking event! - which most business meetings are NOT! ) Find some appropriate, quality music to roll on CD or from your ipod during these times. Or - if you have a great option for live players (and the $$ these days) live is always great!
I took a little time and made up some playlists in my itunes that I could use for this very thing. I called 1 mix "Up Mornings". It had a variety of upbeat, jazzy instrumentals and easy vocals to bring some energy to those early morning, over-coffee times. Another was called "Spa Mix". You guessed it - total chill to soften the room if things were tight at break-times. You get the idea. You can create your own "Vibe CD's".
I suggest also burning CD's of the mixes you create and keeping them in your folder that you always have with you. I've been able to create "instant ambience" at the drop of a hat because I had 2 or 3 of these CD's with me.
Especially if there's not a jack for your ipod to play over the PA system.
It all starts with the song here in Nashville. Let that become the rule for your events and meetings as well.
Your guests will be glad!
DAVE's best picks for event entry / Break music:
Anything by these artists will give your event a fresh sound and fresh vibe:
- Pat Metheny ( a great contemporary/jazz/world vibe for professional settings. Search itunes for Pat's music)
- Guitarist Keith Cooper - www.keithlcooper.com (brilliant acoustic guitar work in many styles. Keith is also AWESOME to bring in live!)
- Moya Brennan - www.moyabrennan.com (world-renown celtic artist - Moya is Enya's sister!)
