What Color Is Your Event?
Pantone has named its color of the year for 2019, Living Coral, otherwise known as Pantone 16-1546, which it describes as "vibrant, yet mellow." They selected this color in reaction to the "onslaught of digital technology and social media" that affect people's lives: "We are seeking authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy.”
“Color enhances and influences the way we experience the world,” said Laurie Pressman, VP of the Pantone Color Institute. “Linked to tactility and human connection, Pantone Living Coral is a warm and welcoming shade that fosters immersive experiences and encourages playful expression.”
So, what does this mean? For starters, great experiences and great events, just like great brands, have personality, imagery, and a color palette.
If your event were a color, what would it be? And don’t naturally default to the colors of your organizational brand or the colors of your destination like so many events do.
Color creates a mood and energy, a feeling. The American Geophysical Union (AGU) is a serious, scientific, intelligent, and curious community of Earth and space scientists, academics, geologists, and hundreds of other disciplines that just held their yearly event for the 51st consecutive year (and celebrated their 100th year as an organization). This year, the organizing theme of their Fall Meeting of 27,000+ attendees was “What Science Stands For.”
The color palette was rich, vibrant, deeply saturated, and bold. Using shades at the edge of the color spectrum symbolizes pushing the limits and boundaries of science. The contrasting palette reflected both the fierceness and tranquility of nature. The wide variety of colors represented the diversity of the fields, disciplines, and people in the Earth and space science community. They inspired, connected, and made the guests feel welcome and alive.
So, what color is your next experience, and why? Try asking and answering this with your team. You’ll be surprised at where the answer might lead you.