An arrival that organises the event
Carpet, lit photo wall, photographer and hosts who greet by name. Beyond the photo, it solves the practical problem of two hundred people arriving at once with nowhere to go.
Galas, Openings & Presentations
Galas, openings and presentations
A gala is judged in the first ten minutes and the last five
We handle the arrival, the stage element and the closing act of galas, awards ceremonies, openings and institutional events: red carpet, hosts, photo wall, welcome entertainment and a final show.
A gala has two moments that hold the whole memory. The first is the arrival: how guests are received, whether there is a carpet, a photographer, someone telling them where to go. The second is the close: the last thing that happens before people stand up. Everything in between, the speech, the dinner, the corporate video, is necessary, but it is not what gets recounted afterwards. So we pay particular attention to those two ends.
The arrival is solved with production and with staff. A carpet, a well-lit photo wall, a photographer, hosts who know who they are receiving and manage access without it feeling like a filter. At galas with press or sponsors we add the branded backdrop, which guarantees published photos carry the right logos without anyone having to ask.
The close can be a short, strong act, an aerial number, a laser show, a brass band that walks the audience through to the drinks, or simply a well-executed awards ceremony with a podium, lighting and pace. At institutional events the tone changes and what works is well-executed restraint: few elements, impeccable, and staff who know protocol.
The costliest mistake at a gala is usually planning, not budget: not allowing for how long it takes people to get in. Two hundred guests with accreditation, cloakroom and a red carpet photo need forty to fifty minutes through a single control point. If the programme says dinner starts half an hour after doors, it will start late. We size the reception so the event begins on time.
- 10 minthat decide the first impression
- +30closing acts available
- 24 hquote turnaround
- 100%in-house staff
Branded backdrop for press
Where there are sponsors or media, a photo backdrop with the right logos guarantees published coverage includes whoever paid to be there.
A close with pace
A short, strong number at the end leaves a better memory than half an hour of programme. We design the close so it runs straight into the drinks with no dead gap.
How we set it up
Send us the programme
Type of event, capacity, venue, hourly agenda and whether press, sponsors or institutional protocol are involved.
We propose arrival and close
What happens at the entrance, which staff, which final act and how it fits your stage timings.
We produce the materials
Backdrop, carpet, signage and stage elements, with lighting tests before the event.
We deliver the event
Advance build, staff throughout the event and discreet takedown, respecting the programme's timings.
Formats and ideas that work
- Red carpet with a sponsor photo wall and a photographer
- Reception hosts and guest accreditation
- Awards ceremony with podium, lighting and a presenter
- Short aerial performance as the closing number
- Brass band walking guests from the hall to the drinks reception
- Opening with ribbon cutting, stilt walkers and mobile catering
- Welcome drinks with discreet entertainment while guests arrive
- Close with cold sparks and live music as the room empties
Coordinating with the other suppliers
At a gala several suppliers always work simultaneously: catering, AV, decor, security and us. What decides whether the build goes well is not each one's individual quality but the order in which they load in. We coordinate with production from the start so our build slots into the right sequence and does not block the room for whoever comes next.
The same applies to timings during the event. A closing act needs to know exactly when the last speech ends, and that is rarely accurate to the minute. Our lead stays in contact with the stage manager throughout so the act enters on the night's real rhythm rather than the printed programme's.
Frequently asked questions
Do you provide hosts and protocol staff?
Yes. Reception, accreditation and floor hosts, briefed on the event and, where needed, working from a guest list. For institutional events we assign staff with specific protocol experience.
Can you produce the branded backdrop?
Yes. We produce backdrop, carpet and signage with the logos and ordering you specify. We need the artwork with enough margin to print and build without rushing.
How long should the closing act be?
We recommend between eight and fifteen minutes. Beyond that, an audience already on its feet starts to drift and the act loses the effect you booked it for.
Do you work with institutional protocol?
Yes, with councils, institutions and public bodies. We work to the order of authorities, the set timings and the restrained tone these events require, without adding elements that jar.
Can you handle the cloakroom and access control?
Yes, with our own staff. Cloakroom, accreditation, guest-list control and floor hosts. At events with press we separate media access from guest access, which is what prevents bottlenecks on the carpet.