Meetings Blog Jul 27, 2018
So, what is pop culture? It is art, music, fashion, celebrities, people, news, sports, social movements, and even includes those trends that you wish you could forget… or not! These are elements that are dominant in a society at a given point in time. Keeping this in mind, pop culture changes as the times change, as it also changes by country. People from different generations will have different frames of reference for what popular culture relates to; an older adult may remember gadgets and music from the 70’s, while a Millennial probably will refer to apps, reality celebrity and viral content. But, that doesn’t mean each generation is excluded from another, not at all. Below, we offer you some tips for using Pop Culture in the Meetings and Events industry.
Firstly, before even considering what to use for your event, think about who it is that will be attending. It’s no fun when you don’t get a joke and the same goes for pop culture references. If attendees don’t understand the references, it’ll be difficult for them to relate with the event and immerse themselves fully. When using pop culture, think on a global scale and about the invitees: For example, when thinking about crowd in their mid-20s and an event related to today, are there any public figures or celebrities that everyone would know? Has a cool, new technology been debuted? Is there a new fashion trend? These ideas offer a solid grounding for research and can be incorporated into your meeting or event to make it even more relevant and memorable. Pop culture is a worldwide phenomenon that attendees will love.
Media could be your greatest ally when thinking of pop references. But what makes pop culture so exciting to use is the fact that you can dip into other eras and bring their references into the now. Look to the maestros of the Pop Art movement (Warhol, Liechtenstein, Hockney) and bring their works or their aesthetic into the now for a strong, recognizable reference point. How about creating a throw-back element and bring an iconic moment in time (the mid-90s for example) to life with related paraphernalia? Hone in on one specific element and maximize its potential. There is an unlimited bank of resources to access, the only thing is that it’s up to you from which era you select from, then or now?
With the huge variety of ways we can access elements of Pop Culture, it isn’t too difficult to find decorations, memorabilia or furnishings that can be used to set the mood. But what about spaces that create the perfect environment? That’s where our brand nhow steps in, a collection of hotels that enlist forward thinking designers, architects, and artists to explore the city’s culture and find ways to bring it inside. For example, nhow Berlin takes aim at the pop culture of the 70’s with a futuristic twist. From the pink pods at reception, to the diner-style bar, to the green and white swirls of the restaurant, this hotel is a constant flash of cool colors and shapes. nhow Milano also takes on a modern look, but with a wink towards sophistication. In the lobby you’ll find bright orange chandeliers, then a hallway illuminated by a futuristic LED video wall. The terrace features elegant armchairs, each in a different color. Perfect for pop!
So, delve deep into the minds of your clients to see how Pop Culture could bring a whole new angle to their next meeting or event and make it… well, pop!
