If the events of the past few years have taught us one thing, it’s that human connections are essential. Our digital world, one in which we live on screens, deepens that realization for so many of us. Those virtual and digital connections aren’t enough — we need to be around other human beings in person.
When we finally break out from behind our devices and attend live events, our brains are wired to seek belonging, recognition, and shared emotional experiences. It’s our respite in a world of shallow connections.
This is why the events that make the most impact aren’t just about a great theme. They foster real human interaction, spark community, and create memories that stay with people even after the event is over.
As an event planner, you’re inevitably going to feel the pull of a social media-worthy event design. There’s nothing wrong with that, but an effective space is about more than how a space looks. The feel of your event is essential.
That’s what we’re exploring in the following few sections: How to achieve event design that is intentional and fosters authentic connections. We’ll also dive into how CORT can help you design and execute an event that promotes real connection.
Before you start theming your event, before you pick up the color swatches, and before you book a speaker, it’s important to establish the feelings you want people to have during the event and to walk away with. That means you need to ask some questions:
What do we want people to feel when they enter the space?
What emotional tone should define this event? (Some examples of tone include energizing, calming, inspiring, or nostalgic.)
What do we want guests to remember when they leave and why?
What emotions align with the brand, message, or purpose of this gathering?
If this event were a story, what’s the emotional arc we’re trying to create?
The emotional tone of the event should be the deciding factor in every other choice. Each design element should fit the intent of the event and complement and elicit the feelings you’re aiming for.
Here are some examples: A product launch might evoke energy and excitement with bold colors, angular furniture and kinetic lighting. The calm of a wellness retreat can show up via layered textures, nature-inspired design, and plush, circular seating areas. A celebratory event for a team could foster connection by incorporating cozy lounges, community tables, and lighting that feels more like a cozy living room.
The modus operandi of events in recent years has been the photo op. It’s nice to plan for social media-worthy moments that bolster attendee engagement and amplify brand visibility, but the event truly comes to life when you move beyond selfies toward shared human experiences.
Here are some tips for how to cultivate a design that supports both aspects of an event. Create multiuse elements like a photo backdrop that can also serve as a seating vignette or storytelling installation. Incorporate circular seating spaces and lounges that foster interaction over isolation. Conversation pods and “pause zones” can help attendees feel more at ease.
If your design flow is organic, it will feel natural and encourage mingling. Longer “community” tables lend themselves to openness and conversation. Pair them with mixed seating areas to take the formal edge off a space.
For an event to be memorable, it has to feel good as well as look good. You can do that by curating experiences across all the senses: Sight, sound, touch, and smell. These choices also affect how comfortable people feel lingering, which is essential for cultivating connection both during and after the event. Here’s how you can engage the senses in a meaningful way.
Texture is key; incorporate varying textures like velvet, wood, leather, metal, and greenery for a layered, tactile experience. Bring in dimmable lights, accent lighting, and statement fixtures to shape mood and movement. You can soften loud spaces with rugs and soft furnishings while music zones or quiet corners can bring respite from the din of the crowd. Make sure that your flow doesn’t include dead zones and ensure that your layout serves to keep people moving, engaging, and returning to key areas.
Don’t think that just because you’re being super-intentional with your design that you have to sacrifice flexibility. The opposite is true. The key is adaptive design.
In today’s dynamic events, attendees want options and not just agendas. The spaces you design should support structured moments and more spontaneous connections. For example, modular seating allows you to reconfigure from theater-style rows to breakout groupings. Semi-enclosed lounges allow for quiet conversation that doesn’t isolate guests. Your design can also incorporate modular environments that evolve throughout the day, from workshop seating to evening lounge.
As with any strategy, designing for emotion and connection calls for the right partner who understands how to turn ideas into meaningful experiences. With CORT, you can dial in the design that fits your event.
CORT delivers strategic support at every stage with inventory that’s on-trend, a team of design-minded experts, and national reach. Partnering with CORT provides you with a collaborative consultation that helps you make your emotional and experiential goals a reality. CORT’s inventory gives you the furnishings and layouts that you need to elicit the feelings and connections that you’re looking for.
With CORT, you can take advantage of flexible, modular solutions that adapt as your event needs evolve. CORT’s inventory helps you to strike the right balance between aesthetics and humanity — so guests feel good and not just impressed. Finally, CORT can handle last-minute changes with dependable service and nationwide logistics.
No matter the style or tone of your event, you can count on CORT to help you design and execute with purpose.
Events that connect and welcome people have a profound impact in a distracted culture. Intentional event design gives you that power. Aligning the elements of your event toward an emotional goal that builds community helps you create something that’s not just an experience — it’s a memory.
At CORT Events, we’re your strategic design partner. Our unique combination of stylish inventory, personalized service, and national reach positions us to help you create spaces that transform, connect, and inspire with both aesthetics and emotional connection.