Special event lighting can be as simple as lighting a small booth display at your next trade show, or it can be as elaborate as providing all the lighting components of a big corporate production or convention. It might also involve lighting in a venue that has electrical wiring in place, or it might involve providing temporary electrical outlets to an outdoor venue.

No matter how large or small your needs are, you can find a special event lighting provider to give you just the effects you are looking for. Whether you buy the lighting equipment for repeated uses or rent it, you are sure to find exactly the right special event lighting. To get started, you need to:

1. Set your special event lighting budget.

2. Decide what special event lighting you absolutely must have for your presentations.

3. Add special event lighting extras as you can afford them.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hire experts to set up your special event lighting

If you are preparing for one show, corporate event or celebration, you may not need to own a lot of special event lighting equipment. For your business, it may make more sense to hire a professional team to set up the special event lighting just the way you want it. Even if you plan to purchase the special event lighting, it's a good idea to speak with qualified consultants to get just the right lighting effects for your events.

I recommend: Michael Shubert & Associates can take your special event lighting information and turn it into a professionally designed presentation. The team at Luminous Designs, a special event lighting provider, can help you set up your special event lighting at your next corporate event.

Buy stage lighting as your special event lighting system

Can lights and spotlights can work their magic to highlight the information you want your customers to see at special events. You can find bulbs and gels, which function as light covers, in a variety of colors to achieve your desired lighting effect.

I recommend: You can find special event lighting on the International Fun-Shop website. Their specialty is stage lighting. High Energy Lighting has a large selection of stage lights you can use on its CheapLights.com website.

Purchase multiple light systems for your special event lighting

This type of system typically uses track lights connected in a variety of formations. You can use the track lights as bright spotlights or you can use them to provide ambient lighting.

I recommend: Brightman Design offers a number of special event lighting options in its multiple-light system. Bellacor has an extensive special event lighting list. Choose from one of its many track lighting kits and adapt it to suit your special event lighting needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure the person in charge of your special event lighting knows how to care for the equipment. If you opt to purchase the lights, you know the system is expensive. If you're going to send the special event lighting on the road to conventions and trade shows, each person who travels with the equipment should know the proper way to care for it.