The Scale of Nordstrom

Scale is an important part of any event.  If you get it wrong your message can be missed or mistaken.

Based on the picture below, I am clear that Nordstrom is opening on September 25th at the Kenwood Towne Center in Greater Cincinnati.  I estimate the banner at 25′  high by 75′ wide reminding me of the importance of scale when it comes to events.  I am easily 500 feet away and I can clearly read this sign but it is often not the case at many meetings I attended, many of which with much shorter viewing distances.

There are a number of reasons why scale becomes an issue in regards to meetings.  As meeting planners we may have control over the scale of the message and if we don’t we must at least make our clients aware of it.

Here is my top ten list of scale related issues in regards to events:

1. Screen size too small (very rarely too big)
2. Font size too small (print, banners and PowerPoint)
3. Room size too small/big
4. Ceiling height not appropriate to accommodate staging needed for attendance
5. Props too small and do not make impact on room
6. Decorations too sparse and do not make impact
7. Sound in-sufficient for room size or not robust enough for content
8. Portions too small on entree
9. Pre-Function or Foyer too small to accommodate registration/reception
10. Too Lavish for a Down Economy

We could go on for days with this list but I thought I would share  a quick reminder about the importance of scale.  Add your “Scale” Pet Peeves in the comments section below.