There’s no doubt that event lighting can make or break an event. A well-lit room can make people feel more at ease, while a poorly lit room can make attendees feel uncomfortable and distract from the proceedings. If you’re looking to start your own event lighting business, here’s what you need to know.
1. Get the proper licensing and permits
To start a professional event lighting business, you will need to obtain the proper licensing and permits from your local government. Depending on the laws in your area, you may need to obtain a business license, a permit to operate your business, and/or a special permit to conduct event lighting services.
Be sure to research the requirements in your area so that you can obtain the necessary licenses and permits before starting your business.
In addition to the licenses and permits required by your local government, you will also need to obtain liability insurance for your business. This will protect you in the event that someone is injured while using your event lighting services.
Be sure to speak with an insurance agent to determine the amount of coverage you need for your business.
2. Invest in quality event lighting equipment
Investing in quality event lighting equipment is a must for anyone looking to start their own event lighting business. Not only will this ensure that your lights are up to the task of providing adequate lighting for events, but it will also help you save money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs or replacements.
When it comes to choosing event lighting equipment, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, consider the size and scope of the events you’ll be working on. This will help you determine the type and number of lights you’ll need.
Second, think about your budget. While investing in high-quality equipment can be expensive, it’s important to remember that it will ultimately save you money down the line.
Finally, make sure to research different event lighting companies before making a purchase. This will help you find the best possible deal on the equipment you need.
3. Market your new business to event planners and venues
Starting your own event lighting business can be a great way to make money while doing something you love. However, it can be tough to get started and to stand out in the competitive world of event planning. Here are some tips on how to market your new business to event planners and venues:
- Start by creating a website and social media accounts for your business. Make sure to include plenty of photos and videos of your work, as well as detailed information about your services.
- Get involved with local event planning organizations or join online communities related to your industry. Attend events, meet people, and network!
- Meet with event planners and venue managers in person to introduce them to your business. Be sure to bring along samples of your work and information about your services.
- Offer discounts or special deals to event planners and venues who book your services. This can help you get started and build a client base.
- Stay up-to-date on the latest trends in event lighting and be sure to offer cutting-edge solutions to your clients. Planners and venue managers are always looking for new and innovative ideas!
4. Train employees on how to set up and tear down lighting rigs
One of the most important aspects of running a successful event lighting business is ensuring that your employees are properly trained in how to set up and tear down lighting rigs. Depending on the size and complexity of the rig, this process can be fairly involved and requires a great deal of attention to detail.
A well-trained employee will know exactly how to set up the rig, position the lights, and ensure that all of the wiring is properly connected. They will also know how to safely and effectively tear down the rig once the event is over. If you are a Blingle! franchisee, you will get the support from the company’s team to help you get ready in opening a new venture as a lighting event franchisee.
In order to ensure that your employees are properly trained in these critical tasks, it is important to invest in quality training materials and resources. There are a number of excellent books and online tutorials that can help your employees learn the ins and outs of setting up and tearing down lighting rigs.
Additionally, it can be helpful to hire an experienced event lighting technician to come in and provide hands-on training for your employees. This type of training can be invaluable in helping your employees feel confident and comfortable when working with event lighting equipment.
5. Stay up to date on the latest trends in event lighting
As an event lighting professional, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest trends in the industry. This can help you better serve your clients and create unforgettable events.
Here are some of the latest trends in event lighting:
- LED lighting is becoming increasingly popular for events. LEDs offer a number of benefits over traditional incandescent bulbs, including lower energy consumption, longer lifespan, and more vibrant colors.
- Wireless lighting controls are another trend that is gaining popularity in the event industry. Wireless controls offer a number of advantages over wired solutions, including easier installation and greater flexibility.
- Intelligent lighting systems are becoming more common in the event industry. These systems use sensors and software to automatically adjust lighting levels, colors, and other parameters to create the perfect atmosphere for any event.
- Battery-powered lighting is a great option for events that are not near an electrical outlet. This type of lighting is becoming increasingly popular for outdoor events like weddings and concerts.
- Solar-powered lighting is another eco-friendly option that is gaining popularity in the event industry. Solar lights are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bill.
- Flexible lighting is another trend that is becoming popular in the event industry. Flexible lights can be bent, shaped, and even cut to create unique and innovative designs.
- Motion-activated lighting is a great way to add excitement and intrigue to your event. This type of lighting is triggered by movement, making it perfect for dance floors and other areas where people are moving around.
- Programmable lighting systems give you complete control over your event’s lighting. These systems allow you to create custom
So, there you have it. Everything you need to start your very own event lighting business! Of course, this is just a basic overview and there are plenty of other things to consider when starting a business. But if you have the passion and drive, we believe you can make it happen. Are you ready to turn your dream into reality?