Lighting transforms an event from ordinary to extraordinary. It sets the mood, highlights key moments, and shapes how attendees experience the space. Whether it's a corporate gala or a high-energy concert, event lighting is central to creating unforgettable experiences.
For 2024, lighting is more than just a functional element—it’s a tool for engagement, sustainability, and technological innovation. This blog will take you through the hottest event lighting trends shaping the future and offer valuable tips for bringing these ideas into your next event.
How Event Lighting Has Evolved
Lighting trends have come a long way over the decades. Gone are the days of simple spotlights and static fixtures. Technological breakthroughs and a push for greater creativity have driven lighting to become dynamic, interactive, and immersive.
Recent years have prioritized LEDs and energy-efficient solutions, hinting at a broader shift toward sustainability. Meanwhile, experiential trends like projection mapping have redefined what’s possible in event design. Now, as we enter 2024, the focus is on creating multi-sensory environments that are not only stunning but also tailored to the audience.
The next sections will break down the top five lighting trends to watch—and use—in 2024.
Top 5 Event Lighting Trends for 2024
1. Interactive Lighting
Interactive lighting is redefining the way event-goers experience a space. Imagine a wall of lights that brighten as someone walks past or an LED floor that visually reacts to dancers’ movements. These lighting systems can be programmed to respond to factors like touch, sound, or motion, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Why does it matter? It turns passive spectators into active participants, making events feel more personal and engaging. For instance, interactive lighting can be used during product launches to spotlight audience members as they engage with a new product display, bringing the moment to life.
How to use it
Incorporate motion-activated LED walls for entrances to grab attention.
Use sound-reactive lighting for live bands or DJs to match the rhythm of the music.
Create touch-sensitive interactive "zones" for tech expos or brand activations.
2. Eco-Friendly Lighting Solutions
With the growing emphasis on sustainability, eco-friendly lighting solutions are gaining traction in the industry. Apart from reducing the environmental footprint, these solutions help brands align with values of responsibility and ethics—something increasingly important to today’s audiences.
Innovations such as solar-powered lights, biodegradable fixtures, and energy-efficient LEDs are driving this trend. Brands like Signify (formerly Philips) are even developing fully-recyclable lighting setups to make events greener.
How to use it
Opt for LED fixtures, which use up to 75% less energy than traditional bulbs.
Explore battery-powered lighting options to eliminate the need for excess cabling and generators.
Partner with sustainable lighting vendors to offer setups specifically designed for eco-conscious events.
3. Projection Mapping
Projection mapping has revolutionized the way spaces are transformed during events, offering limitless creative possibilities. It allows you to project visuals onto practically any surface, including walls, floors, ceilings, or even 3D objects, creating surreal and immersive environments.
Imagine a ballroom morphing into outer space or the ocean floor as part of the evening’s theme. From product launches to weddings, projection mapping captivates attendees like no other medium.
How to use it
Transform dull event venues into vivid landscapes to match themes.
Showcase brand stories or promotional videos during corporate events by projecting them onto a custom backdrop.
Pair projection mapping with synchronized audio for a fully immersive experience.
4. Wireless Lighting Control
Gone are the days of complicated cable management at event venues. Wireless lighting systems provide seamless control over multiple fixtures from a single console (or even your smartphone!). This allows for flexibility when setting up in unconventional spaces, such as outdoor venues or historic buildings where wiring logistics can be a challenge.
Wireless control systems also save time during setup and takedown, making them ideal for fast-paced events. Plus, they allow real-time adjustments to adapt lighting to the mood, audience size, or unexpected changes in schedule.
How to use it
Integrate wireless control for uplighting structures like tents, trusses, or marquees at outdoor events.
Use remote solutions to adjust lighting intensity without interrupting the flow of an event.
Opt for app-connected systems for full mobility and ease of use.
5. Advancements in LED Technology
LED technology constantly evolves, and 2024 is no exception. Beyond better energy efficiency, the new era of LEDs unlocks a broader color spectrum, improved brightness, and enhanced durability.
Cutting-edge LEDs are now capable of replicating the warmth of old-school incandescent bulbs, ideal for creating cozy atmospheres without sacrificing sustainability. From infinite color-changing options to RGB (Red, Green, Blue) LED effects, they’re empowering planners to push creative boundaries.
How to use it
Use programmable LED strips to accent architecture or frame event spaces dynamically.
Explore customizable fixture options for corporate branding (e.g., projecting company colors or logos).
Incorporate advanced LEDs for seamless color flow effects during awards shows, gala dinners, or expos.
Practical Tips to Incorporate These Trends
Here’s how you can merge these trends into your next event seamlessly:
Consult Experts Early—Get lighting professionals involved in the planning process to ensure your ideas align with the technical capabilities of the venue and budget.
Set a Clear Vision—Whether you’re going for drama, simplicity, or interactivity, having a defined goal for your lighting will help guide decisions.
Layer Your Effects—Combine trends like projection mapping with interactive lighting or advanced LEDs to create a multi-dimensional experience.
Optimize Your Budget—Prioritize impactful trends (like wireless control or interactive lighting) if you're working with limited resources.
Why Staying Ahead of Lighting Trends Matters
Event lighting is more than a visual element—it's a mood-setter, a storytelling medium, and a tool to boost engagement. By adopting 2024’s top trends, planners and marketers have an opportunity to craft events that stand out and leave lasting impressions on attendees. From interactive engagement to ensuring a greener footprint with eco-friendly solutions, these lighting innovations will define the next wave of experiential events.
Do you have a favorite lighting trend or predictions for what’s coming next? Leave a comment or reach out to us at The Core for more buzz-worthy lighting tips—and don’t forget, our team is ready to help bring your vision to life!