Conference hotels are fantastic for providing dedicated event spaces for big numbers of delegates. However sometimes a conference hotel can need a bit of a lift so the look and feel is tailored to the event that’s being held so that it feels relevant. Décor, furniture, lighting and sound all play a vital role in creating an atmosphere that can lift a standard conference into one that shines.

StudyWorld London is a leading international student recruitment event, connecting professionals from different parts of the study travel industry. It brings together over 700 professionals from over 60 countries for a programme of talks and meetings across three days.

This year the Study World 2014 was held at the Hilton Metropole and we were asked by event agency Zest Events to help them create an inviting contemporary lounge bar vibe for informal welcome drinks for the guests and delegates.

The Hilton Metropole is a huge conference hotel and the large room chosen for the reception needed a whole makeover to provide a fun vibe to help guests relax and mingle whilst also retaining a smart and reflective appearance, in keeping with the Study World brand.

Stripes were chosen as the key design motif, specifically because the stripe forms a very strong visual marker, which stands out against existing décor and draws the eye towards the designed décor and not the existing hotel decoration. As a result the scenic built elements really stand out.

False walls in dynamic stripe formed the basis and back drops to the tiered seating areas, bar and stage.

The stripes were extended into the bespoke built giant lampshades suspended into the ceiling whilst event lighting was kept simple with profile spot lights and colourwashes.

Gold upholstered seating blocks and gold topped low tables provided chill out furniture. Poser tables were added with a specifically designed black, white and gold motif.

Finally the scene was sprinkled with vibrant bespoke made Logos in hot red to complete the scene.

If you'd like to get some more ideas about how to use stripes in design you can visit our Pinterest board about stripes here.