This is a personal favorite from the current featured gallery.

If that doesn’t stoke the creative embers into a roaring fire of creativity nothing will.

Okay, got the creative fires roaring but from a live communication perspective how would this work. Good question.

Answer – many different ways.  We’ve employed similar artist-at-work techniques within public event spaces and have found it to be very impactful. The scope here is broad, from chalk on footpath artists, painters at easels, tagging spray painters to sculpturers. All on brand.

People really enjoy watching and participating in the creative process at work and this is particularly the case for corporate and invitational events.

From sandcastle making competitions in a hotel foyer, ice sculptures being formed in spectacular action, perhaps a brigade of roaming cartoonists descending on guests intent on creating an ‘impressions’ gallery.

There is no question that if managed well, this artist-at-work technique can provide a memorable thematic thread that can link a series of event moment together as one overall experience.

During a recent financial conference we had an artist-at-work and as guests returned from a coffee break and saw him onstage and his efforts projected to the event site screens – they were mesmerised. This then evolved into the next presentation about perceptions… and for this specific project we revealed the artist as a ‘speed-painter’. With a rock’n'roll soundtrack, a series of spinning canvas frames, and unexpected audience participation – the audience went wild. Engaged. Message delivered. Big Tick.

Another fun technique we’ve employed with great results – specifically within expert panel discussions, is the use of a guest cartoonist providing real-time cartoon inspired editorials of the discussion as it develops.

Naturally an artist-at-work should be deployed strategically according to the event, the event program, the event tone and identified communication objectives.

For more of this amazingness - grab a mug of your fav’ brew, settle back in your chair, and then with single minded purpose – click on over to odosketch and be prepared to lose some time marvelling at the efforts of some amazing artists at work. Very cool. I like it.

FACTOR168 | Creative Event Management Company

* And for those that want to give it a go themselves – go here for mad sketching!

A good example is Jerome Murat, an Italian Mime. He is fabulous but virtually impossible to track down and book directly. We did but the exercise left us feeling like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Mimes. Was it worth it? Yes. Here’s why.

He’s unique. He connects and he engages with his audience completely.

He creates an emotional buzz.

About three years ago, Jerome performed on a European variety show and I understand won it. Pretty amazing for a mime and puppeteer… normally they are lynched or stoned well before they make it to a wider televised audience.

This particular performance has since become a global phenomenon, having featured on many appreciative websites around the world. Even though his performance has aged a little, it still impresses.

At the risk of presenting something ‘old as new again’ – we think his act is so good, so spellbinding and inventive, engaging and emotionally moving that it warrants an encore revisit.

Consider it a worthy lightning rod for further creative inspiration when your creative well starts to dry. A great act like this can make your event truly memorable.

We present for viewing pleasure – Jerome Murat as ‘The Two Headed Man’.

This videoclip courtesy of myspace video. Thanks Mr Murdoch.

FACTOR168 | Creative Event Management Company

Some of us have lucky socks or undies, perhaps a handful of sunflower seeds… or a jangly keyring doo-dad…a single well worn poker chip… you know what I mean. Lucky stuff. Just to be sure.

One of our founding creatives, Darren Kerr, has a very odd ‘lucky’ practice he harbours when delivering a special event. Once he has conducted his Q2Q rehearsals, done his site walk through, greeted and briefed speakers and talent alike, and ensured everything is as it should be … he feels the need to play his lucky track through the room’s PA before he is content and good to ‘go-for-doors’… that track is “Funky Town”.

Importantly – we are not talking about the classic Lipps Incorporated 1970′s disco hit version but rather the 1980′s cover version by Aussie synth band Pseudo Echo.

We suspect it is the ‘funky’ Korg keyboard slung over the shoulder that seems to appeal most. In fact he loves the track so much he has attempted to book the band a number of times for clients eager for a really fun ’80′s themed retro event… thankfully he has so far been thwarted by the FACTOR168 good taste style police. He has however successfully engaged other ’80′s musical warriors such as ‘Air Supply’ so you can’t win them all. Oh dear.

‘Funky Town’ fast approaches. Strap in.

FACTOR168 | Event Management Company

We hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed compiling it and if there are any flowers that we have missed, please drop us an email with your suggestions. A Sunflower for you all.

Scabiosa Admiration
Scilla                            Forgive & forget
Snapdragon                  Please don’t misunderstand
Snowball/Viburnum     Commitment
Spider Flower               Elope with Me
Stock                           Lasting beauty
Sunflower                    Adoration
Sweet Pea                    Delicate pleasures
Smilax                         Loveliness
Snapdragon                 Deception; Gracious Lady
Stephanotis                 Happiness in Marriage; Desire to Travel
Stock                          Bonds of Affection; Promptness; You’ll Always Be Beautiful to Me
Sweetpea                    Good-bye; Departure; Blissful Pleasure; Thank You for a Lovely Time

Tulip, Cream I will love you forever
Tulip, Red                   Declaration of love; Believe Me; Declaration of Love
Tulip, Yellow               I am hopelessly in love; There’s Sunshine in Your Smile
Tulip, General             Perfect Lover; Frame; Flower Emblem of Holland
Tulip, Variegated        Beautiful Eyes

Veronica Fidelity
Violet                          Modesty
Violet, Blue                 Watchfulness; Faithfulness; I’ll Always Be True
Violet, White               Let’s Take a Chance

Waratah Prosperity
Willow                         Bravery & humanity Zinnia Thoughts of absent friends

Zinnia, Magenta Lasting Affection
Zinnia, Mixed            Thinking (or In Memory) of an Absent Friend
Zinnia, Scarlet           Constancy
Zinnia, White             Goodness
Zinnia, Yellow            Daily Remembrance

We’ve delivered a huge number of projects in Sydney Australia and the state of Sydney is New South Wales. The state flower is the Waratah. Nice.

We like Nasturtium, we just find it hard to pronounce. And rosebud is a gem as a flower, even Citizen Kane loved it… the flower and as a decorative finish on snow sleds.
Magnolia Nobility
Marigold                    Cruelty; Grief; Jealousy
Mistletoe                   Kiss me; Affection; To Surmount Difficulties;Sacred Plant of India
Monkshood               Beware; A Deadly Foe is Near
Moss                         Maternal Love; Charity
Myrtle                        Love; Hebrew Emblem of Marriage

Narcissus Egotism; Formality; Stay as Sweet as You Are

Nasturtium                Conquest; Victory in Battle
Oleander Caution
Orange Blossom         Innocence; Eternal Love; Marriage and Fruitfulness
Orange Mock              Deceit
Orchid                        Love; Beauty; Refinement; Beautiful Lady; Chinese Symbol for Many Children
Orchid, Cattleya         Mature Charm
Paeonia Bashful
Palm leaves               Victory and Success
Peony                        Shame; Happy Life; Happy Marriage
Petunia                      Resentment; Anger; Your Presence Sooths Me
Phlox                         A good partnership; harmony
Pine                           Hope; Pity
Poppy, Oriental         Silence is golden
Poppy, Red                Consolation; Pleasure
Poppy, Scarlet           Extravagance
Poppy, White             Tranquility; Consolation
Poppy, General          Eternal Sleep; Oblivion; Imagination
Poppy, Yellow           Wealth; Success
Primrose                   I Can’t Live Without You
Primrose, Evening     Inconstancy
Ranunculus You are very attractive
Rose, Black                You are my obsession
Rose, Champagne      You are tender & loving
Rose, Leonidas          Sweet love
Rose, Nicole              You are graceful & elegant; aristocratic
Rose, Orange             You are my secret love
Rose, Pink                  Brilliant Complexion; the glow of your smile; Perfect Happiness; Please Believe Me
Rose, Red                   Passionate love; Love; I Love You
Rose, Single Stems     Simplicity
Rose, White                I am worthy of you; spiritual love; Innocence and Purity; I am Worthy of You;
Rose, White & Red      We are not separable; unity
Rose, White & Red Mixed    Unity; Flower Emblem of England
Rose, White-Dried     Death is Preferable to Loss of Virtue
Rose, Yellow              I am not worthy of your love; Decrease of Love; Jealousy; Try to Care
Rose, Bridal               Happy Love
Rose, Dark Crimson  Mourning
Rose, Hibiscus          Delicate Beauty
Rose, Leaf                 You May Hope
Rose, Tea                  I’ll Remember Always
Rose, Thornless        Love at First Sight
Roses, Bouquet of Mature Blooms    Gratitude
Roses, Single Full Bloom    I Love You; I Still Love You
Rosebud                   Beauty and Youth; A Heart Innocent of Love
Rosebud, Red           Pure and Lovely
Rosebud, White        Girlhood
Rosebud, Moss        Confessions of Love

FERN Magic; Fascination; Confidence and Shelter
FIR                                 Time
FLAX                              Domestic Symbol
Flowering Cabbage        Prosperity
Foget-Me-Not               True Love; Memories
Forsythia                       Anticipation
Forget Me Not               True love

Gardenia You’re Lovely; Secret Love
Geranium                      Stupidity; Folly
Gerbera                         You are the sunshine of my life
Ginger, Pink                  Diversity
Ginger, Red                   Unlimited Wealth
Gladioli                         Give Me a Break; I’m Really Sincere; Flower of the Gladiators
Gladiolus / Sword Lily   Strength of Character
Gloxinia                         Love at First Sight

Heather, Lavender Admiration; Solitude
Heather, White               Protection; Wishes Will Come True
Helenium                       I miss you very much
Heliconia                       Great returns
Holly                              Defense; Domestic Happiness
Hyacinth, General          Games and Sports; Rashness; Flower Dedicated to Apollo
Hyacinth, Blue               Constancy; Predictability; reliable
Hyacinth, Purple            I am Sorry; Please Forgive Me; Sorrow
Hyacinth, Red Or Pink   Play
Hyacinth, White             Loveliness; I’ll Pray for You; Subtle and graceful
Hyacinth, Yellow           Jealousy
Hyacinthus, Pink          Active; energetic
Hydrangea                    Thank You for Understanding; Frigidity; Heartlessness; Arrogance; aloofness

Iris Fleur-de-lis; Emblem of France; Your Friendship Means so Much to Me;                                                         Hope; Wisdom and Valor; My Compliments; Passion
Ivy                                Wedded Love; Fidelity; Friendship; Affection; Friendship; fidelity; marriage

Jasmine Amiability
Jonquil                          Love Me; Affection Returned; Desire; Sympathy; Desire for Affection Returned

Larkspur, White Joyful; happy-go-lucky
Larkspur, Pink               Fickleness
Larkspur, Purple            Sweet disposition
Lilac                              Field Humility
Lilac, Purple                  You are my first love
Lilac, White                   You are so pure and innocent
Lily of the Valley           Return of happiness
Lily, Calla                      Your voice is music to my ears
Lily, Casablanca            I am in heaven when I’m with you
Lily, Pink                       Romantic
Lily, Stargazer               I see heaven in your eyes
Lily, Yellow                   Live for the moment; nothing is forever; I’m Walking on Air; False and Gay
Lily, White                    Virginity; Purity; Majesty; It’s Heavenly to be with You My love is pure and innocent
Lily, Calla                     Beauty
Lily, Day                       Coquetry; Chinese Emblem for Mother
Lily, Eucharis               Maiden Charms
Lily, Tiger                    Wealth; Pride
Lily Of The Valley        Sweetness; Tears of the Virgin Mary; Return to Happiness; Humility

Naturally budget makes an impact on our selection as does the season, but above all – it is the artistry of the design of the floral work that is key. Together with our floral artists we have created some sensational creations – beautiful celebration bouquets, featured ‘hero’ displays, table centrepieces that serve as great conversation starters and so on.

But sometimes that’s all not enough…

What we discovered on one high profile event for an international financial firm from Hong Kong was that flowers came with specific associations that we needed to be mindful of. We were familiar with roses but anything more than that… thankful our client guided us and the day was saved and happiness was everywhere.

It took us some time, a couple of missteps, but eventually we developed a quick reference list of major flowers and their possible meanings. The flowers listed from A through to L are detailed here for your consideration.

Acacia Concealed Love; Beauty in Retirement; Chaste Love
Ambrosia                            Your Love is Reciprocated
Amaryllis                            Pride; Pastoral Poetry
Amaryllis/Hippeastrum      I am proud of you; pride
Anemone                            Forsaken
Anemone/Mona Lisa           I don’t want to lose you
Anthurium, Red                  You work to get where you are
Anthurium, White               Think of me
Arbutus                              Thee Only Do I Love
Aster                                  Symbol of Love, Daintiness

Aster China                        Variety is the spice of life

Azalea                                Take Care of Yourself for Me; Temperance; Fragile Passion; Chinese Symbol of Womanhood

Bachelor Button Single Blessedness
Begonia                             Beware
Bells Of Ireland                 Good Luck
Bellflower / Campanula    Gratitude
Bird of Paradise Flower     Freedom, Good perspective
Bittersweet                       Truth
Butterfly Orchid                You are always on my mind
Bluebell                            Humility

Cactus Endurance
Camellia, Pink                  Longing for you
Camellia, Red                   You’re a Flame in My Heart
Camellia, White                You’re Adorable
Carnation, General           Fascination; Woman Love
Carnation, Pink                I’ll Never Forget You; Motherly love
Carnation, Red                 My Heart Aches For You; Admiration; I hold you in high esteem; respect
Carnation, Purple             Capriciousness
Carnation, Solid Color      Yes
Carnation, Striped            No; Refusal; Sorry I Can’t Be With You; Wish I Could Be With You
Carnation, White              Sweet and Lovely; Innocence; Pure Love; Woman’s Good Luck Gift
Carnation, Yellow             You Have Disappointed Me; Rejection; Enjoy the moment
Cattail                              Peace; Prosperity
Celosia                             Fortune
Chrysanthemum              You’re a Wonderful Friend; Cheerfulness and Rest
Chrysanthemum, White   Truth
Chrysanthemum, Yellow  Slighted Love
Crocus                             Cheerfulness
Cyclamen                         Don’t lose faith in me
Cypress                            Mourning
Cyclamen                         Resignation and Good-bye

Daffodil Regard; Unrequited Love; You’re the Only One; The Sun is Always Shining with You
Daffodil Narcissus           You are an angel
Dahlia                              Fickleness
Daisy                               Innocence; Loyal Love; I’ll Never Tell; Purity
Daisy, Garden                  I share your sentiment
Daisy, Red                       Joy
Daisy, White                    Innocence; truth
Daisy, Yellow                  I will try hard to earn your love
Dandelion                       Faithfulness; Happiness

It is certainly not an exhaustive list so if a flower doesn’t feature and it should – your feedback is appreciated.