No one notices good production.

Our event service in PR focuses on efficient project management for creating and developing events that are remembered for all the right reasons. Our job is to know the best spots (new, secret or seasoned), the right supplier mix and ensure absolutely everyone walks away impressed by what they experienced.

We conduct thorough research on what will work for your target audience, devise event concepts that provide a wow factor plus break the ice in that crucial first hour, have professional staff (including our own) on site ensuring everyone feels looked after and welcome and of course handle all technical aspects on the day. Our meticulous planning includes budgeting, scheduling, contingency, venue selection, catering, parking coordination, transportation, security, and collaborating with trusted third-party vendors like florists, stylists, and musicians.

From red carpet film premieres to product launches and store openings in Auckland, here are Undertow Media’s top tips to hosting a memorable corporate function, product launch, media or influencer event:

1. Curate a mixed guest list

Before even considering time, date or location, your first priority should always be your guest list. Once you know who you're talking to (and why), you can begin your event experience.

While many industry events necessitate certain attendees—media, influencers et cetera—that doesn't mean you can’t get creative within those spheres.

As a host, you must strike a balance between ensuring your attendees share enough common ground upon which to mingle, while also being disparate enough to be intrigued by each other’s presence.

2. Make it easy

What's the best way to ensure your dream invite list agrees to come? Epic catering? A renowned DJ or VIP? Knowing your audience; what works for them and—more importantly—what doesn't.

3. Find a unique venue

Where possible, strive for unique, novel and previously unused venues.

4. Think like an attendee

Regardless of whether your event is as glamorous as the Royal Wedding or attracts an A-List line-up to rival Coachella, if your guests spend half their time queuing for bathrooms, you can bet that's what they'll most remember. No one ever notices good production, but they most certainly always notice bad. This is crucial and why you need experience - not an intern or your boss’s daughter - at the helm.

5. Pace is key

Where some events rush their guests through a whole alphabet of instructions and seminars, others bore them with long lulls of nothing to do. Instead, a balance must be struck and momentum maintained throughout. Points of interest is key and the right mix to ensure interaction relates back to point one.

6. The little things matter

Greeting guests by name, though a relatively small gesture, goes a long way to make them feel comfortable and welcome. Similarly, a healthy staff to guest ratio ensures ample hosts to facilitate socialisation and ensure their every need is catered for.

7. Never forget your objective

While "having a good time" is a worthy excuse as any, business events typically have a more robust objective.

If social media share is key, be mindful of this when scouting and decorating your venue. This isn't to say that the whole venue needs to be fit for the 'gram. Rather, create certain spaces where guests can't help but snap a pic – and ensure they’re well lit. No matter how beautiful your backdrop looks to the naked eye, if it doesn't translate into a 1:1 Instagram grid your efforts have been wasted.