If you’re planning an event for 2025, or beyond, you’ve likely heard of event planning—but have you considered the concept of experience design? In a world that has undergone profound transformations, especially within the live events industry post-pandemic, the landscape for in-person events has evolved significantly. Now, more than ever, event planning and experience design are intertwined, shaping the future of memorable and impactful gatherings.

Here at Brazen Events, we take experience design very seriously and integrate it into every event we produce. In fact, experience design has been a fundamental aspect of our event planning process since our inception in 2008, long before it became widely recognized by that term.

In this post, we’ll delve into the distinct differences between the two, shedding light on why both roles are crucial for the success of any event. Let’s explore the intricacies of each and discover how they can elevate your event to new heights!

1. What is Event Planning (EP)

Event planning encompasses the strategic and logistical steps necessary to orchestrate a successful event. Whether it’s a casual backyard barbecue, a city-wide festival spanning multiple days, or an intimate wedding celebration, every event requires some level of careful thought, organization, coordination, and execution.

2. What is Experience Design (ED)

Experience design is the art of harnessing emotion to craft distinctive, memorable, and transformative moments, events, and environments. Unlike traditional design approaches focused solely on functionality, and prioritizes the emotional impact on participants. These designers are not just orchestrating activities; they are shaping the emotional journey of the audience.

By carefully curating elements that evoke specific emotions, well-designed experiences have the potential to profoundly influence attendees, sparking shifts in feelings, beliefs, or actions. This intentional focus on emotion elevates experiences beyond mere functionality, creating profound and lasting impressions on participants.

3. How do They Work Together?

EP and ED are complementary disciplines that work hand in hand to create exceptional and impactful events. While planning focuses on the logistics, coordination, and execution of an event, experience design adds a layer of creativity and emotion to enhance the overall attendee experience.

In essence, they converge to create cohesive and unforgettable events that resonate deeply with attendees. By integrating strategic logistics with intentional emotional design, these disciplines elevate events beyond functionality, transforming them into transformative experiences that leave a lasting impression.

At Brazen Events, we prioritize ED as an essential component of every project. We recognize the profound impact that well-crafted experiences can have on event attendees. Therefore, it’s not just a consideration but a mandatory step in our event planning process. By weaving emotion and creativity into every aspect of our work, we ensure that each event we produce is not only meticulously planned but also thoughtfully designed to evoke meaningful connections and lasting memories for our clients and their guests. Our commitment to experience design sets us apart and underscores our dedication to delivering exceptional and transformative events.

4. Why do I Need ED?

ED is crucial for companies hosting events because it directly influences how attendees perceive and interact with the brand, product, or message being promoted.

Overall, experience design transforms events from standard gatherings into impactful and memorable experiences that leave a positive and lasting impression on attendees. By investing in experience design, companies can create meaningful connections with their audience, drive business objectives, and strengthen their brand presence in the marketplace.

5. What Does an Event Planner Do?

This professional responsible for organizing and coordinating all aspects of events, such as conferences, weddings, parties, or corporate gatherings. Their role involves detailed logistics, budgeting, scheduling, venue selection, vendor management, and ensuring that the event runs smoothly from start to finish. Event planners work closely with clients to understand their needs and vision, and then bring that vision to life by managing various elements like catering, decorations, entertainment, and guest accommodations.

This person should be skilled in problem-solving, communication, and multitasking to ensure that events are successful and memorable for attendees.

Typically responsible for the following:

• Working with decision-makers to come up with an initial plan
• Developing timelines
• Finding and booking a venue(s)
• Sourcing vendors and negotiating contracts
• Securing transportation
• Ordering supplies and coordinating orders
• Supervising event set-up and break-down
• Monitoring the event for potential problems
• Troubleshooting any logistical problems that arise

6. How Much Does an EP Cost?

Investing in an EP for your next event is definitely worth it! Rates will vary based on your project location and needs, but expect to pay 10-15% of your budget on an event planner. Reach out to Brazen Events today for a complimentary personalized quote.

7. How Much Does an Event Planner Make?

Event planners who work for a firm or company typically make anywhere from $50,000 to $75,000+ based on location, level of experience, industry, and employer. You can find positions in various industries such as: medical, wedding and social, corporate events, university and associations.

8. What Does an ED Do?

This professional who specializes in creating and optimizing the overall experience that guests, users or participants have when interacting with a product, service, or environment. Experience design (often abbreviated as XD) encompasses various disciplines, including user experience (UX) design, interaction design, service design, and more.

The primary goal is to ensure that every touchpoint of the user journey is thoughtful, intuitive, memorable and engaging. This involves understanding user needs, behaviors, and emotions to design seamless and enjoyable experiences that meet both user and business objectives.

• Researching audience preferences, demographics, market trends
• Meeting with key stakeholders to get ideas and discuss event goals
• Designing the environment for the event—could be a specific booth/display or the event as a whole
• Choosing specific elements that reinforce branding and event goals from food and decorations, to technology, entertainment, décor, and themes
• Designing photoshoots and branded material to promote the event

9. How Much Does an Experience Designer Cost?

Investing in ED for your next event is well worth it. Rates will vary based on your project location and needs, but expect to pay 10-20% of your event budget. Reach out to Brazen Events today for a complimentary personalized quote.

10. How Much Does an Experience Designer Make?

Experience designers who work for a firm or company typically earn $65,000 to $125,000+ based on location, level of experience, industry, and employer. You can find positions in fields such as user experience (UX) design, interaction design, service design, or event design.

11. Do I Need an Experience Designer, an Event Planner, or both?

It can be confusing as to which role you need to hire for your event. Here is a quick cheat sheet.

• ALL EVENTS need a planner
• MOST EVENTS need a planner and a designer
• ANY EVENT YOU WANT TO STAND OUT requires both!

Is Event Designer and Experience Designer the same? We’ll tackle that question on our next post.

12. In Closing

Corporate events and social gathers are getting more and more extensive and expensive! That’s why its even more important to invest in the right team from the beginning. You need someone who you can trust, a creative team that has your back and will be up front with you on what expenses are worth it, and whats not. That’s BRAZEN!

→ Hire Brazen Events and get the perfect team, each and every time.

If you’d like to inquire about our services, have a fun project you’d like to discuss or simply wanna chat with one of our founders, email us at info@brazenevents.com.