Curated Conversations: Designing Stages with Intention

An interview with Megan Cary on the art of stage furniture in corporate events

At Curated, we believe every detail tells a story. One of the most overlooked — but truly defining — elements of corporate event design is stage furniture. From the orientation of the seating to the texture of the upholstery, furniture is more than décor; it’s part of the brand experience. To dive deeper, we sat down with Megan Cary, who leads the stage furniture design and selection process for PCXP’s general sessions and corporate events.

Q: Megan, when you start designing a stage, what’s your thought process?

Megan: I always begin with the event’s purpose and the client’s brand identity. The stage is the focal point of a room, so it should immediately communicate the tone of the event. If it’s a leadership summit, maybe the look needs to feel authoritative yet welcoming. If it’s an innovation conference, the furniture should feel modern and forward-thinking. Furniture isn’t an afterthought — it sets the stage, literally and figuratively, for the conversations that will happen there.

Q: How does orientation and layout factor into your decisions?

Megan: Orientation is huge. The way chairs and tables are arranged impacts not only how the room looks but also how people feel. Are the speakers sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in a formal row, or are they angled toward the audience in a more conversational setup? Those choices help define whether a session feels structured, intimate, or dynamic.

Q: In terms of look and feel, what role does furniture play in shaping the audience’s experience?

Megan: Furniture is one of the quickest ways to set a mood. A sleek leather chair communicates something very different than a soft, fabric lounge chair. When guests see the stage, they subconsciously read those cues. Do we want them to feel energized, comfortable, inspired? The furniture helps translate those intentions into the atmosphere of the room.

Q: How do branding and guidelines influence your furniture selections?

Megan: Brand guidelines are always a key filter for me. The colors, finishes, and materials we choose should reinforce the identity of the company hosting the event. If the brand is minimalist and clean, the furniture should echo that. If the brand is bold and playful, I’ll look for ways to integrate that personality into the stage through color, texture, or even unconventional silhouettes. The stage should feel like a natural extension of the brand.

Q: If you could leave event planners with one piece of advice about stage furniture, what would it be?

Megan: Never underestimate the power of a chair. (laughs) It sounds simple, but the right piece of furniture can elevate the entire room, while the wrong choice can distract from everything else. Think of stage furniture as part of your storytelling toolkit. Done well, it ensures the focus stays where it should — on the people and ideas being shared.

At Curated, we know that extraordinary events are built on details. Stage furniture may not always be the star of the show, but in the right hands, it creates the environment where meaningful moments unfold.

Let’s bring intention and style to your next event—connect with us today.