Wrong - the successful promoters and their latest parties are pulling from a wide variety of artist mediums to create a full techno sensory experience. They are realizing that the music is only one facet of our evolving scene, and are continuously trying to outdo each other with gluts and spectacle. And we, the punters, are being tested to the talents of a wide variety of people putting these parties in a realm of there own, much more than eight hour of 4/4 in a dark tin shed.

The first point of contact is the humble flyer. The promoters realize that this simple advertisement is completely vital for interest. If they present themselves the right way, people will come running. Flyers like the recent ones circulating at New Years Eve demand instant attention, as big as newspapers, thick and glossy, bombarding you with so much colour and immensity, it's obvious no expense has been spared. The recent flyer for Darntootin' 2 showed a level of process beyond many of these pop up flyers. It was hand drawn, photo copied onto yellow paper, glitter sprinkled and then a red stamp handed put in person, at places like Earthcore. This level of effort within a flyer can be a good indication as to the attention to detail that may be given to the rest of the party. This is the first thing we see, and if the shapes, colours and words have been created with purpose, we are all to eager to do the advertising for them.

Arriving at the venue is important. Some parties are organized the wrong way, ticket holders are confronted with arrogant security, hot dog stands and porta-loos and then expected to focus on the atmosphere and get within the music? And these things are not always relative to the venue. With such a build up towards New Year Hardware's Castle perched on a hill was most appropriate. People have been waiting weeks and the excitement only built when a draw bridge, moated castle loomed above them, techno echoing over the turrets and booming into the hills beyond, proving that any little door way with the right lighting and people inside can create the optimum beginning for a party. This is the moment of transition from our daily lives into another place. It must be smooth, we don't want to get hit with reality until we are ready to leave. Within that one space it is easy to create more than one atmosphere with the use of different tools and effects. It was most unimpressive at an all ages warehouse rave, were there were no decorations, no chill out to compensate for lack of lights, a single green laser. All it takes is some fluro string some paint in the right places , a couch and a few lights to set the mood. Some incense to stir the nostrils and the basics are laid down for an enjoyable functional venue. Installations vary from animated and child like to distortions of reality and perception. Generic fluro painting to giant robots and spaceships, the content depends on the music, the crowd the intentions of both promoter and artist and of course the budget.

We have seen recently the full advantages of slides and projectors showcased in the full advantages of slides and projectors showcased in the techno arena. While they not only create effects and accompanying visuals to the music, it is also possible to use subliminal images to permeate further the overall experience. At Jeff Mills Adelaide show they used not so subtle images of nitrous oxide bottles and close ups of penetration while Silent Disco's impressive twists of shadow and really made from his own contraptions of lights up the world illusion.

He has made a reflector out of old truck mirrors and giant projectors that resemble machine guns and they deliver. Giant rippling skies and Celtic walls, bizarre twists of colour and shine, the whole area morphing and reflecting for the eyes.

Most people like explosions. They are a burst of energy and fire that is wonderfully terrifying, especially with thousands of other people around you. Mutoid Waste Co. use fire and fluro to create spectacles at another level. Last year, Robins spinning car was the visual picture accompanying many of the biggest events. Not to mention performance art like fire twirlers, acrobatics and robotics. Just look at how visually spectacular Teriakis New Year performance was: Down Town Brown's psychical battle between the organic to begin the year with a blast. Earthcore sees a lot of costumed sparkly people. Bunnies to cats elephants to machine men roam around the forest acting out a variety of characters. While some of these are hired by the organizers, some people are just expressing themselves adding to the spectacle. When parties are often a chaotic event, we all appreciate a place to relax and chill out. It is important to have a space to get away from the dance floor and the music. It's just as important as water and ventilation. People are pushing themselves to the physical and mental limits, some of them take it to far and it is important to have a space to calm down and talk to, or just sit, or lay and take it all in for a while. Psycorroboree at the 'Cage' is almost two thirds chill out with fluro decor, cushions and stuffed animals galore. If a few other places took note of this kind of atmosphere, perhaps we wouldn't have as many people overheating a freaking out on drugs.

I am drawing attention to the fact that it is not just the fact that it is not just the music that creates the experience and atmosphere at parties, but also the talent of the artists, designers, creators and innovators to pull everything together. They are drawing from many years of experience and exploration and are professionals in theory and practice. Technology is advancing faster than we can use it and these people are trying to make electronic music events a multi sensory experience, to draw us within the "feel" of the music. They deserve as much recognition as DJs and producers for what they do. If there is thought and process on every level for an event, from the ticket to the final track, it is inevitable that their will be success on all levels too.

We control the future of this scene, lets make it a collaboration of our generations talents and aspirations so we can grow on our own.