There’s no doubt that wedding planning can be a stressful business. So many decisions to make, puzzle pieces to coordinate, people to manage. All the while, trying to juggle your job, your family, your social life, and paying the bills. But don’t forget: this is supposed to be fun! Fortunately, there are some things you… Read more »
Coronavirus has had an impact on nearly every facet of our lives: job loss, work at home orders, restaurant shutdowns, remote schooling. And it’s not just the everyday that has been affected. What about those rituals? The rites of passage by which we mark the periods of our lives? Already, graduation ceremonies are being canceled,… Read more »
Does your force majeure clause in your venue agreement cover the cancellation of an event from the coronavirus? We recently had our first client ask if they could get liability insurance to cover the cancellation of their signed venue agreement for an event in June in NYC. For this particular client, their force majeure clause… Read more »
This luxury resort does not lack options for breathtaking meetings and weddings. This resort highlights Mayan culture through a both modern and nature-focused design. Choose from beaches, multiple decks, a pier, their gardens, infinity pool and waterfall or this magnificent lagoon for your wedding (or corporate event. This secluded location is surrounded by 29 acres of… Read more »
As we go into the second quarter of the year, it’s extremely important to keep the momentum going in your business. We did extremely well the first quarter of the year but I went into the second quarter feeling uninspired. This is not uncommon when you own a business but it doesn’t feel good when… Read more »
Unlike a corporate job where the employees adapt to the culture of the company, as a business owner, we need to learn to adapt to the culture of each client, and that can be challenging as everyone has their own style of working. I found it’s important to set guidelines from the beginning. Teach the… Read more »
I recently had an event planner client ask me how I schedule out my days and what systems I use. (I coach event planners on how to start an event planning business without making costly mistakes or help kick their existing business to the next level.) The first thing I do each day is workout… Read more »
Food and beverage costs can be a significant part of the event budget. Here are some things to know when working with a caterer, and money saving tips to consider. When putting your catering budget together consider the following factors: Number of attendees Length of time Food Beverage Rentals Table décor Permits Labor (captain,… Read more »
I met Monica and Merritt at the Shankminds conference this past January in NYC. The team at M&C has some great advice for direct mail personalization that makes a difference — and makes your message stand out. Take a look at this very brief video with some good examples you can use in your next… Read more »
An effective retreat should build camaraderie among the attendees, provide thought-provoking content, relieve stress, offer healthy food and beverage options, and include fun and motivating activities that are good for the mind, body and soul set in a positive environment. Here are a few tips for hosting an effective retreat: Purpose The first thing you… Read more »
Listen, I know better than anyone that running an event planning business can be extremely challenging but you can’t sit around and cry about it, you have to pick yourself up and keep going. Just this past month I was told NO more times I want to admit. HOWEVER, I was told YES. We need… Read more »
With the growing concern of sexual harassment and sexual assault, event planners are finding it more important than ever to have conversations around code of conduct at their events. Many companies like the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) are implementing stronger guidelines to address unacceptable and harassing behaviors, and the consequences for such… Read more »
Whether you are an event planner or hosting your own event, balancing an event budget can be challenging. As an event planner, it is your responsibility to provide a detailed budget and manage the finances throughout the planning process. We always like to cushion the budget so we don’t have to come back to the… Read more »
Hotel agreements can be extremely intimidating but if you know what concessions can be negotiated you can save your clients thousands of dollars. 1. Sleeping Room Nights – In addition to negotiating a low attrition rate on our sleeping room block, we negotiate 1 complimentary sleeping room for every 40 sleeping rooms booked by our… Read more »
Congratulations… you’re engaged!! Now it’s time to plan your special day. Understanding what goes into planning a wedding is so important but it’s NOT just about the details. There are many important things to consider. Here are 7 wedding planning tips to help couples avoid making mistakes when planning their wedding. Not putting together a… Read more »
As first published in Special Events Magazine. As a service-based event business, we have had our fair share of difficult clients from the know-it-alls, last-minute-changers, Prada-ideas-on-a-Wal-Mart-budgeter, can’t-make-a-decisioner, never-happys, the polite-and-pickies, and the fighters. High-maintenance clients are never easy but here are seven simple but powerful strategies you can use when dealing with difficult clients. 1…. Read more »
On any given night, people have numerous options regarding how they’ll spend their time and money. If you’re hosting an event, obviously you want more of those people to give those things to you. However, planning a sellout event is not something that just happens naturally. The entire marketing strategy surrounding the event must tie… Read more »
When it comes to lodging for an event, most people automatically assume their only option is a hotel, especially if there is a hotel room block available. If you want room service, a business center, gym, and all the other amenities that come with a hotel then that is the best way to go. However,… Read more »
The success of an event can be a disaster if you don’t hire the right event staff. Start Your Search Early On It’s always best practices to have your event staff in place as early as possible. Quality and experienced staffers are in high demand and it’s inevitable that there will be some staffers who… Read more »
I just returned from the 2015 Special Event Conference & Tradeshow the other day. This year (I think I’ve been the last 10 now… I’ve lost track.) I taught 3 classes: The TRUTH about Planners and Vendors! How to Be REALLY Profitable Do You Want to Know What I Know? I have to say I really loved… Read more »