Address the “Why” The first tactic to planning your virtual event (VE) is to ask yourself why. Why do they want to attend? Why do vendors show up? Why do attendees show up? Normally, in a live event, the why could be getting buyers in front of sellers. Instead of an exhibit hall setup, you… Read more »
Regardless of your industry, and whether you are hosting a live, virtual or hybrid event, branding is everything. Your target audience will often make split second decisions about your product/service, based on their most recent encounter with your branding. Branding is how your company communicates valuable information about your values and strengths while your audience… Read more »
This time of year, we can usually start to look forward to our calendars filling up with parties and celebrations. But unfortunately, there are times (like now) when it just isn’t possible to gather your loved ones in person. Does that mean you have to forfeit the festivities? No! While you may not be able… 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
We all know there’s a million details to handle for any event. One of the most important meetings you can have when planning is the site visit. Based on past experience, we’ve compiled a list of the questions you need to be asking at this visit with your venue. Can I bring in my own vendors?… Read more »
It’s hard to keep your employees happy these days. It’s been shown that happy employees are more productive with greater longevity. Why else would Google and Facebook go to such extremes to make their offices so employee-friendly? One thing we’ve found is that events are a great way to improve company morale. Here are a… Read more »
ARIA About Entertainment Danny Bergold (424) 201-5428 dbergold@about-entertainment.com Scott Fields, Craig Hendry, Liam McLachlan and Jason Short make up the unique group. Offering a blend of pop and opera they take classical sound and make it their own. Blake Band E Three NYC Evan Tyler (212) 354-6460 etyler@ethreenyc.com Playing music from the 1920’s through today’s… Read more »
When planning and producing an event your event team is expected to have answers ready for any questions attendees may have. Prior to an event, it’s important that all of the event team be given any information that could help them answer any questions that may be asked by attendees. As with any helpful checklist,… Read more »
The Halloween season is upon us and everyone is starting to plan their frightening festivities. Whether you are a seasoned veteran and looking to spruce up your annual party or you have always wanted to throw a Halloween party and decided this is the year to do it, we have some great tips for you!… Read more »
Everyone knows that it takes a lot of work to plan an event. One of those important elements is to put as much work into making sure you have captured all of the important elements of your event. Whether you will be taking your own photographs or you have hired a professional photographer, below is a… Read more »
How many times have you heard, “It’s all about who you know”? I think I’ve lost count. Here are a few tips that will help you make sure you are going to the right events and making the right connections. 1. Focus on giving vs. getting. Whether or not you believe in karma or that everything comes full… Read more »