This Event Expert article focuses on event evaluation and specifically on the process of proving you’ve done a good job – delivered a successful event. It’s an activity we simply must do but in truth most of us could happily do without it! Just before leave – please complete this ‘short’ survey Proving the success of your event more often than not includes cajoling audiences to complete a survey. It’s time to adopt the ‘feedback is the breakfast of champions’ mantra! Let’s take a step back and look at the… [Read More]
The 7 key skills of a successful event manager
So you want to be an Event Manager. Fancy the bright lights, the glitz and glamour? Sorry to burst your bubble but there’s a stark difference between being an event manager and being a guest! So what do I think are the 7 key event management skills an event manager needs to succeed today? I have been organising events for the past 20+ and wouldn’t want to do anything else. I love the live and exciting world of event planning. I have also been a events guest on many occasions… [Read More]
How to avoid any event production nightmares!
Event production will always have its logistical challenges. It is something all event managers need to deal with at every event they organise. It’s absolutely vital that this stage goes well. Event production is like directing a play: it is built scene by scene The event production stage can be a stressful time as you begin to feel the pressure and the mounting expectation to deliver a great event. You know time is running out. It often feels like there are not enough hours in the day to get everything… [Read More]
How to make smart event planning decisions
As an event manager you will probably be making some kind of event planning decisions every day. Some small: a little detail change. Some BIG! – the consequences of which will have a significant bearing on your events’ ultimate success. Getting the big decisions right matters. You will be judged on these decisions. So is there anything we can do to help us make difficult event planning decisions. Make the process easier and more reliable. If you are wondering whether this is based on personal pain then yes, I have… [Read More]
How do event planners recruit event teams…that really do help them deliver successful events?
This Event Expert article focuses on your event teams and ‘how to’ recruit and work with event teams: that really do deliver. These guys and gals are vital and any time spent getting the right people on board is in my book, time well spent. Aren’t you lot supposed to be helping me run this event: Am I not paying you enough? Your event planning team will always be smaller in number than your event day team. You will therefore need to recruit more people to help you actually deliver… [Read More]
How to select and work with great event contractors
This The Event Expert event planning article focuses on the occasionally problematic world of finding and working with great event contractors and suppliers. Getting this right is a key event planning skill. So how do you ensure you select great event contractors? All of us, including myself, will have stories to tell about contractors that haven’t quite delivered!! The ‘how to’ of event contractor heaven There is every chance you’ll need to hire contractors (suppliers/vendors: stages, venues, Audiovisuals, Lighting, Stewards, Marquees etc.) to complete your events. They are part of… [Read More]