I am often asked whether holding an event can really improve a company’s visibility and sales. Why should businesses plan events? They ask…Is it going to be time, effort and money well spent? And my answer is always YES: a properly thought out, professionally delivered event can make a big difference to your sales and brand awareness: to name but a few event benefits. The key words…’properly thought out’. So how can events help businesses? Events are a tried and tested method for businesses to reach and engage with their… [Read More]
Up Helly Aa
It’s no great surprise to learn that I am a fan of all types of events! Now here’s an event that is only (I believe) seen in the Shetlands Islands, Scotland. Up Helly Aa is probably best described as a fire festival although it is a lot more than just that. It’s quite spectacular and I’d love to go. It takes place in various locations in Shetland and on the last Tuesday of January every year. It dates back to the late 19th Century and has Norse origins. It is… [Read More]
Seven surprising things even event planning veterans’ get wrong
We all agree events are a big deal. We probably all agree that organising an event is no walk in the park. Learning to be an event manager takes time, practice and along the way, probably involves making a few event planning mistakes! After 20+ years in the events industry I can safely say I have made mistakes, and perhaps in my early days, the odd ‘schoolboy’ error. The caveat being I do not make the same mistake twice. My excuse: events are complex entities in which there is often… [Read More]
Our event just needs to be brilliant….do ask if you need anything!
I actually knew nothing about events when I started working on my first event. I quickly realised it was going to be a ‘learn as you go’ type of experience. Proper work experience some would say. Others me included think some sort of structured event management training would really have helped. Few would disagree that there is no substitute for real life event planning experience. It’s undoubtedly the best way to learn. Well yes it is BUT…it needs to be done in the right way. Without help, knowledge or guidance… [Read More]
It’s a marathon of an event
It’s one of world’s greatest sports events, hugely popular, watched and loved by millions. The London Marathon takes place this Sunday. Originally the brainchild of former Olympic champion and journalist Chris Brasher and athlete John Disley, the first race of 11,000+ competitors was run in 1981. On Sunday 36,000 thousand participants will run the streets of London. It has various categories of races including an elite men’s and woman’s events and wheelchair races and a 3 mile mini marathon. The winners will be crossing the finish line having completed the… [Read More]
Super SMART event visuals
Vision trumps all other senses – it’s said. So do event planners need to take note of this fact? Of course they do. While I love nothing better than listening to great speakers doing their thing: without the assistance of notes and electronic aids…I do also love strong visuals. Creating Powerful visual stories I have always thought many events could benefit from a little artistry. The world of public events has been quick to embrace this thought while the corporate event planner tends to play it a little too safe…for… [Read More]