That’s a few hours of my life I will never get back. Yes I did enjoy the canapes and the bubbles but what have I learnt. Alas it’s a question I have to ask myself all too often. It’s also a question I should never have to ask myself; if the corporate events planner (conference, seminar, team building, networking, launch…etc.) has done their job properly. Events needs a clear purpose that runs all the way through the event programme. Let me explain. Changed or just well fed and watered? How… [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]
How to shortlist your ‘brainstormed’ event ideas
I’ve had a few event ideas in my time – some good, some not so. So which event design ideas should you take forward to the event planning stage and why? How do you evaluate event design ideas? To brainstorm and beyond! Let’s say we’ve agreed an event format, audience profile and purpose. It’s time to gather the event team to brainstorm! Coffee gets drunk, biscuits consumed…the ideas flow. We have a long list. How do we select the best idea? Having made a note of all the ideas generated… [Read More]
How to run super effective event planning meetings
Ever sat in event planning meetings waiting for conversations to actually lead to a decision? We all know taking decisions is indeed hard. Endless convivial and often circular conversations is alas the easy option. Now I like to chat just like the next person. Alas many of the events meetings I have attended over the years have felt more social get together than focused planning session. At the end of the meeting I need to know that we have made the best use of this ‘precious time’ together. The catch… [Read More]
Who said running an events was a good idea?
I meet a lot of people who tell me they are planning an event. I say great…I love a good event. They say…we’re expecting great things. I say…what has anyone else (other than your colleagues!) said to you to suggest your event plans are a good idea. In other words your event has an audience. It is wanted or needed. Event planners must know what others think about their event idea. If you don’t know I suggest you find out. You need to test the feasibility and viability of your… [Read More]
All that outdoor Jazz
I had the pleasure of spending a week in the Corsican town of Calvi recently. It’s beautiful place. By chance we were in town just as the Calvi Jazz Festival was taking place. It takes place over 5 days in various locations in the town. There are some big named paid concerts right through to what I call the more fringe performances. The majority of the performance locations are in fact outside in natural amphitheatre settings, streets and parkland sites. Nothing particularly unusual about that you might say. They have… [Read More]