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Is An Event Planning Degree Required To Work In The Meetings And Events Industry

July 31, 2011 By Comments
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If you’re new to the meetings and events industry then you have probably done a fair amount of research to try and determine which event planning degree is best for you. And more often than not that research has probably left you more confused than before you began your search. I often get asked for my opinion on which event planning degree is the best in the industry. I get that question a lot and have actually written a few other articles about certification in the meetings and events industry. There is no one answer to that question as, like the people in the industry, there are many types of event planning degrees available.

An Event Planning Degree Shows People That You Invest In Yourself

Of course, technically speaking, one does not need an event planning degree to work in the meetings and events industry. Often times people that have worked their way up the ranks within the industry have better experience than a degree would have provided. I have seen people that have invested a considerable amount of money to obtain a degree only to find out that they are not suited for the industry.

While I am certainly an advocate for furthering one’s educational and career development, it doesn’t necessarily mean that every single person entering the industry needs to have formal education. To me, the one thing an event planning degree shows me is that the person took the time to invest in themselves and thus their career.

An Event Planning Degree is Available At Many Colleges

One of the first places that I tell a person to look is at the local college level. Some people may only be seeking training in a specific area within the meetings and events industry. For these people a community college course is perfect. Community college courses typically provide more practical experience versus the theoretical experience that is associated with university level degrees. Once people do the research into their local colleges, I then suggest that they contact a local chapter of MPI (Meetings Professionals International) or PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association). While there are many other industry associations that would serve as a good resource, I’m highlighting these two as they are two of the most recognized associations in the industry.

A quick Google search for event planning degree will show you that there are many courses available, both online and in a classroom setting. If you think an online course is for you, make sure you do your due diligence. Many websites offering online courses state that they provide certification. However many of those certifications are not worth the paper they are written on. Again I would always recommend taking a little bit of time up front, do your research, and find out what industry professionals recommend.

Obtaining an event planning degree shows people, particularly potential clients, that you take your job seriously. And, as I have stated before, investing in yourself is one of the most sound investments there is, especially today. So if you are serious about a career in the meetings and events industry and would like to further your education and get an event planning degree make sure you take a little time and research the right event planning degree for you. Doing so could help you prevent wasting a lot of your valuable money and time.

 

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Seminar Planning – Five Important Tips For A Successful Seminar

July 30, 2011 By Comments
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If you have ever been assigned the task of planning a seminar for your company or association then you probably know firsthand how stressful the task can be. However if you know the subject matter well and develop a good seminar planning checklist you will be on your way to organizing a successful seminar.

Seminar Planning Tip 1 – Location

We’ve all heard the saying – location, location, location. While that’s often used to refer to a successful business location, it’s also a key part of a successful seminar planning checklist. Think about seminars that you have attended in the past. Where there are any that you wanted to attend but you were restricted because of where the seminar was located? Think about your audience and where they will be coming from. For example, if your seminar is expecting to attract out-of-town guests then it would be wise to look for location near the airport, or a location that has plenty of parking available for driving guests.

Seminar Planning Tip 2 – Timing

The timing is another crucial component to seminar planning. If you know the likes and dislikes of your potential attendees than you already have an upper hand. If you don’t it’s not a bad idea to talk to other people in your industry that have been involved with seminar planning. Ask them if there are any particular days or times that have contributed to more successful seminars that they have organized. Also don’t just assume that the seminar needs to be from 9 to 5. If you don’t have enough material to last eight hours you will begin to lose people by mid-afternoon. It’s hard enough as it is to keep people motivated and attentive in that 3 PM time. Make sure you schedule enough breaks, and offer enough variety to keep people interested.

Seminar Planning Tip 3 – Flow

For this seminar planning tip begin by trying to visualize how the seminar itself will unfold. Think about the registration area and whether or not you are providing ample space for registration line-ups and picking up seminar materials. If you don’t have the luxury of a large foyer and the seminar material will be the same for all attendees then consider placing the material inside the seminar room. It’s also important to look at the presenters schedule and make sure that you are providing enough variety to keep the attendees engaged. Of course breaks and refreshments are a crucial part of the seminar planning flow.

Seminar Planning Tip 4 – Set up

Of the many seminar setups available, theater style is probably one of the most economical. However think about what it is you’re attendees will be required to do during the seminar. If there is a workbook that will require them to take notes then the theater style may not be the most comfortable set up. Do you expect your attendees to engage each other? Do you need an area where attendees can ask questions to a panel? Will you be breaking the group up into smaller groups? These are all important questions that you need to ask. There is not one way to set up for a seminar. The set up literally depends on what will happen during your seminar.

Seminar Planning Tip 5 – Communication

Like pretty much every event, communication is key to its success. Usually the communication process will cover things such as; getting the word out to potential attendees , sending reminders to those already registered, and provide periodic updates before the seminar. These are a few important communication steps. Don’t assume that once someone has registered for a seminar that they will automatically attend. Today people are easily distracted. Plus it’s always recommended to give people a few teasers along the way. Seminar planning checklists should include a good communications schedule. You may have been lucky enough to secure a keynote speaker that is a crowd drawer. Consider a teaser as part of your marketing process. This is where you can pique peoples interest by telling them to stay tuned for a very important announcement on your keynote speaker. Then use the announcement e-mail as another incentive to get people to register.

Great seminars require great seminar planning. Before you begin the process you need to develop a comprehensive seminar planning checklist. Breaking the checklist into sections will help you organize, schedule and delegate the various tasks required. By taking the time up front to put together a seminar planning checklist you will be setting the course for a successful seminar. Your next one will become that much easier to execute.

 

 

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  • Event Planning Seminars – Event and Meeting Planners are the Best! (plananevent.org)
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Business Meeting Planning Gone Bad

July 29, 2011 By Comments

The business meeting planning industry today is faced with the challenge of executing successful meetings without the luxury of a large budget. The use of technology has provided us with the ability to conduct meetings from the comfort of our home with people half-way around the world. Audiovisual companies have capitalized on this. Today we can conduct important, time sensitive, business meetings without having to spend a fortune traveling. If you’re in the business meeting planning industry then you certainly know the challenges of making sure these meetings go off without a hitch. Technology, being technology, seems to follow Murphy’s law in that if something can go wrong you’re pretty much guaranteed it will go wrong.

There’s nothing more frustrating (or career limiting) than watching your client or boss freeze on screen while delivering the company’s year-end summary. The following video provides us with a humorous look at what can happen when we try to take shortcuts.

 

 

 

The moral of the story, in addition to “you get what you pay for”, is to make sure that you do your homework upfront to ensure you’re working with a reputable business meeting planning company.

 

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Is An Event Planning Degree Required To Work In The Meetings And Events Industry?

July 28, 2011 By Comments

If you’re new to the meetings and events industry then you have probably done a fair amount of research to try and determine which event planning degree is best for you. And more often than not that research has probably left you more confused than before you began your search. I often get asked for my opinion on which event planning degree is the best in the industry. I get that question a lot and have actually written a few other articles about certification in the meetings and events industry. There is no one answer to that question as, like the people in the industry, there are many types of event planning degrees available.

An Event Planning Degree Shows People That You Invest In Yourself

Of course, technically speaking, one does not need an event planning degree to work in the meetings and events industry. Often times people that have worked their way up the ranks within the industry have better experience than a degree would have provided. I have seen people that have invested a considerable amount of money to obtain a degree only to find out that they are not suited for the industry.

While I am certainly an advocate for furthering one’s educational and career development, it doesn’t necessarily mean that every single person entering the industry needs to have formal education. To me, the one thing an event planning degree shows me is that the person took the time to invest in themselves and thus their career.

An Event Planning Degree is Available At Many Colleges

One of the first places that I tell a person to look is at the local college level. Some people may only be seeking training in a specific area within the meetings and events industry. For these poeple a community college course is perfect. Community college courses typically provide more practical experience versus the theoretical experience that is associated with university level degrees. Once people do the research into their local colleges, I then suggest that they contact a local chapter of MPI (Meetings Professionals International )or PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association). While there are many other industry associations that would serve as a good resource, I’m highlighting these two as they are two of the most recognized associations in the industry.

A quick Google search for event planning degree will show you that there are many courses available, both online and in a classroom setting. If you think an online course is for you, make sure you do your due diligence. Many websites offering online courses state that they provide certification. However many of those certifications are not worth the paper they are written on. Again I would always recommend taking a little bit of time up front, do your research, and find out what industry professionals recommend.

Obtaining an event planning degree or diploma shows people, particularly potential clients, that you take your job seriously. And, as I have stated before, investing in yourself is one of the most sound investments there is, especially today. So if you are serious about a career in the meetings and events industry and would like to further your education and get an event planning degree make sure you take a little time and research the right event planning degree for you. Doing so will prevent wasting a lot of your valuable money and time.

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Wedding Planning Course – Here Comes the Bride

July 27, 2011 By Comments

Photo courtesy of Kattekrab on flickr

Here comes the bride…and all that jazz. Just the thought of it all seems romantic and fun. At times, wedding planning really can sound like the perfect job.

So you think maybe, sort of, perhaps, you might want to be a wedding planner. Of course you’ve been to many a wedding. Sure you’ve helped your sister plan her wedding and possibly you even planned your own wedding. You feel confident that you hold some of the more positive qualities needed in a wedding planner. Then that ever present thought creeps in “Is this the right move for me?”. So basically, like the majority of us, when making a monumental decision, you are not 100% sure.

Where is…Well…Everything

Including that great first step, speaking with active Wedding Planners and picking their brains, you’ve done the research. You’re sure you have several of those great qualities found in present day wedding planners. You’re organized, calm and composed, flexible, a people person and you are always able to recognize those “joy moments” in life.

Sure, you could go the route of trial and error and dive in head first, but is there a way to be sure? As sure as possible without ruining your hard earned reputation or making a great big career blunder?

Funny you should ask because, yes there is. A next, good step is a wedding planner course.

Next Step…You Hoo…Over Here…

By committing to a wedding planner course (part time, full time or on-line) you take your wedding planning knowledge to the next phase. A wedding planning course will take all that knowledge you already have, add to it and enhance it. It will provide you with the platform to learn the basics where needed and fill in the gaps of what you are missing; expert advice and an insider’s look into the wedding planning business.

Once you have made it through the course, in addition to enhancing your professional talents with wedding planning skills you will receive your certification. Certification will set you apart from the others. The course will enrich your professional talents and experience with wedding planning skills. And it will provide you with the confidence you need to get your butt out there, put what you know and have learned on the table and start planning weddings.

Wedding planning courses are a great way to learn about the business. They allow you to gain the knowledge and confidence you need to start up your own business and venture out into the wonderful and wacky world of weddings!

 

 

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Event Planning Resources – Start Your Engines!

July 26, 2011 By Comments

Photo courtesy of Horia Varlan on flickr

Event Planning Resources – Start Your Search Engines That Is!

Event planners remember the “good old days” when it was time to plan the annual conference and you knew the volume of research and planning that you were facing. So you would sit down and, with the precision of a general, plot out your strategy and approach. And usually a really, REALLY, big event planning checklist was involved.

An incredible amount of information had to be plotted and thought out; the convention city, travel logistics, accommodations, venues and facilities, food and beverage, guest speakers. And that was just the beginning! The to-do list seemed to grow like the weeds in the backyard. And let’s not forget, at least one site inspection minimum would be required. There were conference calls to be held, recommendations to make and proposals to request and receive.

Information would ultimately arrive via snail mail, then eventually fax and finally email. But it most certainly took time and more time. Nothing was instantaneous. And we were always wondering if those proposals would ever arrive. It was the “hey day” for couriers too because they were the fastest way to exchange information.

Event Planning Resources – Green Flag!

That was until the advancement of technology and search engines came in to the picture.

By now we’ve all used some search engine or another and we all know what a search engine does. An unlimited amount of worthwhile info can be found using search engines. With the arrival of Google and other search engines the web has erupted in size. It is now a huge directory filled with more information then we could ever imagine or find on our own.

Event Planning Resources – Search Engines as a Resource…

What could be easier? You are now ready to research and plan your conference and all the details that come along with it. And all you have to do is sit at your computer. Get comfortable and go to Google or Bing or your favorite search engine and just type. Type a word or words or an entire sentence and with a click of your mouse “poof” and as an event planner you have all of the information you’ve been looking for. It’s that fast. In the past, it could have and most likely would have taken days or possibly even weeks for that information to arrive and now it’s available, right at your fingertips.

The arrival of the search engine changed the way event planners now approach research and planning. The availability of information and the ease of which it can be acquired is light years ahead of what it used to be. No more waiting for mail or faxes or couriers. Search engines have really helped make this part of the event planning job that much faster and easier.

 

 

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Event Planners Association – Pro OR Con?

July 25, 2011 By Comments

Photo courtesy of greentechmedia on flickr

I for one am definitely pro. Throughout my career I have always belonged to one or another Event Planners Association. And I have always felt the financial investment has been well worth what I have received back professionally.

An event planner’s professional life can certainly be enhanced by belonging to an Event Planners Association. An Event Planners Association provides the setting to meet, bond and collaborate with other career planners. “To meet, bond and collaborate about what?” you may ask. Well…

Event Planners Association – Networking

For many, when thinking about an Event Planners Association, the first thing that automatically comes to mind is, wait for it, Networking. The opportunity to mingle with like and not so like-minded industry colleagues is always a big pull. And not only on the planning side of the arena but with colleagues on the supplier side too.

It offers the chance to explore industry trends, to bounce ideas, to think outside the box and get independent opinions. Who doesn’t like to meet up with their industry friends to mingle, socialize and potentially expand your repertoire?

Event Planners Associations – Educate

Professional development is the name of the game. An event planners association keeps you on top of all things planning. There are various educational segments designed to educate and inform that will suitably fit into a busy planner’s schedule. The educational components of an event planners association help an event planner develop, thrive and stay connected.

Education enables us to be industry competitive, be in the know of “what’s hot and what’s not” industry wise. It truly does enhance our work life. With only utilizing a fraction of our time, we continue to be on the inside and in turn we become better planners.

Event Planners Associations – Career

No matter the type of event planner, or the reasons we became one, we all look to better ourselves and ultimately move up the career ladder. By staying industry significant we take a major step up that ladder. Not only for self worth in our careers, but also with our peers and clients. We are able to project and present our company and services as the best possible option out there.

You are your biggest investment, so take the time to be the best possible planner. And when you are a member of an Event Planners Association you are making an investment in yourself and your career. So take the time to choose the right event planner association or associations that fit your personal and professional life.

 

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Wedding Coordinators – Their Role in Planning Your Special Day

July 23, 2011 By Comments

Photo courtesy of Grand Velas Riviera Maya on flickr

Wedding Coordinators – Who Needs One?

“The proposal was perfect” you gushed to your friends. “Romantic, spontaneous and sweet.”

It’s finally happened and you said yes! You’ve showed your friends, family and colleagues the ring. You’re excited and thrilled and you can’t wait to start planning your wedding, the day you’ve dreamt of your entire life.

Or…

Maybe you’re one of those girls who never thought about getting married. But when you fell in love, it just seemed right. Just because you haven’t dreamt about it your entire life, doesn’t make you any less thrilled or enthusiastic about it. Just waaaaay more clueless.

Whether you’ve been planning your wedding for the last twenty years, or the last twenty minutes (or somewhere in between), a Wedding Coordinator can and will help make the planning and execution of your special day easier and, dare we say,  more stress free.

Wedding Coordinators – What Do They Do?

The question isn’t really “What do they do?” but rather “What don’t they do?” A wedding coordinator’s role varies, literally, from event to event, depending on what each bride’s needs are. You may want to do all of the planning yourself, but have a wedding coordinator on site to handle the details on the actual day of, freeing you up to enjoy your own wedding (a novel concept). If you’re planning your own wedding, organization is key. The Frugal Bride has a great wedding coordinator checklist to help keep you on track and über organized.

But are you wondering “how to coordinate a wedding” if so a  wedding coordinator is just what the wedding doctor ordered. A wedding planner/coordinator can also help you plan the wedding down to every last detail. An experienced wedding coordinator will have contacts in all segments of the industry. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction according to your wishes and your budget. They may even be able to help get you discounts that may not have been available without them.

A wedding coordinator will know what’s hot and current. They can help you shape your vision of what you want your wedding to be. And once you’ve figured that out, you can move forward and consider which venues, suppliers and vendors (florists, caterers, decoration and decor, music) best suit your vision.

Wedding Coordinators – What You Should Look For

Do your research. Talk to friends, family, acquaintances who are newlyweds. Local bridal and wedding shows are a fantastic place to network and make some connections. Some venues actually have a wedding coordinator on site to assist you with the wedding planning.

When you’re hiring anyone, shop around. Talk to multiple candidates and find someone that you trust and would feel comfortable working with. And always, always, ask for references.

A wedding coordinator can help you plan and make your special day memorable. But having them there to manage the details and handle the stress will not only make it unforgettable, but allow you to actually have fun and enjoy your own wedding!

 

 

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Event Planning Ideas – Making Your Meeting Stand Out

July 22, 2011 By Comments
Martin Short in red shirt on stage

Photo courtesy of JoshMcConnell

There are only so many original event planning  ideas out there. We see it in movies, television and literature all the time, different variations of the same theme.

Event planning is no different; there are only so many original ideas out there. So how do we make them seem fresh and new?

How do we continue to impress and dazzle our delegates?

Don’t be afraid of inspiration. Just look around you, at other meetings, at social media, at trends. There’s  tons of  ideas out there waiting for a new twist.

Event Planning Ideas – Design and Decor

Design and decor are a great way of setting the tone of any event. As we discussed in an earlier blog, design and decor offer endless possibilities and can help shape your event and give it that something special to help make it unforgettable.

Design and decor don’t have to be a budget buster. Sometimes something as simple as highlighting your host city can be extremely memorable for the attendees. Highlighting historical landmarks, sports venues and entertainment centers will not only create memories for your attendees, but also create conversation pieces.

Event Planning Ideas – Venue

We’ve said it before and we will no doubt say it again. But the key to the success of any event is location, location, and of course, location.

That doesn’t mean your venue has to be the biggest or the flashiest one around. It doesn’t have to be an expensive show stopper or an all inclusive resort. It just has to be appropriate. And by appropriate we mean don’t have a poverty conference at a high end hotel  or a team building event for Coke somewhere that serves Pepsi.

Event Planning Ideas – Guest Speakers

Laughter truly can be the best medicine and having a knockout guest speaker can leave your delegates buzzing for days.

I remember one corporate “employee fun day” where the attendees had to sit through hours of corporate rah-rah-rah (where’s the fun in that?). You could see that they had lost the 1,500 attendees. They were there physically, but mentally they were composing their grocery lists and thinking about the weekend.

When Martin Short walked onto that stage the energy in that room skyrocketed. And after doing about twenty minutes corporate took over and rode the wave of good will to a positive and energetic closing.

Afterward, the buzz was almost 100% positive. The majority of attendees weren’t thinking about the heavy handed corporate babble that they had just sat through. They were talking and laughing about Martin Short, who saved the day and kept those attendees from becoming a bitter, angry mob.

What’s new and hot is always changing. Sometimes all it takes is that one, fresh variation that will make a difference at your event and in the memory of your delegates.

 

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Online Event Planning – What?

July 21, 2011 By Comments

Photo courtesy of Mediajon on flickr

Work, work, work, isn’t that the short story of most event planners’ lives? Aren’t we always looking for the most accurate, quickest and effortless (if that’s even possible) way to plow through those piles of work on our desks. With, of course, the ultimate goal being completion! Sure, once we’re finished it just means moving on to and tackling the next task. But completion all the same.

Online Event Planning – Now is the Time!

Since the advent of Google (and other search engines), we’ve taken our time as an industry, but it’s safe to say we have definitely embraced researching and working online. We used the arrival of Google and online event planning to test the waters. You know, get a sense of things and feel comfortable, dip our toe in. Personally speaking, I would initially use the internet and Google for portions of work, a bit here and a bit there… but never the entire shabang. I am an “old dog new tricks” kind of girl and in my mind, I needed the personal touch. Our industry, now like the rest of the corporate world, includes the World Wide Web. We now include it in our planning and for so many of us it is the first stop for research and work.

Online Event Planning – Yes!

As I have said in previous blogs, an event planner’s job entails a great deal, including a load of organization and a ton of work. I know we are not alone in the “piles of work” department but that to-do list constantly seems endless. Online event planning really can and does mean different things to different people. In our industry, online event planning companies take us from A-Z. They in fact do assist with researching, planning and executing the smaller tasks to the bigger undertakings.

Online Event Planning – Easy is the Word…

There are countless first rate online event planning companies out there that can be utilized and will aid and support you with your planning. My recommendation always is to sketch out some time to assess your situation; what you are in fact looking for and what you figure you will need and use the online planning site(s) for. I don’t doubt that you will find an abundance of web sites that fit with your criteria.

Taking the time to review your online planning needs will make choosing the right company or companies for your personal situation all that much easier!

 

 

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