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When you think of a convention center, most of us think of a large conference facility in the center of town. At a glance, it appears that these convention centers cater to large groups or associations. While large groups and associations are certainly groups they target, you may be surprised to learn that many convention centers are also going for the smaller groups.

A Convention Center Is Equipped to Assist Event Planners

Generally speaking, convention centers are connected with the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). And that usually falls under a branch of the local government. Now I know what you’re thinking. Usually, when one thinks of working with a government agency, the thoughts of red tape and untold regulations start to enter into play. Luckily, convention centers are usually given the autonomy to conduct their own sales and marketing. And their management consists of experts from the event planning industry. All of this makes it convenient for event planners.

See also:

• Event Planning and the Convention Center

• Convention Centers and Conference Centers Similar or Different?

• Do You Use a Green Meetings Toolkit? 

By being associated with the CVB, event planners have an array of toolkits at their disposal.

The Types of Groups That a Convention Center Will Target

Some of the negative aspects of working with a convention center usually centers around the cost for supplier services. The setup and tear down crew and the audio visual are a couple that come to mind with many event planners. Internet cost cost can be a factor as well. I’m finding that today, with portable Internet options available, that these costs are dwindling.

Over the last several years management at convention centers have begun to address the supplier cost perception. In other words, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn how low the fees can be for some of the services associated with convention centers. As they have ample catering facilities on site, their food and beverage costs are quite competitive compared to other meeting facility venues.

Typical groups that utilize convention center space:

• Trade Shows
• Association Meetings
• Large-Scale Events
• Weddings
• Corporate Meetings

Weddings and smaller corporate meetings, in the past, were groups not normally associated with a convention center. But competition has changed over the last several years. Now, the sales people at convention centers actively solicit these markets. Convention center designs have changed as well over the last decade or so. New designs and layouts make it easy to market towards smaller groups as they can utilize smaller rooms without the feeling of being a small fish in a big ocean.

Another factor that is a plus for convention centers is their focus towards green meetings. Many are becoming LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified. Not only is working with a Leed certified building a PR plus, it can also shave dollars off the budget.

Working with a convention center used to be considered for large groups only. Convention centers have become more competitive over the last couple of decades. As well many are now becoming LEED  certified. Many also offer event planners complementary meeting toolkits to assist with their planning needs.

Related articles

• A Top Notch Event Planner, What’s it All About?
• Where Do Event Planners Find Motivation?
• The Convention Center and Unique Space
• Besides Conventions What Else is a Convention Center Used For?

The post Does Size Matter for a Convention Center? appeared first on PlanAnEvent.org.

Photo courtesy of dhammza

Does just the thought of planning a party send you screaming from the room? Looking to plan a party and already stressed out? Do not fear you are so not alone. And with all the questions that need answers; when and where, guest list and decorations, stand-up or sit down, what to eat and drink and what about entertainment, yes or no. It really does seem like the list is endless. In reality planning a party can be filled with as much joy and as much fun as the party is. First and foremost the answer to planning a party that is successful and enjoyed by all is to realize what you want to achieve and how you are going to go about it. And as I’ve spouted in this blog a time or two, success definitely lies in the details. So with some thinking ahead and organization you can easily plan a party that will be a knockout for your guests.

When it comes to Planning a Party Be Ready to Laugh

No matter the reason, parties are all about celebration and fun. A party can be as special, different and unique as the guests themselves. And when it comes time to planning a party yes it can be an overwhelming and intimidating experience. But with a little help from a budget, a checklist and a timeline you will be sure to remember to include everything you need for success.

Some feel that by following some basic guidelines you’re next celebration is sure to be filled with laughter and fun. Just ask Gary French, in this tongue and cheek video, he provides some of the just right basic tips for throwing a great party.

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• Birthday Cake Party Planning Prank (comedy video)

The post The Key to Planning a Party appeared first on PlanAnEvent.org.

photo by www.ecenglish.com

If you’ve been searching for those ideal hospitality or event planning jobs, then you probably know firsthand just how frustrating the whole process can be. Even at the best of times, job hunting can be extremely nerve-racking. You spend an awful lot of your time networking hoping that you’ll find that perfect contact.

But, more times than not, you find out that talk is cheap.

It’s Not That There Aren’t Good Hospitality and Event Planning Jobs out There

By now you’re getting pretty sick and tired of hearing how this economic downturn keeps dragging on and on. It almost feels like this is the new norm. But, with the right focus, your job hunting efforts may not be fruitless.

Executive search companies might be just the contact that you need. They can help lessen the stress of finding a new career.

See also:

• How Do I get Event Planning Experience?

• Meeting Planner Jobs – Sounds Fun, Right?

• Do You Belong to a Meeting Planners Association?

• What to Expect for a Meeting Planner Salary

Three Key Reasons to Use an Executive Search Company When Looking for Event Planning Jobs

• Integrity. To them, reputation is everything. These companies need to set the highest standards possible as their very existence is dependent on it. No company will associate with a search company that does not, at the very least, match their service levels.
• Client Research. An executive search company has done their homework. They’ve done the networking and they know what companies are looking for when they have job openings. On the other side, they also make sure that any individuals that they put forward to a potential employer is qualified.
• Results. Who doesn’t love results. Executive search companies put their reputations on the line each and every day. They have to stand behind the candidates that they present. And that goes beyond the hire date. They stay involved in the process long after the position has been filled.

Global Hospitality Search Consultants Ltd. is a search firm that focuses exclusively in the placement of hospitality industry managers and executives worldwide. As a disclosure note, I’ve been made aware of this company by a colleague that teaches at a college in Toronto. But, the reason I’m singling out this particular company is to showcase their focus on the hospitality industry (it also helps that they have offices in both the United States and Canada).

Looking for Event Planning Jobs-Two Tips for Selecting the Right Executive Search Company

Always do your due diligence when considering working with a third-party. That holds true when considering an executive search company. Here are two tips to factor into your decision making process:

• Industry Knowledge. Select a search company that specializes in your industry. You want one that knows the specifics of your job description.
• References. I know this sounds like a no-brainer, but always ask for references. Any reputable company will have no problem whatsoever in providing you with references. At networking events, ask your colleagues to provide you with a couple of companies that you can contact.

Working with an executive search company to find event planning jobs can help take the stress out of the process. It’s not to say that you won’t have to sell yourself. It’s just that search companies specialize in understanding their clients’ needs and matching that with potential candidates.

Related articles

• Attending Event Planning Conferences
• Resources for Creating an Event Planning Checklist
• A Top Notch Event Planner, What’s it All About?

The post Using an Executive Search Company to Find Event Planning Jobs appeared first on PlanAnEvent.org.

Possibly the reason I am choosing to write about where to find motivation has everything to do with my recent lack of. I am pretty much deep in like with my job. I really do enjoy all the ins and outs involved in planning meetings and events. I’m the type that once I hit my desk it’s all about plowing through the piles of work. And when it does come time to execute I do love being on site and all that that involves. But like so many of us sometimes it’s just plain old hard to find the
motivation to get it all done.

Motivation Starts Here!

As individuals we are all unique and how a company motivates an individual can be entirely different then how a person motivate themselves. Stressed out or unhappy at your job? The key to turning it around is to understand what will help you to motivate you.

Set Goals – Who among us doesn’t like to be challenged? It helps to make us to feel like we’re part of something amazing, it provides job growth as well as helps to increase dedication and really so much more. The greater the challenge is, the greater the feeling of success and motivation becomes once it’s accomplished. When talking motivation, one of the best places to start is to understand ourselves and what actions will motivate us. It truly does depend on the person and scenario; different people succeed by making use of different goal motivators. Are you; a leader, a problem solver, an ideas creator or an office motivator? Remember realizing your strengths and establishing goals to help better yourself, others and your job will definitely help in the area of self-motivation.

Create a Happy Work Atmosphere – It’s key to set-up and work in an atmosphere that supports your objectives and goals. It can be hard not to get consumed with an organization’s issues and concerns, creating a negative work environment. As Heidie Golledge, CEO and cofounder of CareerBliss, an online career database says, “Being able to be truly happy at work is one of the keys to being happy in life”. When you work in an atmosphere with people that you like, you’re extra likely; to learn more and faster, be inspired and productive, think outside the box and have more energy. Aren’t we all more likely to find motivation working in a stimulating, fulfilling and yes happy work environment?

Say NO to Negativity – Sometimes it’s hard to not get immersed in all things negative. And it has been said and proven that happy people do in fact make successful people. It is easy for any of us to become consumed in negative thoughts and feelings. The best way to find motivation is to replace negative thoughts with positiveness. Access the qualities of a person you admire or if given the chance you would choose to work with; what are they like, how do others respond to them, how do they deal with others, for instance. And don’t forget a positive person radiates confidence, self-control, calmness and grace under pressure, to name a few, all qualities within our grasp. If we can identify what it takes, we can make the changes to become that positive person that won’t need to look far when seeking motivation.

It’s been said a time or two before applying the strategies to self-motivate, the best place to start is to understand motivation and discover what in fact does motivates you. Ask yourself; how does personal emotions and home life factor into my thoughts and what can I do to not only better motivate myself but support my reasons too.

Related articles

• A Top Notch Event Planner, What’s it All About?
• Meeting and Event Planning – Success Starts with Knowledge
• Stuck in a Rut and Need Motivation?
• Inspiring Event Planning Quotes to Boost Motivation!
• Event Planners Need Good Communication Skills (Comedy Video)

The post Where Do Event Planners Find Motivation? appeared first on PlanAnEvent.org.

photo by peiliteracy. wordpress.com

It’s a funny thing, communication. You actually have to listen to what the other person is saying. How many times have you been talking to somebody when it became quite obvious that the person was really just waiting for you to finish so that they could start talking.

In other words they’ve completely zoned you out.

The Importance of Good Communication Skills

To be a great event planner means that you’re good at effective communication. Written communication skills, as well as verbal communication, are essential to an event planner as they work with many people in order to get their job done. Without expressing their expectations properly, a meeting or event could soon become a nightmare.

When I was writing this article, I was looking for a way to give an example of bad communication skills. I came across a comedy video, which is actually a commercial for Ameriquest Mortgage Company, that best illustrates what can go horribly wrong when there is a misunderstanding in communication.

While I’m sure you’ll get a chuckle out of the video, let’s hope its message hits home. Don’t forget to tell people what your expectations are, as I’m sure you’re aware that they “can’t read your mind”.

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• How to Teach Event Planning
• What Is It about Transportation That Drives Event Planners Nuts?
• What If You Plan an Event and No One Wants to Come

The post Event Planners Need Good Communication Skills (Comedy Video) appeared first on PlanAnEvent.org.

Photo courtesy of NinaZed

I always feel a bit of extra stress whenever I am planning a party. As a person that plans events for a living, I am constantly asked “how to” planning questions from friends and family organizing their own parties. The latest round of questions was all about cocktail party planning and tips to ensure an enjoyable and delicious time. As it happens cocktail parties are my most favorite parties to organize. They are easy peasy to plan, filled with fun and pretty low cost when it comes to the budget.

The three main recipe fixings for a traditional yet successful cocktail party is; planning, friends and the menu. Cocktail parties are a great way to catch-up and have some plain old friend fun. Classically a cocktail party lasts for about three or four hours and incudes a scrumptious array of food and of course cocktails while providing the opportunity to enjoy friends.
Really the secret to any great party is when the stress free host has just as much fun as the invited guests.

Cocktail Party Planning Tip One – It’s All About the Planning

Enjoyable parties don’t happen by accident. When it comes to planning we all want to throw the best possible party. And even the most basic of parties require some pre-thinking and foresight. By taking the time to think ahead and then mix it with a bit of planning and creativity, will provide the perfect combination for a stress free party experience.

First and foremost ask yourself; what kind of party do I want to throw? And once you’ve answer that question and decided on formal and elegant or informal and laid back, you can begin the planning process. As mentioned, planning and preparation is the key to any party’s success. And when cocktail party planning and looking for an effortless experience, it is essential to track all and I do mean all, the require items and tasks on a checklist. Be sure to take into account the theme, food, beverages, rentals, decorations and entertainment, and every other thing needed and then determine a budget. And a checklist and budget are definitely no good unless you put it to use.

Cocktail Party Planning Tip Two – It’s All About the Friends

An important part of cocktail party planning is creating the just right guest list. For so many reasons it’s crucial to make and be true to a guest list; first to ensure no one is missed, second so you don’t go over budget and third so the number of guests you invite can in deed fit the space.

It goes without saying you want to invite a group of likable and interesting people, that love socializing over good food and drinks and enjoy a groovy shindig. In part party success depends on guests that are outgoing, gregarious and able to engage in stimulating conversation. So make your list and yes check it twice, consider the different people and their personalities, how they will or won’t intermingle and ask yourself, are they the right fit for this party or not. Good guests make for a good party and compatibility is definitely the name of the game to keep the conversation flowing and the party entertaining. Compatibility is definitely the name of the game to keep the conversation flowing and the party entertaining. Don’t forget good guests make for a good party.

Cocktail Party Planning Tip Three – It’s All About the Menu

A great thing about a cocktail party is the guests are able to socialize while at the same time enjoy a beverage or more and a bite. When talking menu my first bit of advice is to follow the KISS rule, keep it simple silly. Simplify the menu and don’t make thing too difficult for yourself. If you think you have to be all things to all people and provide a huge variety of fixings’ you will end up spending too much and generating way to much work. With enough time even if the budget is tight you can create a wonderfully delicious yet simple spread. So be creative with your menu options and make life easier while helping to control costs. Consider serving easy to make (and delicious) hors d’oeuvres and appetizer platters. And keep in mind guests will forgo dinner and load up on party hors d’oeuvres and it is the task of the host to balance it all out, providing enough food without having lots of leftovers. Typically I plan for at least ten different kinds of hors d’oeuvres and assume on average a guest will consume 10-20 pieces.

Of course when throwing a cocktail party it is imperative to have cocktails. When it comes to the bar, we all have the fear we’ll run out of something. So we think we have to overstock it with every single thing and lots of it. So not true! A good bar should be stocked with wine and beer and a variety of liquors and fixings to make your friend’s favs as well as the in-style drinks. Remember the bar should be set up and ready prior to the guests’ arrival. And don’t forget about extra, cause you will need it ice, glassware, garnishes and plenty of non-alcoholic beverages. Once you have an idea of the bar set up you will want to estimate the amount of supplies necessary to accommodate your guests. On average each guest will consume two drinks within the first hour and then one drink every hour after that.

It is true a cocktail party can be one of the easier parties to host. The majority of work can be accomplished long before the party guests arrive. So when it’s party time the host can enjoy the party along with the guests. Don’t forget a successful cocktail party one that has that perfect combination of planning, friends, food and drink. It falls on the host to be sure the cocktails, nibbles and conversation is a rockin and a rolling and before you know it your party will be filled with lots of laughter and fun.

Related articles

• Eco Friendly Party Planning Where Less Becomes More!
• Interested In becoming a Party Planner?
• Resources for Creating an Event Planning Checklist

The post Need Help Cocktail Party Planning? appeared first on PlanAnEvent.org.

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A seasoned event organizer knows that part of winning a piece of business means that their budgeting skills need to be sharp. In some cases it can be a deal breaker. Knowing which questions to ask a potential client can help an event organizer select the right venue.

In this post I’m going to show you why the budget planning process doesn’t have to be the toughest part of an event proposal.

The Budget Planning Process is a Key Component to an Event Proposal

For most conferences or events, it’s the social functions that can add to a planner’s overall budget. It can also be a bit of a catch 22. Most event organizers understand the importance of adding social components to a program. From the planner’s perspective, they have to make the event attractive enough so that the attendees want to come.

The budget planning process for an event begins at the initial planning stage. That’s when the meeting planner sits down and maps out the various components of their conference or event. If they have a predetermined budget, they can begin to allocate funds towards each component. Pretty soon they’ll have an understanding of which parts of the program will need to be tweaked in order to meet the event’s budget.

You might want to check out these related articles on planning an event:

• How to Select the Right Venue for Your Events

• Event Planning Tips for Food and Beverage Functions

• Meeting and Conference Planning – Finding that Just Right Meeting Location, Location, Location!

How to Plan Your Budget around Your Event

A social event usually involves; on-site staff, transportation, venue rental fee, food and beverage, service and equipment charges and entertainment. You can easily understand where the cost will soon reach, or exceed, it’s budget. But rest assured, there are ways to still have a great social event without blowing your budget.

When I meet with a prospective client I always inquire about their budget. Sometimes planners are hesitant to disclose their budget (as they feel that that amount will get chewed up regardless of where the event is held). However if I know what their budget range is, I can find a suitable venue that will work within their parameters.

Here Are Three Areas Where You Can Trim an Event Budget

Transportation. Of course if you are holding your event off-site, depending on its location, you will have to provide transportation. Transportation vehicles can be expensive. Depending on the group’s size, you can easily spend $20-$30 per person on transportation.

Tip – look for venues that are within walking distance or consider hosting the event in-house (at the hotel).

Venue Rental Fee. Many groups like to host their events in unique spaces. Museums and art galleries are amongst the favorites. But, for facilities like these, there are venue rental fees on top of the food and beverage charges.

Tip – look for venues, such as restaurants with private rooms, that are elegant yet do not charge a venue rental fee on top of the food and beverage charges. Hotel ballrooms do not charge a rental fee if your event has food and beverage.

Service and Equipment Charges. Many standalone venues (such as museums and art galleries) are not equipped with kitchens. Therefore, the caterers are required to bring their own equipment and service staff for the event. They passed this charge along to the client, naturally. The cost for service and equipment can even be in excess of what the food menu would cost.

Tip – look for venues that have on-site kitchen facilities. Also, quite often, the in-house caterer has more access to the venue and can offer lower service and equipment charges because of that. Hotel ballrooms also do not charge for service and equipment.

Planning an event on a budget can be challenging. A seasoned event organizer knows which components of an event can be trimmed without affecting the impact of the event itself. Transportation, venue rental fees and service and equipment charges are three areas that can drive an event’s budget over the top. But there are venues out there where you do not have to pay these charges. An event proposal that addresses these areas has a very good chance of winning that piece of business.

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• What a Meeting Planner Considers When Selecting Restaurants
• What If You Plan an Event and No One Wants to Come

The post How to Plan an Event on a Budget appeared first on PlanAnEvent.org.

Photo courtesy of the Colorado Convention Center

By making small adjustments and modifications, a convention center can make a substantial and impressive impact.

The green, eco-friendly crusade started small and developed into the sustainable infrastructure it has become today. Whether it is at home or at work the “green” passion has stretched across the globe. Phrases like eco-friendly and green have become popular and key words in our vocabulary when it comes to describing the planet and our environment. Everywhere you look and everything you read says green is the new black. Meaning it is in trend to be eco-friendly and green in your home life as well as in your business. There was a time when just the thought of being green and living an eco-friendly lifestyle was a turn off and automatically brought on thoughts of being a tree huger. But we have come a long way baby and now it is all about living the best possible life including the impact our actions have on the globe.

Being green and eco-friendly means respecting our planet and being aware and mindful of how we use our water, energy, products and sources in relation to the environment and our everyday world. It means respecting our environment and the ecosystem and amongst other things incorporating into daily life and work whenever possible; composting and the three R’s reduce, recycle, reuse. And these days being green and eco-friendly is definitely easier than you think.

Why is it important to work with an Eco-Friendly Green Convention Center?

Within the meetings and conventions industry, there has been a rise in the understanding and appreciation of what it means to be eco-friendly and green. While at the same time venues and convention centers are implementing ways to help the planet by saving energy and water, employing recycling practices, buying locally, donating excess, reducing pollution, using eco-friendlier transportation substitutes and utilizing natural and ecologically aware products.

Meeting planners have embraced and supported the standards and principals required to guide the industry and those determined to produce more environmentally balanced business settings that inspire the on-going development of greener convention centers and venues. And whenever possible implement and uphold eco-friendly procedures to ensure future greener meetings and events.

What Makes the Colorado Convention Center Eco-Friendly and Green?

The $64,000 question; what does make the Colorado Convention Center eco-friendly?

“Denver is a natural fit for green meetings and events”. That is one of the more important things you’ll hear when in the city of Denver and talking about the Colorado Convention Center. Denver, yes the city, is committed to the sustainable development and ecologically-friendly practices that help to develop a green Denver as well as green meetings. And when Governor John Hickenlooper was mayor, he realized how important sustainability was so he developed a program called Greenprint Denver. The program provides leadership and solutions to ensure a prosperous community where people and nature thrive.

The ultimate in goals is to make all events held at the Colorado Convention Center eco-friendly, removing that imaginary line between a standard event and a green event. Always searching and striving for new procedures, practices and guidelines while retaining the ones that work operationally and adapting the ones that don’t. Due to the efforts to become eco-friendly and green the Colorado Convention Center has received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the EMS 14001 Certification as part of CCC City and County of Denver Overall Certification as well as being recognized by the Colorado Meeting and Events magazine as the Best Green Meeting Facility in 2009.

What is the Eco-Friendly Focus of the Colorado Convention Center?

The Colorado Convention Center has focused their sustainable efforts in the following areas:

• Energy Reduction and Alternative Sources
• Waste Reduction and Diversion
• Water Consumption and Quality
• Air quality and alternative transportation
• Community

And as the first venue to receive certification as a venue which meets the ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows, and Conferences (E2774-11), the Colorado Convention Center continually aspires to lead the industry in terms of sustainable practices. Their robust commitment to sustainability also includes a 300-kilowatt solar power system and they take their commitment to being eco-friendly very seriously by having a program manager available on site ready to answer questions about anything relating to sustainability.

Simply said, eco-friendly means earth friendly. How a convention center is built is of the utmost of importance but is only part of the picture. The structure, how it is operated as well as how it is reducing its impact on the environment are equally significant. We all have to do our part, whether at home or in business by implementing the best green practises whenever possible.

Related articles

• The Convention Center and Unique Space
• The Perfect Destination – San Diego and the San Diego Convention Center!
• Besides Conventions What Else is a Convention Center Used For?
• Eco Friendly Party Planning Where Less Becomes More!

The post Going Green with the Colorado Convention Center appeared first on PlanAnEvent.org.

photo by www.news.com.au

Have you ever wondered where the rich and ultra rich stay when they travel? Or if you’re an event manager then perhaps you’ve been fortunate enough to have worked and stayed in some of these luxury hotel chains. The Robb Report has published their list of the top 100 luxury hotels in Canada and the US.

The Robb Report has been around for over 30 years. They described themselves as the definitive authority on connoisseurship for the ultra-affluent consumers. The Robb Report provides insights, for their target audience, on subjects including; luxury automobiles, yachts, real estate, private aircraft, fashion, fine jewelry, art and of course all things travel.

Event Managers Love It When They Have an Opportunity to Work with the Leading Hotels of the World

Event organizers that have worked with luxury hotel chains understand how fortunate they are. First of all, they are working with a client that has a budget. That’s not to say that the event manager is free to spend wherever they please. But it does provide an opportunity to put together a top notch travel itinerary. Event planning for these clients can be quite rewarding. If you’ve ever been in a luxury hotel property then you may have noticed the number of staff. As a matter of fact luxury hotels typically employee several employees for every one hotel guest. It’s the attention to details, on top of the physical appearance of the hotel, that really sets luxury hotels apart from the others.

The Top 100 Luxury Hotels in the US and Canada

Robb Report, a luxury travel magazine, has published their list of the top 100 luxury hotels in the US and Canada. The list was published earlier this month. The Robb Report 100 hotels: United States and Canada provides a review (including price range) of the luxury hotels that were fortunate enough to make the list. It also provides a link to the hotel’s website.

Luxury hotel chains cater to the rich and famous. The Robb Report’s list of 100 hotels in the United States and Canada showcases the very best in hotels. Event managers love working with luxury hotels as these properties have an abundance of personnel ready and willing to help with their event planning needs.

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The post Luxury Hotels That Cater to the Rich and Famous appeared first on PlanAnEvent.org.

Photo courtesy of enokson

When thinking about the job of an event planner, it is often believed the profession is heavy on the fun and light on the workload. And that couldn’t be farther from the actual truth. The responsibilities associated with planning an event are a huge undertaking. What with all the time consuming details, organizing, multitasking and plain old fashioned work that is involved. And while I do love my job, I regularly say if work were meant to be fun it would be called play.

An event planner oversees and is responsible to coordinate and execute events and meetings of every size. And the work is filled with countless tasks, details and challenges. Planning an event is a huge undertaking and working with a good planner will help to manage everything from start to finish.

Six Must Have Qualities of a Top Notch Event Planner

Before the search for a planner begins, it is important to have a vision and understand the kind of event you want to plan as well as the things to look for in a top notch event planner.

1. People Skills – To be effective and successful in their job, it is imperative for an event planner to be able to negotiate, work, communicate and interact with all sorts of people including customers, suppliers, attendees and VIPs. To possess people skills and the ability and knack to deal with individuals in all kinds of situations with tact, skill and subtlety is vital in an event planner’s position.

2. Organization – Organization is a big part of successful event planning. It cannot be over said, there are never enough hours in a day to get through it all. And really an event planner’s job requires them to be all things to all people. To be successful, it is essential to be able to; think on your feet, multi task, apply attention to detail and so much more while at the same time retain all the information. Good organizational skills will help a planner to elude some of those last minute complications and help an event planner come to the table prepared for everything including problems.

3. Industry Experience/Knowledge – An important part of an event planner’s job is not only to stay on top of all the latest and greatest industry trends but have an understanding of them as well. Customers are attracted to an event planner in part due to their expertise and know- how. A great event planner is one that while an event is happening has the ability to understand as well as the knowledge, experience and expertise to oversee and rectify any situation, no matter what the circumstances, environment and surroundings are.

4. Flexibility – Flexibility is a must for an event planner to do their job effectively. In all stages of event planning, a planner must tackle an array of last minute tasks and challenges. If there’s one thing I know for sure when it comes to planning an event, there will always be changes. And the ability to be flexible and adaptable and react on site without missing a beat is second to none.

5. Problem Solving – Let’s face it, with every job there is bound to be some hitches and glitches, but for event planners this can be particularly true. Problem solving is a crucial skill for an event planner. Without problem solving it would be impossible for an event planner to effectively do their job. To be victorious an event planner must be able to problem solve right on the spot. It really is up to the planner to ensure that no matter what the problem or issue is they are able to react behind the scenes and keep it all on track.

6. Passion – The mystery to being a successful event planner is passion. A successful professional enjoys and loves what they do and an event planner is no different. Event planning takes blood, sweat and at times a tear or two along with hard work, time, creativity and most importantly passion. The mission is to plan and execute a perfect event with as few glitches as possible and all with a smile. One of the more amazing parts of our industry is that we are always learning new things and with each new event provides the chance to engage in new challenges and ignites the flame of passion.

In my experience, the key to success lies in the details. And in the long run an experienced eagle eye is the ticket. An event planner will not only save you time but money as well. They will manage everything from start to finish. So you want to ensure to partner with the person that is perfect for you. Be sure to ask questions and communicate your needs and wants as it is so essential when choosing and working with the right event planner.

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• How Do I get Event Planning Experience?
• Event Ethics, Meeting Planner and Supplier Edition
• What If You Plan an Event and No One Wants to Come
• Are Event Planners Souring on India?
• Resources for Creating an Event Planning Checklist

The post A Top Notch Event Planner, What’s it All About? appeared first on PlanAnEvent.org.