eventplanning Archives - PlanAnEvent.org

Does Size Matter for a Convention Center?

May 24, 2013 By Andrew Maxwell Comments

a wedding party outside of a convention center

photo by scotthayneblog.com

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.

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.

Filed Under: Planning A Conference Tagged With: convention center, CVB, eventplanning, eventprofs, Green, LEED

Using an Executive Search Company to Find Event Planning Jobs

May 22, 2013 By Andrew Maxwell Comments

cartoon of a man holding a job wanted sign in reference to event planning jobs

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.

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.

Filed Under: Tools & Guides Tagged With: event planning jobs, eventplanning, eventprofs, Hospitality

Where Do Event Planners Find Motivation?

May 21, 2013 By Randy Markus Comments

In our ongoing series about motivation, today we are going to tackle a topic that I have been very curious about; where do event planners find motivation. Event planning is definitely a challenging career and takes hard work and great organizational skills. But what about those days where your get up and go has without a doubt got up and gone. At a recent industry event I happen on a group of meeting planners talking job motivation and the different methods they use to help. So I will be addressing the findings in this not so scientific inquiry.

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.

Filed Under: Tools & Guides Tagged With: eventplanning, events, motivation, planning, Self-Help

Event Planners Need Good Communication Skills (Comedy Video)

May 17, 2013 By Andrew Maxwell Comments

two men comically using a bullhorn to demonstrate good communication skills

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”.

Filed Under: Tools & Guides, Videos Tagged With: comedy, Communication, eventplanning, eventprofs, video

How to Plan an Event on a Budget

May 15, 2013 By Andrew Maxwell Comments

photo by www.ehow.com

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.

Filed Under: Planning An Event Tagged With: budgets, event, eventplanning, eventprofs, planning an event

A Top Notch Event Planner, What’s it All About?

May 9, 2013 By Randy Markus Comments

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.

Filed Under: Tools & Guides Tagged With: eventplanning, eventprofs, events, planning

There Is Good Reason to Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week

May 8, 2013 By Andrew Maxwell Comments

photo by www.ustravel.org

In case you didn’t know it, National Travel and Tourism Week is underway. This year it runs from May 4-12. The theme this year is Travel Effect – highlighting the effects that business travel has on the overall economy.

And judging from the statistics, there’s reason to celebrate…

A Little Bit of History on How National Travel and Tourism Week Came to Be

Established in 1993 by a joint resolution in the U.S. Congress, National Tourism Week was designated to be celebrated one week every May. President Reagan signed a presidential proclamation urging everyone to recognize the week with ceremonies and activities. And we’ve been doing it every year in May ever since.

The US Travel Association is responsible for marketing the National Travel and Tourism Week. They have an excellent toolkit that event planners, and travelers of all type, can download to help with their event planning needs.

Business Travel Is Having an Impact on the Economy

A recent study by Oxford Economics looked at the effects that business travel has had on the US economy over the last 18 years. And as this year’s theme is the “travel effect”, the results of the study are reason to celebrate.

Some of the study’s findings include:

in 2012, overall travel generated $1.9 trillion into the US economy

overall travel generated or supported 14.4 million jobs

in 2012 alone, business travel created or supported 3.6 8 million jobs

business travel generated $34.5 billion in local, state and federal tax revenues in 2012

over the 18 years which the study looked at, for every dollar spent on business travel, US companies received a return of $9.50

business travel yields $2.90 in profits for every dollar spent

business travelers have stated that prospects are two times more likely to become customers because of in person meetings

Pres. Obama's quote on national tourism and travel week over a picture of the presidential seal

photo from www.ustravel.org

Pres. Obama acknowledged that “tourism contributes to the success of the American and world economies”. Event planners take a bow. This is a week to celebrate your contributions to event planning and business travel as a whole. By reviewing the statistics of the recent Oxford Economics study related to business travel, it’s obvious that the travel industry (which includes event planning) is a major player in our economic growth.

Filed Under: Promoting Events Tagged With: business travel, eventplanning, eventprofs, National Travel & Tourism Week

Besides Conventions What Else is a Convention Center Used For?

May 7, 2013 By Randy Markus Comments

Photo courtesy of lumierefl

For some years now it has been said that key North American convention center business has been decreasing. For what literally seems a like a life time convention centers have relied on conferences and conventions for success and revenue. The steadfast focus was to secure the big business of conferences and conventions, citywide and the like, and if additional outside the box business was booked that was icing on the cake.

Business can be fickle and like with so many industries convention center sales can go up and of course what goes up must eventually come down. Convention centers are no longer just for conferences and conventions. With an ever changing horizon in the meetings market, when it comes to using and booking convention centers, the previous tested and proved business of conventions and conferences is now no longer the only game in town. And with a downward trend it is essential to respond in the best way possible to avoid a dip and decline and as that old saying goes when given lemons make lemonade.

So when conference and convention bookings are declining and the building facilities are still available, in what other ways can the space still be utilized?

Benefits of Using a Convention Center for Weddings

Convention centers provide the ultimate backdrop and space for weddings, delivering all the benefits of a strong and commanding venue along with the intimacy and warmth of a special celebration. Convention centers are a one stop shop, full service destination, able to assist in making preparations for everything from music to decorations to cake and so much more. They are great stress relievers offering, with the bride in mind options as well as personal and customize packages.

From a small and intimate celebration to the grandest of weddings, convention centers make for a perfect setting for that most special day. Centrally and conveniently located with an abundance of hotel accommodations, personalized and professional services and valuable amenities make a convention center the perfect venue for a wedding.

Benefits of Using a Convention Center for Green Events

Back in the day, it’s an understatement to say it was difficult to find a convention center that applied the three R’s reduce, reuse and recycle, let alone one that was considered environmentally friendly. These days there is definitely an increase in the number of North American convention centers that are going or have already gone green. By taking the lead, committing to creating and implementing guidelines and policies that will reduce the influence and effect our actions have on the environment and offering an environmentally green responsible venue, a green convention center can help organize not only a successful event a sustainable one as well.

When a convention center is committed to being green, dedicated to the best green practices and has a strong commitment to the environment, it’s easier than you think to hold a green sustainable event. Working closely with the convention center service team, all equipped with a full and comprehensive understanding of not only green practices but customer needs as well makes a convention centre the perfect spot for your event. Creating, executing and enforcing green guidelines do in-fact help to lessen the effect our actions have on the planet. Making hosting a green event at a convention center a win-win situation.

Businesses constantly face the challenge to be more inventive, state-of-the-art and ground-breaking to compete. Convention centers are constantly looking to connect, amaze and exceed customer expectations in the most remarkable, outstanding and unforgettable way, to impress clients and win business. When searching for venues look outside the box. Consider venues for your events that you may not have considered in the past. When it comes to convention centers there is no detail or request that is too big or too small and they can provide the perfect environment, eco-friendly environment that is for any celebration or event.

Filed Under: Tools & Guides Tagged With: conventioncenters, eventplanning, events, Green, planning, sustainable, venues, Weddings

What If You Plan an Event and No One Wants to Come

May 3, 2013 By Andrew Maxwell Comments

photo by www.123rf.com

Have you ever attended an event and wished you were somewhere else? Or perhaps there have been times when you couldn’t wait to get to a particular function. Can you remember what it was about the events that you didn’t want to attend? Or better yet, do you remember what it was about the events you wanted to attend. These are the questions meeting and event planners tackle as part of their everyday jobs. For me, I have attended events that I dreaded as well as events where I couldn’t get there fast enough. Truthfully, it all depended on the event itself.

Having been in the event planning industry for more years than I wish to state, I began to recognize early on in my career that the key to winning a meeting planner’s business was to create events that sparked interest, made people have fun and sometimes they even learned something new about their industry.

Five Event Planning Tips to Consider for Your Next Event

photo by www.mmidirect.com

The event should be something that an individual could not do on their own. Early on in my career, this became one of the main focal points. What I found work best was to propose events that the individuals attending would not have been able to do on their own. Of course the ideas depends entirely on the type of groups. Receptions and/or dinners in a museum is something that the average person would not be doing on their own. Depending on your client’s budget, there are many unique venues in most cities that rent their facility for private functions.

Don’t plan it for yourself. I had the luxury of taking a management course with the Walt Disney Corporation a number of years back. One of the things that has always stuck in my head was a quote from Walt Disney himself. He was once asked to describe his success. One thing he said was “you don’t build it for yourself, rather find out what the people want and build it for them”. A lot of new planners tend to plan events around their own interests. What they are forgetting, however, is that the attendees do not necessarily want to do the same types of things as the event planner.

Make it fun. I know this sounds so simple but it’s also something that gets overlooked often. Making an event fun doesn’t mean that people have to jump into bouncy blow up things (mind you, for the right group, those can be fun). If you are considering having sponsors for your event, this might be an area where they can help you. Whether it be a draw for a trip of a lifetime, or perhaps a take away prize, a little creativity can make people want to come out knowing they’re going to have a good time.

Have a star at your event. Now I’m not saying go out and hire Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie to circulate at your event (if you have the budget, go for it – I’ll bet people show up). Rather, look at some of the superstars in your industry and see if you can get them to attend your event. Maybe it’s a keynote speaker that has a topic that people want to hear.

Become known for a specialty. If you do multiple (or regular) events, become known for a certain aspect of your events. One example might be the food that you offer. Rather than the typical passed hors d’oeuvres or food stations, why not make your food unique by offering something that stands out. By becoming known for this one item, you’ll soon develop a following. People want to come to your next event to see what type of food you’re going to be offering “this time”. After all, if you go off the beaten path just a little bit you’re going to get noticed.

Creating an event that people want to attend can be a difficult task. The key to creating successful events is to think outside of the box. Reflect on the events that you’ve attended and think about the successful ones. What was it about the ones you liked? Build an event template that covers the key areas that will help make your event stand out.

Filed Under: Planning An Event Tagged With: event planning tips, eventplanning, eventprofs, events, planning

What Is It about Transportation That Drives Event Planners Nuts?

May 1, 2013 By Andrew Maxwell Comments

transportation poster of planes trains and automobiles

photo by blog.spartanrace.com

As we have talked about many times, event planners wear many hats. One of those hats usually includes transportation logistics. Most times event planners need to transfer their delegates from one location to another. And quite often the transportation involves many different types of vehicles, depending on the event itself. For example, airport transportation can utilize a coach, limousine service or an airport shuttle.

Transportation Can Be a Make or Break Component to Event Planning

As a full service Destination Management Company (DMC) we would often be tasked with booking transportation, in addition to other program components, for event planners. As the years went on, and event planners began to utilize the Internet much more frequently to secure suppliers, I found that they would still hire my company to do the transportation.

Transportation is very local. In other words the companies that an event planner would hire are expected to be experts in their fields. But so much can happen with transportation that is beyond anybody’s control. When it comes to airport transportation, event planners are dependent on the weather, both at the arrival destination as well as the many departure destinations. On top of that, there is local traffic that can throw a wrench into a well organized schedule.

Event planners, how many times have you heard that the coach you are waiting for is stuck in traffic and is just around the corner? I know that when we were organizing transportation for any of our clients, tardiness was a concern. When we would call into the transportation companies dispatch, more times than not, we were told that our vehicle was stuck in traffic and should be at their pickup location in a matter of minutes. Well, those minutes would often end up being 10 or 15. And when you’re standing on a street corner looking for a coach, with your client beside you, 10 or 15 min. can seem like an eternity.

There Are Many Types of Transportation That Event Planners Have To Consider

Quite often a meeting or event can have many transportation components. Some of the more common transportation elements are:

Airlines

Railway

Airport transportation (involving coach and limousine service)

Coach shuttles

Event transfers

Sightseeing tours

Valet service

refine search for transportation Click here to view our sister site’s, WTTC.com, transportation directory. Here you’ll get a sense as to what questions you need to think about when selecting transportation companies.