You are here: Home / Archives for events

What Important Food Event Planning Decision Enhances Success?

June 13, 2013 By Comments
Table set up -white plates, green napkins

Photo courtesy of www.purplerainvineyard.com

When it comes to event planning it seems we always explore what an event planner is responsible for as well as the skills and expertise needed to achieve success. And most times will gloss over the importance of some of the event planning daily decisions and outcomes. Many say when it comes to event planning the success is the outcome of hard work and a comprehensive, detailed blueprint. Outlining and executing a plan of this size can take an unbelievable amount of effort and know-how. And just the creating, planning and all that is involved can take well over a year. But it’s some of those event planning decisions that can make even the most seasoned event planner slightly anxious and tense.

When talking Event Planning Food Events Do Guarantee Numbers Matter?

Do event planning food event guarantee numbers matter? In a word YES! The other day I was having a chat with a meeting planner peer and we were gabbing about some of our “best” hits and misses when it comes to planning events. A couple of my stellar misses while not directly my errors were definitely my responsibility to fix on-site revolved around clients and guarantee numbers. In one of the more memorable snafu an association executive director provided a guarantee of one thousand for his Welcome Reception and as luck would have it two thousand guests actually showed up. And let me tell you things changed pretty quickly including glassware went to plastic and planned hors d’oeuvres went to whatever was in house and could be prepared. Another time a client provided a guarantee of 200 for a supplier party and you guessed it 500 showed up. And this time I quickly got the establishment preparing, serving and ensuring the guests were accommodated and I then rolled up my sleeves and started busing the room. No matter what in these situations we do what we can.

So far the majority of the on-site hiccups I have experienced had everything to do with the wrong guarantee numbers. Of course we all know when it comes to event food functions, no matter where they are held, a guarantee number must be provided.

Success is in the Numbers for Event Planning Food Events!

There definitely is a lot to consider when providing a guarantee number for a food function. Depending on the catering company, a guarantee number is required anywhere from 3 – 7 business days out. Most catering companies will work with a client and provide recommendations. I personally have found a good catering company usually provides great information as well as guidance. However it is the planner’s responsibility to know the group, numbers, menu and budget. And once that guarantee number is provided, if wrong or the numbers are actually lower, the client is charged for the guaranteed number or the total served, whichever is greater. As a safety net, many catering companies and venues will prepare 3% to 5% over the guarantee number and will then only charge for these meals if they are used. A couple more things to note; providing you have allowed enough time; you can increase your guarantee number but never, ever decrease it. And in the case where the client does not provide a final guarantee number, the caterer or venue will go with the original guesstimate provided.

One of the more challenging undertakings with event planning can be the food events and understanding all the ins and outs it takes to be successful. When it comes to food service and food events there definitely is a plethora of what, where, when and how decisions to make to ensure things do turn out just right. And food guarantees will forever be at the top of that list. Of course any meeting and event professional knows providing correct and on target food guarantees is one of the more important decisions when it comes to the budget and the bottom line.

 

 

 

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Planning An Event Tagged With: , , , ,

Does Modernizing Matter When it comes to an Event Planning Career?

June 4, 2013 By Comments
education vs experience

Photo courtesy of GTalan

When first starting out with an event planning career, didn’t it seem like there was a mountain of information to learn? I for one remember thinking I will never first be able to learn it all and second remember it all. But as timed passed and luck would have it, I was and did. And now sometimes, just sometimes I feel like I could do my job with my eyes closed and one armed tied behind my back. Recently I decided it’s been a while and it was time to reawaken and update my knowledge and expertise while at the same time try to stay ahead of the industry matters and trends. So I signed myself up for an event planning workshop followed up by a weekend course. And was I surprised at all the information available to update my skills and know-how.

Yes or No to an Event Planning Career Update?

Now don’t get me wrong I of course feel like I know what I’m doing and have all the info in my tool box needed to execute great events. But whether already entrenched in a career or just starting out, one of the most frequent questions I am asked when it comes to an event planning career is “Do I really need to update my event planning education or get more training?” Some do figure why not skip the schooling and get some knowledge and experience by just jumping right into a volunteer, part time or non-paying position or by finding some kind of industry freelance work. Some prefer to jump on board and get the ball rolling right away rather than invest in training and the future.

Whenever asked I am hesitant to encourage event planning courses or training one way or another, and unless I have direct knowledge and experience specifically recommend which one(s) to take. And when it comes to an event planning career and learning and training, it really does depend on the person and the situation. And as I am deep-rooted and established in my career the thought of taking a course never really entered my mind. So instead of offering my opinion one more time, I figured I would actually not just talk the talk but walk the walk and register for an event planning refresher workshop. And while there is not a definite answer, at the same time I was determined to find out the answer to the burning event planner career question “what is more beneficial experience or learning?”

Objectives, Ambitions and Expectations, An Event Planning Career, Oh My!

It really makes no difference whether we’re talking about an event planning career or not, we all come from different paths, jobs and circumstances; from high school to college graduate from intern to experienced, from newbie to well established, and if asking all deserve the best advice possible. Having said that I am definitely a proponent of updating one’s experience and resume but really the answer to that question has everything to do with individual objectives, ambitions and expectations.

If you do think by taking some courses and training workshops and then slapping it on the resume is a sure-fire way to get a job or promotion you will definitely find yourself unhappy and frustrated. But if you do, in fact, look at it as an opportunity to build the nuts and bolts of a career on, are looking to gain experience hoping to take part in an internship, are taking the steps to further expand your education in hopes of advancing a career, are using this as a chance to network and get hands on practice or want to revitalize your skills and abilities; then in my opinion, you are more likely to be a success.

Say YES to an Event Planning Career and Education!

So say yes to furthering your event planning career by injecting it with some education, training and updates. It’s an amazing and hands on opportunity to learn from expert industry professionals. And it provides the chance to enhance our knowledge and experience and re-energize as the event planning marketplace and arena move forward.

Comments from students and experienced event planners alike at a recent event planning workshop confirmed that they were not only satisfied with the actual workshop but were glad they attended. The majority felt it was the perfect opportunity to to meet and network with other industry contacts as well as advance their understanding of the industry, skills and practices. Every industry changes, to stay on top of it all and to be successful, we all have to do whatever it takes.

 

 

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Tools & Guides Tagged With: , , , ,

The Magic of a Great Convention Center and a Great City!

May 28, 2013 By Comments

Metro Toronto Convention CenterWhen it comes to booking a city and convention center for a convention, most meeting planners work from a list of necessities and prerequisites. Of course the laundry list of needs and wants is a long one and includes a great convention center, venues that fit the bill, support services, hotel accessibility, affordability, services companies, safe surroundings and the list continues.

A convention center is the benchmark of a convention. Meeting planners want and look for a center and CVB that can easily work as one to provide the best package and experience. When it comes to the meeting and educational part of the equation we all want a one of a kind location where advanced technologies, adaptable meeting facilities, convenient accommodations, unique venues and exceptional conventions services happen.

Greeting from the Award Winning Metro Toronto Convention Center

With seven exhibit halls, 66 meeting rooms, a 1,332 seat theater and two ballrooms encompassing over 648,000 square feet of space, an upbeat, eager and award winning service staff and culinary team help to make the Metro Toronto Convention Center (MTCC) popular as a North American convention destination.

When you work with the top rated, award winning gang at the Toronto Metro Convention Center you set yourself up for top-quality services and standards. By combining the best in; cutting edge philosophies, state-of-the-art technology, sustainable green services, adaptable meeting space as well as whatever else a meeting planner needs or can imagine, the MTCC has the tools to deliver. And with a location easily accessible from just about everywhere, Toronto, located a mere hop, skip and a jump, barely 90 minutes from 60% of North Americans, why not host a convention at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

In the end, the MTCC provides an exceptional one stop experience incorporating a facility, people, services and a location second to none.

Welcome To Toronto!

Toronto SkylineToronto is a first class city that literally has something for everyone. Which begs for the question, what do you look for in a city, beside the convention center?

A very popular destination when it comes to conventions and meetings. Toronto is known as the number one choice for U.S. sponsored association meetings held outside the U.S., as the top domestic business travel destination, has over 230 hotels with over 38,000 hotel rooms and has the largest convention center in Canada. The Metro Toronto Convention Centre ranks among the top ten largest continuous-space facilities in North America. So when not knee deep in sessions, events and meetings the city offers so much to see and do. From fabulous shopping to first class hotels, from delicious restaurants to must see theater, from galleries to museums, from sporting events to informative tours and let’s not forget about the plethora of spectacular venues and restaurants, Toronto really is the place to be.

By finding the just right location and convention center helps to create the perfect storm when it comes to convention planning and hosting a convention. Take a world class city and a first rate convention center and throw in lots of great restaurants, accommodations, shopping and attractions, will not only help to ensure success but please a meeting professional and the delegates too! So what do you look for in a city, beside the convention center?

 

 

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Planning A Conference Tagged With: , , , , ,

Where Do Event Planners Find Motivation?

May 21, 2013 By Comments

motivation picture - man on a moutainIn 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.

 

 

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Tools & Guides Tagged With: , , , ,

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

May 9, 2013 By Comments
heart with the words top notch

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.

 

 

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Tools & Guides Tagged With: , , ,

Besides Conventions What Else is a Convention Center Used For?

May 7, 2013 By Comments
view ot the Phoenix convention center

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.

 

 

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Tools & Guides Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

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

May 3, 2013 By Comments
Stadium event with empty seats

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

  1. five tips for events

    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.

  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

 

Related articles

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Planning An Event Tagged With: , , , ,

How Do I get Event Planning Experience?

April 25, 2013 By Comments
two blue siloutes saying give me a job.

Photo courtesy of Sean MacEntee

Ever thought about a career in event planning? If I’ve been asked once I’ve been asked a hundred times, how do I get event planning experience? For some just the thought of planning events for a living really is a dream come true.

An event planner is responsible to organize the operations and logistical components for a meeting or event program. They are in charge of the planning and executing of events from public to private, corporate to weddings, meetings to receptions and everything else in between. Tasks include everything from; budget and contract negotiations, finding locations and venues, securing service providers and entertainment, choosing decor and food and in general taking care of each and every detail required for small and large meetings and events alike.

What is an Event Planning Career About?

Event planning is an exciting and fast paced career. Of course it takes a lot more than a passion for parties or planning to be successful. You got to have an arsenal of expertise and abilities including people skills, strong attention to detail, the ability to work under pressure and experience. And whether the task at hand is a reception gala, convention or wedding the common thread is events and meetings bring together individuals for a shared reason. The responsibility of the event planner is to make sure that the shared reason is accomplished flawlessly coordinating every single element from start to finish.

SO How Do I Get Event Planning Experience?

Event planning is definitely a career in progress and while some planners come to the table with a boatload of knowledge, resources and experience others need to be educated and require some guidance, training and yes experience. Two of my favorite ways to help get your foot in the door are volunteering and networking. Both great ways to inch closer to the career you want.

If time permits contact non-profits, event venues and reputable event planners and volunteer your time. Propose to family and friends that you will plan their events gratis in order to acquire skills and experience. Enduring event planning success is built on the experience and knowledge an event professional brings to their clients. Volunteering provides the chance; to learn and apply and improve skills with hands-on work along with the opportunity to develop a portfolio.

Networking is a perfect way to get your name out there and meet potential suppliers and future clients. Networking and staying connected has become a very important part of doing business these days. It provides the opportunity to establish and build industry relationships, stay on top of trends and grow professionally. It also offers the opportunity and setting to meet new people, stay in touch with others and have a better understanding of the industry in general. One of the coolest things about networking is you just never know who you will end up meeting and chatting with.

An event planner wears many hats and must oversee every part of the experience. If you feel you have the qualifications and what it takes for an event planning career but not sure where to start. First and foremost, get advice from industry professionals, volunteer whenever possible and get out there and start networking.

 

 

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Planning An Event Tagged With: , , , ,

Interested In becoming a Party Planner?

April 23, 2013 By Comments
cartoon diva party planner

Photo courtesy of TLC

Like a lot of planners at one point in my career I was fortunate to experience being a party planner. Frankly, the majority of my work in this industry has been as a meeting and event planner organizing conferences and meetings tackling all the ins and outs it takes to plan successful scenarios. However at a time due to circumstances I zigged instead of zagging and veered off and was able to expand my circle, knowledge and experiences.

As luck would have it, I spent a smattering of time as a wedding planner and a party planner and enjoyed almost every minute of it. And during that time not only was I able to brush up on my skills and learn a lot I was able to gain some insight into other areas of the planning business.

What is the Job of a Party Planner?

The job of a party planner is to organize and manage parties and shindigs of all sorts and sizes from small to large. A party planner is responsible to arrange and oversee each and every element from the theme to the location to food and more. And while you get to meet lots of great people and the job can look more than exciting from the outside looking in, in reality it can be extremely challenging, stressful, time consuming and hard work.

A Party planner is required to use their vision, resourcefulness and creativeness and take a client’s ideas and concepts and transform them into a dream party and while you put out a lot you really do get so much more back.

Learning, Education and a Party Planner

When it comes to party planning this is a career that doesn’t command an infinite number of traditional educational requirements. And while obtaining some credentials will definitely assist would-be planners acquire the basic expertise, guidance and instruction needed for success. Some of the most important party planning tools are hands-on experience, networking and old fashion common sense. In order to get some hands-on training and experience and become more skilled there are huge benefits in working for an established party planner, at well-known parties and events or at party venues on a voluntary basis. Volunteering is the best way to acquire some of that much needed experience and know how. And network, network, network! Talk with industry professionals, make connections and create a network of folks you can trust and depend on when you need support, have questions or just need a shoulder.

As well there are copious amounts of help available from; books and blogs, tutorials and seminars, lectures and courses to help a newbie and hopeful planner get started and gain information.

The party planning and event planning business is one of the quickest growing businesses in the marketplace. Everyone thinks a party planner has the best and most exciting job ever. But like most things, it’s not as dazzling as it seems. Bear in mind like so many areas of expertise, success doesn’t come overnight it takes a lot of hard work, flexibility and experience.

 

 

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Planning Parties Tagged With: , , , ,

Meeting and Event Planning – Success Starts with Knowledge

April 18, 2013 By Comments
computer keys with the enter key in gold with the word success

Photo courtesy of csitscenter

When it comes to meeting and event planning, there are as many types of meetings and events as there are reasons to have them. Events and meetings bring together people for an assortment of reasons and are used to educate, resolve issues, brainstorm, team build, motivate and so much more. For a meeting or event to be effective and successful it takes a boat load of knowledge, resources and planning, planning, planning.

When planning a meeting or event as equally important as the location, room style and set-up is the meeting type. With all the different kinds of meetings and events along with the various terms to describe them it is imperative to understand the various explanations.

Meeting and Event Planning – Knowledge Starts with Information

When in the process of meeting and event planning it is helpful to categorize the various types of meetings or events with the function reason as well as the type of attendee that will be partaking. With all the kinds of meetings, different gatherings require distinct and different preparations, location, set-up, timing and logistics and so on. Once you establish the meeting type and goal, you then can make the appropriate plans to successfully accomplish the purpose and objectives.

Meeting and Event Planning – Different Types of Meetings

A Seminar is a meeting about a particular subject and is largely planned for education reasons, or is held to instruct and coach groups on certain subject matters and skills. Most often a seminar is led by industry authorities and specialists.

A Conference is a well-planned, executed gathering of a group of individuals to discuss, debate and deliberate specific topics and information. It is larger than a meeting and while similar to a convention it is smaller in size but one thing is for sure; no matter the topic it’s all about communication.

A Symposium is an organized meeting where an authority in a specific industry convenes, presents and communicates. The objective is to talk about and provide ideas, advice and a recommended plan of action.

A Workshop is similar to a seminar and is often misidentified. While like a seminar a workshop is an educationally based event, as a rule a workshop is a group, down to business and participatory activity. Workshops are an excellent set-up for problem solving and teaching, relationship building and hands-on learning experiences.

Meeting and Event Planning – Different Types of Events

A Team Building Event is held to help employees and teams; get to know one another better, improve relationships, build trust, sharpen communication, increase efficiency and work out differences. They can run the gamut from scavenger hunts to chocolate making to white water rafting to a day at the circus.

A Product Launch is the introduction of goods to the marketplace. As a rule this is the first time customers have the opportunity to see and learn about a new product. Industry and media professionals are invited to partake in the launch of the product. More times than not the event is a large one and can add to or take away from a company’s success.

A Tradeshow is a presentation planned for organizations of a particular industry to unveil, explain and showcase services and products to peers, professionals and authorities alike in their industry. It is also about the interaction and connections between individuals sharing experiences and know-how.

With all the different and assorted kinds of meetings and events and the varied terms to describe them the waters can definitely become muddy. Recently I was working with some meeting and event planning students and they were firing off questions after questions with an emphasis on meeting types and rooms set-up. I thought perfect opportunity for a blog post. This is just a smattering of the various types of meetings and events, what’s missing?

 

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Planning An Event Tagged With: , , , , , ,
« Older Posts
 
Funny Birthday Surprise (comedy video) http://t.co/cd8d5vG9pD2 hours ago