3 Steps to A Great Event
1.Know what you want and don't let anyone change your mind!
Nothing is more frustrating for me as an event coordinator/manager than knowing my client's vision then watching someone else attempt to change it based on their own capabilities. This is one of the many reasons that I handle vendor requests. My highest priority is to ensure that my client recieves exactly what he or she is asking for, and if the specific vendor is not capabale to do the job then my job will be to find someone who can.
2. Contracts, Contracts, Contracts... Oh...did I say Contracts
If you don't have it in writing then it not only will not happen... but, it wasn't even an idea that was discussed! Please do not agree to pay for any services without signing a contract or at least receiving an itemized invoice first! This is for your own security. Day-of "miscommunications" are all too common at the hands of poor customer service or laziness from vendors. A contract is your safety net financially if any action needs to be taken.
3. Give every minute a name
A day of timeline is ESSENTIAL to having a successful event. I believe that people tend to think that only church, conferences, and networking events require a schedule. That just isn't true! I have been to enough birthday parties, baby showers, and weddings that have those weird empty moments... You know the moments that I'm talking about; Where everyone is just looking around and the person with the mic is sweating waiting to hear what to do next from a voice in the back of the room. Awkward. The fix to that is a simple schedule and assigning a name to every segment of your event day.
Example:
4:00-6:00 Room Setup
6:30-7:15 Guest Arrival
7:15-7:20 Host Introduction
7:20-8:00 Guest Dinner
I have assisted with so many events over years and these 3 things are KEY to a successful, stress-free event! Leave me a note and let me know what your 3 things are or what you think I should add to this list!