Ten Things to Consider When Hiring an Event Planning Company

You’ve designed your program, lined up your presenters and have a clear idea of the objectives you wish to attain. Whether you are planning a large scale production or an intimate gathering for VIPs, you want your event to come alive and your participants to feel the “WOW” factor. The right event planning organization can make or break the show, so when you are choosing a company to handle the logistics and execution of your important event, you’ll want to consider its capabilities in these ten areas.

1) Size: Does the company have the manpower and contingency plans to manage your event, even if unforeseen circumstances pull away part of the team? A one- or two-person operation could be a risky choice.

2) Trust: Whether you are spending $5,000 or $500,000, does the company engender your trust to handle your budget and your event?

3) Experience: There’s no such thing as too much experience. No two events are the same, and a wide variety of experience gives an event planner a broader skill set. Be sure to check credentials and references from previous clients.

4) Vendor Relationships: Does the company have strong, professional relationships with hotels and suppliers needed to deliver all the elements of your programs?

5) Survival: How long has the company been in business and how financially healthy is it? You need to feel confident that it will remain in business through the production of your event and beyond.

6) Trends: Do the event planners stay abreast of industry developments and trends in meeting management? Ask them about emerging event elements that they have used successfully.

7) Technology: Is the company keeping up with the latest technology? Can it offer ways to improve efficiency and costs?

8) Professional Floor Plan: Does the company have experienced planning staff to produce a professional floor plan to make sure the whole event will flow flawlessly?

9) Green: Will the company minimize the environmental impact of your event? Green responsibility is important to your company’s image.

10) Time: Does the company respond to your calls and emails in a timely manner? Will it take the time to develop a relationship and understand your corporate culture?

Contact the Covington Meetings & Events team to find out how our position on these ten important considerations can help make your next event a brilliant success.

Source: Janet Elkins of MeetingsNet.com