All Event Planners Are Not Created Equal

Most not - for - profit organizations hold a variety of events for a number of reasons. Amongst these are for fundraising purposes, administrative, informative, public service, social, etc., or some combination of these. Many groups have come to realize that they can often benefit from the services of an event planner, but few realize that all event planners are not the same, in terms of approach, expertise, and/ or results. Some individuals that call themselves event planners are actually party planners, with a flair for design, theme and decoration. Others are actually event administrators, who specialize in inviting guests, follow through, and coordinating the smooth operation of the event itself. Few, however, have the training, experience, expertise and judgment to listen carefully to the needs of a specific organization, and the self - confidence to objectively analyze what needs to be done, and then create a specific plan and course of action to create an exemplary result.

1. True full - service event planners first listen to the needs of an organization. What is the purpose and objective/ objectives of the event? What is the heritage and values of this group? What aspects of previous events have been most successful, which ones are the group willing to modify, and which is the group steadfast to keep as they have been. Where most events gets off to their weakest start is in clear - cut identification of objectives, and a realistic created, detailed budget. With that in mind, a quality, professional event planner must also demonstrate his superior negotiating skills, and assure that the group receives the most "bang for its buck." Great events occur because of attention to detail, and the realization that it is a combination of creating true value, as well as perceived value. Many organizations become disappointed in their results, but fail to realize that to a very large degree, the success of any event is based on well - spent, quality, directed promotion and marketing. This must commence significantly in advance, especially when a group hold the event during certain peak demand periods, such as holiday periods, and late March to mid - June.

2. Professional negotiating is both an art and a science. It takes a negotiator that both understands the needs, desires and priorities of the group he represents, as well as doing his homework to fully understand what he can and cannot ask of a vendor. Negotiating is understanding strengths and weaknesses, and involves experience, expertise, knowledge, wisdom and a directed can - do attitude, combined with absolute integrity.

3. Before bring on an event planner, an organization should examine its needs, and why they feel they need professional help. It is incumbent on an organization to select someone that will best serve their needs, and knows how to get things done. There can never be a place for excuse making!

Beware who might refer to himself as an event planner. Best results occur when you hire someone that can handle every aspect of the process. That individual must be able to guarantee that whatever he charges is significantly less costly than the benefits gained and savings acquired.