Five Steps to Finding a Gem Amongst Event Management Companies

With so many event management companies keen to have your business, how do you find your way through the also-rans to a suitably experienced partner? In this article we present a five-step guide to finding the right company for you.

(1) Understand why you need an event management company

Do you need support with particular aspects of your event or a complete solution? The former lets you pick and choose services; the latter gives the peace of mind that a professional is handling your whole event.

Having identified your requirements take time to prepare an event brief; this should include details of the services that your supplier provides, typically grouped in the following categories:

• Venue management (some event management companies are linked with specific venues)


• Event marketing


• Speaker management


• Delegate management


• Event finance

(2) Undertake a web search

Leading businesses have informative, professional and properly optimised websites. A Google search around phrases such as 'event management company London' or 'events management companies' will lead you to many potential suppliers; the next stage is to shortlist the best ones for your purposes.

(3) Shortlist

From the search results identify businesses that look promising and visit their websites. Expect to find comprehensive information about their services and a suitably customer-focused approach.

Are they clear about the benefits they offer your business? In particular, look for evidence that they will save you time and money, deliver the event you require and give you peace of mind through the events management process. At this stage you can request a brochure or talk to the companies on the phone for more information.

(4) Visit your shortlisted companies

Next, schedule a visit to your shortlisted events management businesses. During your visit, ask probing questions and look for their interest in your needs.

Do you get on well with the team? Do they seem genuinely interested in going the extra mile for you? Could you see yourself working with them? If your instincts and their answers give you confidence you're likely to be onto a winner.

Now's the time to ask for a formal proposal detailing what they'll do for you.

(5) Appoint your partner

Having found an events management company that can do what you require, and a team that you feel good about working with, it's time to appoint them. Having made your decision, don't procrastinate; the best companies get booked up fast so make sure you don't miss out on a great partnership.

Finding the perfect partner is really just a matter of common sense, being methodical, asking the right questions throughout the process and trusting your professional instincts.