5 Lessons Learned Producing Excellent Client Events

Having had the privilege and pleasure of conceptualizing, planning and producing a number of successful client events, especially in recent months, I’ve learned a few unforgettable lessons.

Some are plain old common sense while  others result from working in the trenches solving problems and overcoming challenges as they emerged. Each underscores the need for well thought out plans even when working under an extremely tight timeline. 

Here are five true success makers (or breakers) when aiming to hit a home run on your next event. 

1. Clearly define success.
   What does a successful event look like? When planning an event, take time with your mind’s eye to see your venue, the setting and all arrangements. Discuss what the event should accomplish, including the desired reaction of invited guests. How will you ensure that the right people are in the room? Depending on the event, this may include potential customers, community leaders, elected officials, and media. Clearly defining success at the beginning of the planning process paves the path for a meaningful, measurable event.
2. The right team is essential.
   There’s an old adage that says: “Teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success.” That certainly proves true with the right event production team in place. A fit-for-task team led by a solid project manager offers a seamless flow of activity. When each team member commits to flawless event production, everything from decor and graphic design to catering and audio-visual is harmoniously synchronized.
3. It’s okay to sweat the details.
   If there was ever a time to sweat the details, this is it. As a matter of fact, sit down and document everything needed to make your event successful. Put those items in a detailed production schedule and enlist your team in driving the schedule. Don’t let a seemingly small oversight foil your plans.
4. Conduct your walk through early and more than once if possible.
   You may have visited the selected event venue dozens of times and conclude it an unnecessary chore to conduct a walk through/detailed site visit. Do not be deceived. This is a critical part of the process, especially as you coordinate multiple, competing logistics like deliveries, parking, signage and decor. If possible, make time for an additional visit with a fresh eye to catch items you may have missed on the initial visit.
5. Don’t skimp on the dry-run.
   It’s true. Practice makes perfect. While practicing you may identify key items requiring adjustment. Some may actually be show stoppers if left undetected. Multimedia presentations, lighting, remote connections, microphones and staging are among the mix of things that will ruin the show if  left unchecked. 

Let us help you with your next event. Whether it’s a job fair, trade show event, grand opening, press conference, or anniversary celebration we can help you produce an excellent event. Contact us.

Cultivate Meaningful Community Relationships

How well do you know your neighbors? These may include other businesses, local residents, media, public officials, emergency management personnel, hospitals and schools. As an organization, a comprehensive, ongoing community relations program can go a long way towards establishing and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships that grow your business and improve the quality of life within the communities in which you operate.

Could your company’s community relations program use a tune up? 

Here are a few tactics to include in a strategy to heighten visibility and build good community citizenship:

• scholarship programs
• sponsorships
• educational programs
• product or service donations
• environmental programs

Let’s develop a customized plan for establishing your organization’s reputation as a great neighbor.