The essence of event management

Planning a special event doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Knowing the right information to ask for can help you get through the process of planning an event smoothly. Let’s start by defining  what an event  is?

An event is an occurrence happening at a determinable time and place with the participation of human agents.  Event could be a public assembly for the purpose of celebration, education, marketing or reunion. It could be social, corporate or a special event. So the time, location, budget, manpower, the planning and management all together qualify the occurrence as an event.

Net question we need to ask is, what are the qualities of an event planner?

There are certain, inherent personality traits and professional aptitude that just can’t be taught but are essential to become an outstanding event planner.

Detailed oriented: you cannot afford to take chance with any part of the planning process. You must have eye for details.

A multi-tasker: An exceptional event planner must be ready to do several tasks simultaneously. She  knows how to juggle several different projects at the same time,  books hotel for an upcoming project, prepares for the next flight, and finalised every details of each task. She must be ready to switch gear at any moment without notice and still maintains balance

Great at time management: must stick to time lines and deadlines and must also carry all suppliers and vendors along to do same.

A problem solver: You must envisage problems, think calmly in your head, and find the most logical, economical and all round best solutions to them.

• The difference between a good event and a great event

Creative: the event world is a dynamic one and to remain relevant you must always think outside the box to up your game in the trending industry.

A good negotiator: this skill is very essential because clients want to know they are getting the best price for their events. So this professional should have good relationship with vendors so as to have great discounts and deals.

People person: the industry is about people and the relationship you have with them. From your vendors, suppliers, staff to the attendees; working together to reach a common goal- that is having a great event.

Extremely organised: you must keep to-do-list and follow them religiously, know where your materials are kept at every given time and generally keep excellent records.

Eloquent at speaking and writing: a large amount of this job is about communication, verbal and written interaction. You must be able to convey your idea, thoughts and opinion in a concise and clear manner.

And above all you must be well trained by a professional event planner.

That brings me to the question, why does anyone need to hire an events manager?

The client is at a better advantage to engage an event manager to handle his events for the following reasons:

-The stress and pressure generated from friends and family members are adequately handled by the event manger.

 

Continue next week