For event planners, there's no such thing as a dress rehearsal!
Any event you plan and stage is a reflection of your company's image � from the initial invitation to onsite operations.
Whether you're planning a product launch, conference, sales meeting, an incentive event, or a gala fund-raiser,
remember that the magic of a truly memorable event is in the details, but so is the devil. Special events are fraught
with thousands of details, and have to come off without a hitch. Whether your event is for 50 or 2,000 people,
whether it has a budget of a few thousand dollars, or hundreds of thousands, planning and executing the project
is like a high-wire act without the safety nets. Event Planning gives you a blueprint for planning and executing
special events with flair and without any unexpected surprises and expenses. This unique book is loaded with practical
advice on every aspect of organizing and managing special events:
Choosing the best venue
Preparing and managing the budget
Scheduling and staffing
Coordinating food and beverage, décor, entertainment, and themes
Working with professionals, such as public relations firms and creative directors.
What you don't know or know to ask can have a major effect on the success of your event and on your budget.
Event Planning takes you through every aspect of organizing and executing a successful event: the planning stages,
timing and logistics, budget preparation, operations, and on-site management. Event Planning:
Includes sample costing forms to help you generate a detailed project plan and budget.
Explains what you need to ask before youcontract with suppliers.
Is loaded with practical tips and examples that will help you avoid expensive mistakes.
Features a companion website with forms from the book, additional forms, author Q&A, and more.
Table of Contents
Preface AcknowledgementsChapter 1:The First Steps: Initial Planning and Budgeting How Much Can You Spend? The Purpose of the Event Initial Planning Visualization Budget BreakdownChapter 2: Organization and Timing Critical Path Function Sheets Timing Is Everything The Time of the Day and the Day of the Week Date SelectionChapter 3: Location, Location, Location Site Selection Location Requirements Hotels and Convention Centres Restaurant, Private Venues, Catering Location: Q&A Theatres Tents Contracts Gala Openings in New VenuesChapter 4: Transportation Limousines Motor Coaches Parking Transportation: Q&AChapter 5: Guest Arrival Weather Considerations Arrival & Weather Considerations: Q&A Fanfare Fanfare: Q&A Registration: Guest Pass Security and Ticket Pick-up Registration: Q&AChapter 6: Venue Requirements Staging, Audio-Visual, Lighting Staging, Audio-Visual, Lighting: Q&A Room Requirements: Q&AChapter 7: Who's It All For? The Guest List Invitations Media Media: Q&A Children At Your EventChapter 8: Food and Beverage Menu Planning StaffingChapter 9: Other Considerations Entertainment Entertainment: Q&A Photographer Photographer: Q&A Themes and Programs Final TouchesConclusion It's A Wrap Applause! Applause! Your Next EventAppendix A: Sample Cost SheetsAppendix B: Sample Payment SchedulesAppendix C: Sample Function Sheets Index
