If you’ve ever had to arrange an event, you will know that it’s a huge undertaking. Some large corporate events take up to a year in the planning and involve armies of staff and huge budgets.
But have you ever considered using an event planner? At first glance, many people think that this will only add to the already staggering costs, but when you understand what most event planners can offer and how they can help you to control costs, it becomes a more appealing proposition altogether.
Call in the Experts
One of the first things you should do before you sign on the dotted line and employ an event planner is do your research and check their references. Speak to other companies that have used them and find out what sort of event they ran, how well it went and whether it came in on budget, for example.
One you’ve identified a suitable planner, you need to sit down and discuss the main objectives of the event, the audience, proposed date and the budget. If these are clear up front, then your event planner should really come into their own. If you’re looking for an event agency in Dublin, companies like http://davisevents.ie can help.
A good event planner will know all the best, and sometimes unique, venues and will most likely have pre-agreed discounted rates with them. The same will apply to other suppliers, such as AV, lighting, entertainment and catering. These discounts can really mount up to a big saving and will save you a huge amount of time too.
For other ways to save money on your event, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales provides some guidance on what you can claim back for your corporate entertaining.
Experienced event planners also know how to make the venue look its best, calling on their years of experience, creative minds and tricks of the trade.
Sit Back and Relax
Handing over the reins of your event to a professional planner gives you have a little more time to take a step back and have a helicopter view of the event rather than getting bogged down in the minutiae. When the big day arrives, you will be better placed to enjoy networking with guests rather than worrying about the seating plan or catering.