Hiring an event manager to plan your company’s next event could be a significant game-changer. They make sure you have the best possible outcome for your company’s next big event. The benefits may not be immediately apparent, but here are some of the top ones that you can expect when you bring an event manager on board to help plan your company’s next major party, retreat, or conference. Unless your company is an event management company, chances are you don’t know what to do when it comes to planning a large-scale event. Let’s take a look at the benefits of hiring an event manager to plan your company’s next event.
Benefits of Hiring An Event Manager to Plan Your Company’s Event
Working together to create an amazing corporate event/function
The Event Vision
One of the first things to happen when you sit down with your event manager is that they will ask you what type of event you are hoping to host. This will be followed up by asking what your expectations are. These will include the size of the venue, the number of people attending, potential entertainment, potential menu and budget. They will then work with you to create a vision that can be turned into a workable action plan. They get all of those intangible details together and turn them into something spectacular for when the event finally arrives.
Planning the Venue, Floorplan, Menu etc
After the consultation and getting together all of these details, the event manager will then look into the best places and spaces to host the event. This will include looking at a detailed floor plan or putting the event plan together that makes the most sense for everything that needs to happen within the space. This will even include staying within regulations for the building and making sure that every single guest is safe while they also have a great time.
The event planner will put a logical plan together for the floor space to make everything cohesive. They may also work closely with vendors such as your caterer to make sure that all of the finer details, from food choices to drink options, are the very best that they can be. The benefit of having them manage all of this is that it gives you the opportunity to focus your attention on the things that you do best.
Coordinating your Company’s Event
Your event manager will be there to direct traffic, organise everyone and finalise the event details. They will be present during bump-in, getting ahold of couriers and vendors to make sure that things get set up in the right places. The event planner will make sure the decorations go where they need to be and are set up in an appealing manner. They will rendezvous with all the major providers to make sure no one is in each other’s way but that everyone can still get what they need to be done before the event finally takes place.
Another benefit of hiring an event manager is that they coordinate with you right before the event starts to make sure all of your last-minute questions and concerns are addressed and resolved before your function takes off. And finally, they will also be there to help make sure everything gets taken down, put away, cleaned, and organised at the end of the event, leaving you with one less detail to worry about.
Event coordinators and managers help to get all of the big details focused into one area and work cohesively together. This is done to make sure that the vision is executed to the best of its ability. The benefit of hiring an event manager is to provide convenience and peace of mind. Additionally, it is to make sure that you can focus on what you do best by doing what they do best.
10 Useful Tips for Hiring an Event Manager for Your Company’s Event
Organising a successful corporate event requires a well-executed plan, close attention to detail, and an impeccable strategy. Whether it be small team-building activities or large conferences, hiring a skilled event manager can make all the difference in producing an impactful and memorable experience for your company and attendees. However, finding the ideal event manager, who can realise your vision and comprehend it, can be quite challenging. To help you make the best choice, here’s a 10-point guide to hiring an event manager for your company’s event.
- Make Sure to Define your Event Objectives
Before you start searching for and hiring an event manager, it is important to outline the target goals and objectives of your event. Make sure to determine the type of event you want to host, the target demographic, the expected results, and the budget you’re willing to allocate. You can communicate your expectations to potential event organisers and make sure they understand your company’s mission by setting clear objectives.
- Check for Experience and Expertise
Look for an event manager who has a track record of successfully organising events that are comparable to the one you plan to host. To evaluate their competencies, look at their portfolio, client endorsements, and event case studies. A seasoned event manager will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to address a range of problems that could arise throughout the planning and execution phases.
- Creativity and Innovation
Corporate events must be memorable and stand out to leave an impact and a lasting impression on attendees. Hiring an event manager with a creative attitude may enhance your event with novel and new components, increasing participant engagement and enjoyment. Ask event manager candidates how they go about being creative and how they use it while arranging events during the hiring process.
- Excellent Communication Skills
For event management to be successful, effective communication is essential. To fully comprehend your needs and be able to communicate effectively with vendors, team members, and stakeholders throughout the planning phase, the event manager should be a great listener with strong communication skills. Hiring an event manager who is a strong communicator can ensure that everyone is on the same page and minimise the occurrence of misunderstandings and last-minute issues.
- Organisational and Time Management Skills
Events include a lot of moving parts, and it’s important to meet deadlines to keep everything running smoothly. To handle logistics, negotiate with vendors, and maintain the event’s schedule, a skilled and competent event manager should have great organisational and time management skills. When interviewing applicants, find out how they handle potential conflicts that might develop during the event planning process and how they manage their time.
- Strong Attention to Detail
Every aspect of a corporate event, from the venue selection to the catering arrangements and audio-visual setup, is important. Hiring a meticulous event manager with a keen eye for detail can make sure that nothing is missed and that everything reflects the goals and brand of your business. Ask candidates to provide instances of how they handled complex aspects at previous events.
- Budget Management Skills
Effective financial management is essential for a successful event. To receive the best value for your money, a skilled event manager should be able to develop a reasonable budget based on your needs and requirements and negotiate with vendors. You can ask about their budget management expertise and cost-cutting techniques without sacrificing the calibre of the event.
- Strong Problem-Solving Skills
Even with meticulous planning, unforeseen problems might still occur at an event. A skilled event manager should be able to think quickly and solve problems well. During the selection process, you can ask potential candidates about previous occasions where they had issues with events and how they handled them.
- Team Management and Leadership Skills
Working with a group of suppliers, vendors, and event workers is a necessary part of event management. Hiring an event manager with strong leadership skills who can motivate and manage a team effectively can help accomplish a successful event.
- Adaptability and Flexibility
Corporate events can be dynamic, with unforeseen adjustments and changing circumstances. That is why hiring an adaptable event manager is vital, as they can handle unexpected circumstances and adjust plans accordingly. During the selection process, you can ask potential candidates about how they can handle sudden changes and whether they have experience managing events with shifting and changing requirements.
Conclusion
Hiring the right event manager is crucial for your next successful company event. By establishing your goals, searching for experience and creativity, and evaluating communication and organising skills, you can find a qualified event manager. To fully assess someone’s skills and work ethic, don’t forget to ask for references and follow up with former clients. The planning process will go more smoothly with the help of a skilled event manager, who will also produce a memorable event that is completely in line with the goals and objectives of your business.
Are you looking to host a corporate event? Have you ever thought of hiring an event manager? Join the discussion below and let us know 🙂
Stephanie Cassimatis is the founder and head stylist of Pink Caviar Events, a corporate event management and styling company based in Sydney, Australia. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Stephanie is known for her impeccable taste and attention to detail, as well as her ability to bring her client’s visions to life. In addition, she is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), a credential that reflects her commitment to delivering high-quality events on time and within budget. Stephanie is also a respected speaker and educator, sharing her expertise and insights with aspiring event planners and designers through workshops and conferences.
