Being a meeting or event planner is not easy. The problem is that when someone attends an event or conference that we’ve planned and everything about it meets their expectations, and all goes smoothly, many attendees think that what we do is easy, kind of like making a restaurant reservation for dinner.
A planner/producer must be both left brained and right brained. That’s not easy! There’s an old joke that someone is so disorganized and uncoordinated that he/she can’t walk and chew gum at the same time. A planner must be left and right brained and chew gum and walk at the same time.
As an example of what we all must be able to do or oversee, is re-inforced when one studies for the CSEP. The main topics are:
Administration, which covers keeping records, managing time, money, communication, personnel, technology, etc.
Coordination, which is a more familiar topic, includes all logistics of the event, including site selection, program and space design and décor, equipment, catering, entertainment, invitations and registration,
Marketing, is another very important element. Without good marketing, you may end up throwing a party and no one will be there! Some of the marketing issues are advertising, promotions, sponsorships, amenities, recognition programs.
Legal and Ethical Risk Management includes analyzing potential risks, and having a response plan in place. This is not an easy task as there are many more risks today than 10 or 20 years ago, including cyber. Legal risks, such as copyright or licensing infringement must be taken into account.
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