Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal

8-7-2001
Planning to have a ‘Biz’ Bash?
By Judith Rammel
President, Gold Medal Marketing Ltd.
   Is your company planning for a business celebration or event soon? Do you have a new product launch, an upcoming seminar or conference, a party for your employees or clients or potential clients? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of getting started and making plans that will fall within budget and yet wow your participants?
   Well, relax and then read on for some helpful tips that make the process easier and the event successful!
   First, think of what you want your event to look and feel like. All events have something in common, whether they are a corporate party, a trade show, a product launch or a major conference. They require forethought and planning. What kind of event are you holding? Who will attend? What is the reason for the event or celebration? What do you hope to accomplish? Do you have specific goals or outcomes that you expect? Once you have defined some basic parameters, then you are ready for the next step.
   Designate a key person who will be the primary contact for all aspects of the event. This individual can be someone from within your company, or perhaps you may consider hiring a professional who will provide overall coordination. This person can assign responsibility for all of the tasks that will need to be accomplished to insure a successful event. Your “coordinator” should pay attention to all details and insure commitments; timelines, etc. are being met prior to the big day.
   A key starting point for the event coordinator is a questionnaire that will help to insure pertinent information is gathered at the start of the planning process. Points to be considered are date, time, location and number of participants. Depending on the scope of the event, additional information may be required as to theme, entertainment, catering, marketing and promotion, sponsorships and “give-aways.” Most importantly, a budget must be established. This initial research will prevent wasting time and money as the event planning moves forward.
   The primary goal of your event coordinator and your business should be to plan and execute an event that unites the people attending. Aim for something that will allow people to join together in a positive and affirmative way. Give them something to celebrate! Look at the planning process as a way to design a unique experience for your participants.
   Your coordinator, whether it is a company employee or a professional planner, can help to achieve exactly what you want and within your budget, provided it is realistic and reasonable for the project at hand. Remember that clear communication and concise instructions is vital all the way around and will lay the cornerstone for a successful function. If you choose to have an employee take on the event planning process, make certain that they have appropriate resources and authority to accomplish their goals.
   If you feel you need a higher level of event planning experience than is available in your organization, then look to an outside event coordinator. A professional often saves you money and can help you attain a better return on the investment you making in promoting your business. They also can alleviate many of the “headaches” that planning an event can cause. A professional planner will most likely have access to resources that are time consuming to contact and evaluate by someone unfamiliar with planning a function. They can also research and find the best options for the many different aspects of planning an event.
   Regardless of what identity your actual event may take, make certain it is meaningful and celebrates your business in a really positive way. Let it be one that creates goodwill and generates excitement and enthusiasm about your company. Use it to grow your business and as an opportunity to strengthen relationships with employees and your clients and customers. Make your event truly special and unique. Make your event a celebration that is truly a “Biz Bash!”