With all the details and deadlines we are responsible for as planners, we have to be careful to not get too far ahead ourselves. The reason we begin organizing events months in advance is because so many details are dependent on each other. You must follow an order of operations, or risk getting your dessert before dinner.
Everything you need to begin planning offsite details begins with the information you organize inside the office. Dates, times and estimated attendance figures are all essential pieces of the puzzle. If you try to jump ahead without this basic information, then the majority of your efforts will be unproductive. It is difficult for vendors to provide any helpful information when so many details are still up in the air.
So before you begin comparing venues or requesting price information, do yourself a favor and get the basics settled first. Now sometimes you'll be working with a supervisor that wants you to scout prices first. In these cases you should still discuss the "ideal event" together before setting yourself on a wild goose chase!
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