Rob Hard Follow Chicago, Illinois Education Western Illinois University DePaul University Expertise Event planning Company Info Business Travel Destinations Introduction Experienced meeting and event plannerFormer news writer and editorLectured in management communications at the University of Illinois at Chicago Experience Rob Hard is a former writer for The Balance who contributed 81 articles over more than four years. He has planned hundreds of corporate events, including conferences, seminars, organization milestones, employee training, sports hospitality, executive retreats, theme parties, holiday events, and other special events. Aside from his event planning experience, Rob has an extensive background as a writer, including working as a news writer and editor. His writing career includes the ClearMark Award for Distinction from the Center for Plain Language, and an appearance in a top-10 list from USA Today for this business travel writing. In addition to his career as an event planner and writer, Rob was a visiting lecturer for the University of Illinois at Chicago's managerial communications program. LiveAbout and Dotdash Meredith LiveAbout, a Dotdash Meredith brand, is a reference site focused on entertainment, activities, and hobbies. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines. Read more from Rob Hard What to Include in a Hotel RFP Breakfast Menu Options for an Event or Business Meeting Event Planner Fee Structure What Is a Pre-Con Meeting? What Is a Seminar? Meeting Planning - Organizing Conventions & Conferences Popular Business Conference Floor Plans How to Become an Event Planner Sponsorship Categories for Community Festivals How to Find Event Planning Jobs How Successful Event Planners Stay Organized The Most Common Types of Corporate Events How to Plan a Business Conference Lunch Menu Measuring the Value of Events and Meetings Business Etiquette for Corporate Events Sample Speaker Evaluation Forms and Summary Reports Seminar Planning Checklist Top Trade Shows and Opportunities for Event Planners Basic Trade Show Booth Etiquette Rules for Staff Net Rate Meanings in Event Planning Contracts Tips to Increase Attendance at Business Events Corporate Gift Ideas for Event Planners Unique Las Vegas Wedding Ideas Plan a Catered Event Menu That Will Impress Your Guests