Event Planning: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Wedding Dance Songs for All Ages
List of top wedding songs popular for dancing. Wedding dance songs for all ages and in all music styles.
List of top wedding songs popular for dancing. Wedding dance songs for all ages and in all music styles.
Event Planning Fees
Whether you've been working in the business for a while or just starting out, some consider it a dream job to start their own event planning business. But how do many event planners structure tehir fees for services? Check out these five ways to collect fees as an event planner.
Whether you've been working in the business for a while or just starting out, some consider it a dream job to start their own event planning business. But how do many event planners structure tehir fees for services? Check out these five ways to collect fees as an event planner.
Invitation Wording Ideas
If you're searching for invitation wording ideas or a sample invitation letter / sample formal invitation, the best approach is to first understand how invitation wording should be structured. Learn more about invitations and invitation wording for formal events.
If you're searching for invitation wording ideas or a sample invitation letter / sample formal invitation, the best approach is to first understand how invitation wording should be structured. Learn more about invitations and invitation wording for formal events.
Writing Welcome Letters
Planning an incentive trip or other meeting that will require writing a formal welcome letter for guests? It's easier than you think. Use this sample welcome letter as you develop your own template!
Planning an incentive trip or other meeting that will require writing a formal welcome letter for guests? It's easier than you think. Use this sample welcome letter as you develop your own template!
What is an Event Planner
An event planner identifies venues for potential programs, reviewing proposals, negotiates discounts, determines food and beverage needs, incorporates transportation needs, and makes overall recommendations for their event programs.
An event planner identifies venues for potential programs, reviewing proposals, negotiates discounts, determines food and beverage needs, incorporates transportation needs, and makes overall recommendations for their event programs.
Writing Invitation Letters
How to for writing formal invitation letters and materials to a variety of events, including incentive trips, meetings, conferences and more.
How to for writing formal invitation letters and materials to a variety of events, including incentive trips, meetings, conferences and more.
Help Your Clients Plan a Big Wedding on a Small Budget
This article outlines many ways to creatively save money while planning a big, beautiful wedding. Read this article to learn cost-cutting measures for cheap catering, dresses, photography, invitations and more. Weddings don't have to be expensive to be beautiful.
This article outlines many ways to creatively save money while planning a big, beautiful wedding. Read this article to learn cost-cutting measures for cheap catering, dresses, photography, invitations and more. Weddings don't have to be expensive to be beautiful.
Basic Event Budget
Whether you're new to event planning or a seasoned pro, keeping an event budget will help you stay organized
Whether you're new to event planning or a seasoned pro, keeping an event budget will help you stay organized
How to Start a Wedding Planning Business
This article defines five steps to starting a wedding planning business. With tips on how to become a wedding planner or wedding consultant, it will make achieving a successful wedding planning business easier.
This article defines five steps to starting a wedding planning business. With tips on how to become a wedding planner or wedding consultant, it will make achieving a successful wedding planning business easier.
Writing an Agenda
Whether you're planning an executive conference, retreat or incentive trip, you will need to develop an agenda or itinerary that will be shared with attendees. Learn more about writing an agenda and see a sample agenda.
Whether you're planning an executive conference, retreat or incentive trip, you will need to develop an agenda or itinerary that will be shared with attendees. Learn more about writing an agenda and see a sample agenda.
Start an Event Business
Some people are interested in taking their event and meeting planning experience to the next level by starting their own event planning business. This is an exciting idea, but it takes more than the desire to plan weddings, seminars or golf outings. Learn more about how to approach creating your event planning business and some of the practicalities you should keep in mind.
Some people are interested in taking their event and meeting planning experience to the next level by starting their own event planning business. This is an exciting idea, but it takes more than the desire to plan weddings, seminars or golf outings. Learn more about how to approach creating your event planning business and some of the practicalities you should keep in mind.
Event Planner Salary
What is the national average salary for an event planner, including base pay, bonus and other benefits? What responsibilities are expected of an event planner?
What is the national average salary for an event planner, including base pay, bonus and other benefits? What responsibilities are expected of an event planner?
Seminar Planning
Seminars are the most popular meeting organized by meeting and event planners. Learn how to put a seminar together in a few easy steps.
Seminars are the most popular meeting organized by meeting and event planners. Learn how to put a seminar together in a few easy steps.
Catering Menu
Menu selection involves more than simply selecting from a list of items that your catering manager offers or just calculating which items fit in your budget. Keep these suggestions in mind to plan a great event.
Menu selection involves more than simply selecting from a list of items that your catering manager offers or just calculating which items fit in your budget. Keep these suggestions in mind to plan a great event.
Starting a Catering Business
Anytime is a great time to start a catering business. Greg Casella, 2010 president for the National Association of Catering Executives and owner of Catered Too! in San Jose, CA, started his business during a recession. Learn 10 tips you should know to start a successful catering business.
Anytime is a great time to start a catering business. Greg Casella, 2010 president for the National Association of Catering Executives and owner of Catered Too! in San Jose, CA, started his business during a recession. Learn 10 tips you should know to start a successful catering business.
Event Planning Skills
Make sure you incoporate some or all of these event planning skills into your resume and interviews.
Make sure you incoporate some or all of these event planning skills into your resume and interviews.
Corporate Event Jobs
Event jobs can be found throughout most corporate organizations if you . This list will provide you with information about various departments within businesses that include jobs with event planning responsibilities.
Event jobs can be found throughout most corporate organizations if you . This list will provide you with information about various departments within businesses that include jobs with event planning responsibilities.
Events Management
Event management is the work performed by those who plan events, meetings, conferences, and other special events. Learn more about this profession.
Event management is the work performed by those who plan events, meetings, conferences, and other special events. Learn more about this profession.
Event Planning Expenses
The complete list of expense categories for developing an event planning budget.
The complete list of expense categories for developing an event planning budget.
CMP credential
The CMP designation helps event planners distinguish their credentials and expertise in planning and executing professional events.
The CMP designation helps event planners distinguish their credentials and expertise in planning and executing professional events.
Father and Daughter Songs
This list offers 10 songs for your father and daughter dance at your wedding. The father daughter dance is a great opportunity for a sweet and sentimental wedding song. Use this list to find a father daughter wedding song that perfectly suits you.
This list offers 10 songs for your father and daughter dance at your wedding. The father daughter dance is a great opportunity for a sweet and sentimental wedding song. Use this list to find a father daughter wedding song that perfectly suits you.
Event Planning 101: Details
There is an order of operations to event planning, and looking past the basics can cost you time and money.
There is an order of operations to event planning, and looking past the basics can cost you time and money.
Seminar
What is a seminar
What is a seminar
Sample Speaker Evaluations
Event and meeting planners are sometimes challenged with creating a speaker evaluation form to use with professional development programs. This article highlights what's included an an evaluation form and provides samples.
Event and meeting planners are sometimes challenged with creating a speaker evaluation form to use with professional development programs. This article highlights what's included an an evaluation form and provides samples.
Ideas for Wedding Songs with Style
This eclectic list of wedding reception songs will add style to your wedding music playlist. Popular wedding songs and modern wedding songs are included.
This eclectic list of wedding reception songs will add style to your wedding music playlist. Popular wedding songs and modern wedding songs are included.
Creative Event Planning
There are infinite ways to add creativity and personalization to your event. Here are 15 areas you can get started on right away.
There are infinite ways to add creativity and personalization to your event. Here are 15 areas you can get started on right away.
Interactive Conference Ideas
Today's conference attendee expects more than just speakers. They want unique engagement opportunities that are not available in other formats.
Today's conference attendee expects more than just speakers. They want unique engagement opportunities that are not available in other formats.
Breakfast Menus
A closer look at the various breakfast menu options for your meeting or event, when it makes more sense to select a continental breakfast vs. a plated breakfast, and what unique touches will make your meal memorable.
A closer look at the various breakfast menu options for your meeting or event, when it makes more sense to select a continental breakfast vs. a plated breakfast, and what unique touches will make your meal memorable.
Event Sponsorships
Nonprofit event planners are always looking for ways to raise money for their cause while keeping the operating costs low. That's where event sponsorship plays an important role. Find out more about what benefits you may wish to offer event sponsors for your next special event.
Nonprofit event planners are always looking for ways to raise money for their cause while keeping the operating costs low. That's where event sponsorship plays an important role. Find out more about what benefits you may wish to offer event sponsors for your next special event.
Business Etiquette
Most people want to present a positive impression of themselves at corporate and social events. These rules for good manners at meetings and social events will help anyone navigate the world of business etiquette for events.
Most people want to present a positive impression of themselves at corporate and social events. These rules for good manners at meetings and social events will help anyone navigate the world of business etiquette for events.
Wedding Planners
Many people who pursue an event planning career will look to wedding coordinator jobs as a path to establishing their own wedding planning business. Learn more about what are the duties of a wedding planner.
Many people who pursue an event planning career will look to wedding coordinator jobs as a path to establishing their own wedding planning business. Learn more about what are the duties of a wedding planner.
Event Planning Cleint Questions
Before working with a prospective event planning client, ask these important questions to make sure you are compatible.
Before working with a prospective event planning client, ask these important questions to make sure you are compatible.
Mother and Son Wedding Dance Songs
Ideas for a sweet song for the mother and son dance at your wedding. The mother son dance is a treasured tradition, and this list provides several perfect song choices.
Ideas for a sweet song for the mother and son dance at your wedding. The mother son dance is a treasured tradition, and this list provides several perfect song choices.
BEO
: An agreement form that details selections for food and beverage, audio/visual, room setup(s), staffing
: An agreement form that details selections for food and beverage, audio/visual, room setup(s), staffing
Festival Sponsorships
Event organizers should create corporate sponsorship categories to generate revenue and expand programming options. Organizers of the Taste of Chicago share their approach to securing corporate support.
Event organizers should create corporate sponsorship categories to generate revenue and expand programming options. Organizers of the Taste of Chicago share their approach to securing corporate support.
More Father and Daughter Songs
Use this list to find the perfect song for a father and daughter dance, mother and son dance, or other special wedding dance for unique family situations. If you need wedding songs for your father/daughter dance or a mother/son dance, this list will provide suggestions.
Use this list to find the perfect song for a father and daughter dance, mother and son dance, or other special wedding dance for unique family situations. If you need wedding songs for your father/daughter dance or a mother/son dance, this list will provide suggestions.
What is Catering
What is catering?
What is catering?
Guide to Banquet Tables
Round banquet tables are the primary seating choice for dining events.
Round banquet tables are the primary seating choice for dining events.
Catering Lunch
A closer look at the various lunch menu options for your meeting or event, and what unique touches will make your meal memorable.
A closer look at the various lunch menu options for your meeting or event, and what unique touches will make your meal memorable.
Summer Events
Having trouble with generating ideas for summer events, consider these suggestions such as baseball game bleacher parties, golf school, horse racing and more.
Having trouble with generating ideas for summer events, consider these suggestions such as baseball game bleacher parties, golf school, horse racing and more.
Conference Planning Guide
Planning a conference is a big task, so you want to get organized from the start. Here is our complete guide to organizing a conference from start to finish.
Planning a conference is a big task, so you want to get organized from the start. Here is our complete guide to organizing a conference from start to finish.
Hotel RFP Proposal Examples
An event planner asks how she can develop her own hotel RFP to receive hotel bids for meetings and other events. Find out what proposal examples should be included in your hotel RFP.
An event planner asks how she can develop her own hotel RFP to receive hotel bids for meetings and other events. Find out what proposal examples should be included in your hotel RFP.
Your First Event Job
If you're searching for your an event job for the first time, it's important to understand just how large this industry is before you begin your search. Here's what you need to know.
If you're searching for your an event job for the first time, it's important to understand just how large this industry is before you begin your search. Here's what you need to know.
London Eye Events and Facts
Considering a visit to London and wanting to find a unique venue for a group activity? The London Eye may be what you're looking for. Whether you're hosting an event there or wanting to replicate some ideas at another giant ferris wheel structure. Either way, this will be a hit.
Considering a visit to London and wanting to find a unique venue for a group activity? The London Eye may be what you're looking for. Whether you're hosting an event there or wanting to replicate some ideas at another giant ferris wheel structure. Either way, this will be a hit.
Wedding Planning Certification
For those who wish to pursue a wedding planner career, it's important to obtain wedding planning certification. But how do you differentiate between legitimate programs and those that you should beware of? Learn more.
For those who wish to pursue a wedding planner career, it's important to obtain wedding planning certification. But how do you differentiate between legitimate programs and those that you should beware of? Learn more.
Meeting Space Floor Plans
Hotels and other conference facilities typically present meeting room space based on seven of the most popular floor plans. Understand how these numbers impact your event space.
Hotels and other conference facilities typically present meeting room space based on seven of the most popular floor plans. Understand how these numbers impact your event space.
Online Event Registration
Many online event registration software options have been created and are now available to help event planners. We have reviewed some of the popular online event registration systems out there.
Many online event registration software options have been created and are now available to help event planners. We have reviewed some of the popular online event registration systems out there.
Event Planning Software - APEX
APEX is an initiative of the Convention Industry Council that is bringing together all stakeholders in the development and implementation of industry-wide accepted practices to create and enhance efficiencies throughout the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry. Check out the tools designed to help event planners.
APEX is an initiative of the Convention Industry Council that is bringing together all stakeholders in the development and implementation of industry-wide accepted practices to create and enhance efficiencies throughout the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry. Check out the tools designed to help event planners.
Popular Corporate Events
With more than $122 billion being spent annually on meetings, learn more about the most common types of business events that organizations hold.
With more than $122 billion being spent annually on meetings, learn more about the most common types of business events that organizations hold.
Business Etiquette Mistakes
There are many common business etiquette blunders that happen every day at business meeting events. Share these event scenarios with your colleagues and clients so that they don't make a habit of these bad manners.
There are many common business etiquette blunders that happen every day at business meeting events. Share these event scenarios with your colleagues and clients so that they don't make a habit of these bad manners.
Event Measurement
When it comes to the planning and executing event logistics, meeting and event planners typically know their event processes cold. But meeting and event planners are increasingly expected to measure and demonstrate the value of their programs. Here's what you should know.
When it comes to the planning and executing event logistics, meeting and event planners typically know their event processes cold. But meeting and event planners are increasingly expected to measure and demonstrate the value of their programs. Here's what you should know.
Should You Be a Wedding Planner?
Many people aspire to a career as a wedding planner, wedding coordinator or wedding consultant. Is wedding planning the right job for you?
Many people aspire to a career as a wedding planner, wedding coordinator or wedding consultant. Is wedding planning the right job for you?
Festival Tips
If you are planning a food festival for the first time or wanting to expand an existing festival, the event planners behind the Taste of Chicago 2007 offer some quick tips for general planning, operations management, sponsorships, talent management and marketing/public relations.
If you are planning a food festival for the first time or wanting to expand an existing festival, the event planners behind the Taste of Chicago 2007 offer some quick tips for general planning, operations management, sponsorships, talent management and marketing/public relations.
Trade Shows for Event Planners
trade shows
trade shows
Guide to Event Budgeting
Creating an event budget can be difficult since expenses come from several different categories. Here is a comprehensive guide to sorting it all out.
Creating an event budget can be difficult since expenses come from several different categories. Here is a comprehensive guide to sorting it all out.
Negotiate Hotel Pricing
As hotel sales continues to increase costs for guest rooms, meeting space and catering services, how can event planners negotiate the best deal?
As hotel sales continues to increase costs for guest rooms, meeting space and catering services, how can event planners negotiate the best deal?
Vegas Wedding Venues
But most people who marry in Vegas often want to create an experience that will be remembered. While Vegas wedding venues will offer a full range of packages, including bouquets and boutonnieres, the minister, champagne, photography, entertainment and more, dig deeper and you’ll find some unique themes and venues. Learn more.
But most people who marry in Vegas often want to create an experience that will be remembered. While Vegas wedding venues will offer a full range of packages, including bouquets and boutonnieres, the minister, champagne, photography, entertainment and more, dig deeper and you’ll find some unique themes and venues. Learn more.
Business Meeting Attendance
Several steps can be taken to increase attendance for business meetings and events. To increase the RSVPs, some tips include creating great agendas, maintain sensitivity to the calendar and clock, Tips include: create a great agenda, choose convenient locations, target the right guests, send numerous invitations, and establish a reputation for having the best events in town.
Several steps can be taken to increase attendance for business meetings and events. To increase the RSVPs, some tips include creating great agendas, maintain sensitivity to the calendar and clock, Tips include: create a great agenda, choose convenient locations, target the right guests, send numerous invitations, and establish a reputation for having the best events in town.
Event Career Resources
If you're searching for a career in event planning, check out this listing of job boards on industry web sites.
If you're searching for a career in event planning, check out this listing of job boards on industry web sites.
Evaluate a Venue
A basic site selection checklist will help event planners make sure that a venue in consideration is both appropriate and capable of meeting your needs. Keep this list and your priorities nearby for site visits: amenities, facilities, equipment, technology, catering, other services.
A basic site selection checklist will help event planners make sure that a venue in consideration is both appropriate and capable of meeting your needs. Keep this list and your priorities nearby for site visits: amenities, facilities, equipment, technology, catering, other services.
Quick Tips from Planners
Have you ever been interested in reading fun and practical ideas that other event planners have collected over the years. Check out these ideas and more.
Have you ever been interested in reading fun and practical ideas that other event planners have collected over the years. Check out these ideas and more.
Event Planning Notebook
Event planning requires strong organizational, communication and documentation skills. An event binder is one event planning basic that will help you create a successful business event.
Event planning requires strong organizational, communication and documentation skills. An event binder is one event planning basic that will help you create a successful business event.
Horse Tracks
If you're considering a unique venue in your town or elsewhere, this listing of thoroughbred horse tracks throughout the U.S. will help streamline some of your research.
If you're considering a unique venue in your town or elsewhere, this listing of thoroughbred horse tracks throughout the U.S. will help streamline some of your research.
Catering Salaries
Catering and banquets provide a significant number of job opportunities for those interested in opportunities in the events industry. Learn what salary you can expect to earn as a caterer and what it takes.
Catering and banquets provide a significant number of job opportunities for those interested in opportunities in the events industry. Learn what salary you can expect to earn as a caterer and what it takes.
Golf Gifts
If you're getting ready to plan this year's golf tournament and searching for great golf gifts, consider these top ideas.
If you're getting ready to plan this year's golf tournament and searching for great golf gifts, consider these top ideas.
sponsorship category ideas
Trying to think of new sponsorship category ideas for your next event? Perhaps some inspiration from other successful events will help. Learn more about how to find great sponsorship ideas for your event by checking out what others have done.
Trying to think of new sponsorship category ideas for your next event? Perhaps some inspiration from other successful events will help. Learn more about how to find great sponsorship ideas for your event by checking out what others have done.
2010 Event Planning Issues
social media, client buy-in, sustainability and professional development are among the top issues facing event and meeting planners in 2010 and beyond.
social media, client buy-in, sustainability and professional development are among the top issues facing event and meeting planners in 2010 and beyond.
Effective Registration Table
Your registration table may not be the highlight of your event, but don't forget these essentials of your guests may turn on you!
Your registration table may not be the highlight of your event, but don't forget these essentials of your guests may turn on you!
Marketing Ideas for Wedding Planners
Wedding planners today need to do a lot more than simply open up shop to win clients. Here are some ways to distinguish your services from the rest.
Wedding planners today need to do a lot more than simply open up shop to win clients. Here are some ways to distinguish your services from the rest.
Small Event Planning Checklist
Follow these steps to plan a small event that your audience will remember.
Follow these steps to plan a small event that your audience will remember.
Wedding Planner Expectations
You want to become a successful wedding planner with your own business. Your goal is to lead your own independent lifestyle while spending your time on work that is creative and delivers a reasonably high salary. What will it take to get there?
You want to become a successful wedding planner with your own business. Your goal is to lead your own independent lifestyle while spending your time on work that is creative and delivers a reasonably high salary. What will it take to get there?
Event Planning Employers
Anyone interested in working in event planning should understand the various types of potential employers in this field. Opportunities exist corporations, associations/non-profit organizations, government agencies, event planning suppliers, and event planning firms.
Anyone interested in working in event planning should understand the various types of potential employers in this field. Opportunities exist corporations, associations/non-profit organizations, government agencies, event planning suppliers, and event planning firms.
Trade Show Etiquette
Corporate and association event planners are often called upon to manage a trade show booth and portions of an exhibit floor. In this capacity, it's important for event planners to advise trade show booth staff about trade show etiquette on the exhibit floor.
Corporate and association event planners are often called upon to manage a trade show booth and portions of an exhibit floor. In this capacity, it's important for event planners to advise trade show booth staff about trade show etiquette on the exhibit floor.
Net Rate and Net Net Rate
What is the difference between Net Rate and Net Net Rate?
What is the difference between Net Rate and Net Net Rate?
Wedding Invitation Wording Made Easy: How to Find the Best Invitation Wording
The best websites for finding wedding invitation wording for all wedding situations. See the Royal Wedding Invitation used for the wedding of Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton.
The best websites for finding wedding invitation wording for all wedding situations. See the Royal Wedding Invitation used for the wedding of Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton.
Event Job Search
For those who are interested in pursuing an event planning career, there are thousands of listed event planning jobs. Check out htese postings from a variety of job listings from major job boards, newspapers, associations and company career pages.
For those who are interested in pursuing an event planning career, there are thousands of listed event planning jobs. Check out htese postings from a variety of job listings from major job boards, newspapers, associations and company career pages.
Event Planning Ideas
Looking for event planning ideas for a future program? Whether you're looking for special event planning or corporate event planning ideas, perhaps I can help. Whether it's a program located in your own city or somewhere else around the world, submit your questions to me. As your event planning guide, I'll do my best to offer event planning ideas and may use it for a future column. Learn more.
Looking for event planning ideas for a future program? Whether you're looking for special event planning or corporate event planning ideas, perhaps I can help. Whether it's a program located in your own city or somewhere else around the world, submit your questions to me. As your event planning guide, I'll do my best to offer event planning ideas and may use it for a future column. Learn more.
Trimming Event Costs
Is our event budget coming up a bit short? Take a look at these ideas for slashing costs.
Is our event budget coming up a bit short? Take a look at these ideas for slashing costs.
What is a pre-con?
A pre-con meeting is a meeting that is held with event vendors and suppliers where the event or program is scheduled to take place. It is held usually one or two days prior to the actual event, and is different from the walk through that occurs on the day of an event. Learn more about what is a pre-con.
A pre-con meeting is a meeting that is held with event vendors and suppliers where the event or program is scheduled to take place. It is held usually one or two days prior to the actual event, and is different from the walk through that occurs on the day of an event. Learn more about what is a pre-con.
Buffet vs. Plated Meals
Here are the key points to consider before choosing a buffet over a traditional served meal.
Here are the key points to consider before choosing a buffet over a traditional served meal.
Wedding Planners' Emergency Kit: Supplies to Prevent Wedding Day Emergencies
This article offers suggestions for must-have items for the wedding day emergency kit. Learn how to prevent wedding day emergencies in this checklist of essential emergency items.
This article offers suggestions for must-have items for the wedding day emergency kit. Learn how to prevent wedding day emergencies in this checklist of essential emergency items.
Creative Corporate Gift Ideas
What should you know if you’re searching for creative corporate gift ideas? Promotional products, business gifts and corporate gifts should be unique and memorable. Learn what you should know.
What should you know if you’re searching for creative corporate gift ideas? Promotional products, business gifts and corporate gifts should be unique and memorable. Learn what you should know.
Table Settings and Decorations
While there's certainly a time and place for the use of traditional white table cloths and standard guest
While there's certainly a time and place for the use of traditional white table cloths and standard guest
2011 Events Calendar
An events calendar of holidays and major events will help event and meeting planners know the important dates to schedule their programs and the important dates to avoid scheduling their events. This comprehensive list includes holidays and major events around the world.
An events calendar of holidays and major events will help event and meeting planners know the important dates to schedule their programs and the important dates to avoid scheduling their events. This comprehensive list includes holidays and major events around the world.
Healthy Breakfast Buffet
Sometimes you just want to go off the menu and create your own healthy breakfast buffet for your morning business meeting or event. And while most hotels and caterers offer great packaged and a la carte menu options for clients, sometimes it helps to go that extra mile and ask for very specific ingredients. Check out this menu which was designed for a 100 attendee breakfast meeting with an agenda that was focused on health and wellness.
Sometimes you just want to go off the menu and create your own healthy breakfast buffet for your morning business meeting or event. And while most hotels and caterers offer great packaged and a la carte menu options for clients, sometimes it helps to go that extra mile and ask for very specific ingredients. Check out this menu which was designed for a 100 attendee breakfast meeting with an agenda that was focused on health and wellness.
5 Steps: Event Planning Jobs
Use these steps to discover new event job opportunities that match your experience and career goals.
Use these steps to discover new event job opportunities that match your experience and career goals.
Public Event Guidelines
Nneighborhood organizations host special events in cities at all times throughout the year, such as outdoor festivals, street fairs or carnivals. These require use of public spaces and typically must receive permission from public officials. The Mayor's Office of Special Events in Chicago has created two guides to streamline the process for its community organizations, and these ideas may be adopted to other towns and cities.
Nneighborhood organizations host special events in cities at all times throughout the year, such as outdoor festivals, street fairs or carnivals. These require use of public spaces and typically must receive permission from public officials. The Mayor's Office of Special Events in Chicago has created two guides to streamline the process for its community organizations, and these ideas may be adopted to other towns and cities.
Organize a Bridal Show
Looking to organize -- or attend -- a bridal show and expo? This is a great place for wedding suppliers to promote themselves, and a fun challenge for the bridal show organizer. Learn how.
Looking to organize -- or attend -- a bridal show and expo? This is a great place for wedding suppliers to promote themselves, and a fun challenge for the bridal show organizer. Learn how.
Incentive Event
Event Definition of Incentive
Event Definition of Incentive
Wedding Planner Career Advice
“Before considering a career in wedding planning, one should understand that there are only a handful of event companies that can hire a wedding planner,” says Marsha Ballard, past president/secretary for AACWP, Dallas, TX. “Many venues hire catering mangers which is very different position than that of an independent wedding planner. In most cases, wedding planners are independent professionals who have started their own businesses.”
“Before considering a career in wedding planning, one should understand that there are only a handful of event companies that can hire a wedding planner,” says Marsha Ballard, past president/secretary for AACWP, Dallas, TX. “Many venues hire catering mangers which is very different position than that of an independent wedding planner. In most cases, wedding planners are independent professionals who have started their own businesses.”
Horse Track Dress Code
Event planners should notify guests of required dress code attire for a day at the races.
Event planners should notify guests of required dress code attire for a day at the races.
Your First Event Planning Job
Follow these suggestions to find your first job as an event planner.
Follow these suggestions to find your first job as an event planner.
Spa Treatments
If you're getting ready to plan an incentive trip or large conference that includes a variety of attendee activities, you will need to know what are the most popular spa treatments that attendees and guests prefer.
If you're getting ready to plan an incentive trip or large conference that includes a variety of attendee activities, you will need to know what are the most popular spa treatments that attendees and guests prefer.
Events at a Baseball Game
One of the best ways to build relationships with customers and employees is to bring them to a baseball game. The key to successful event planning for a baseball event is to plan early.
One of the best ways to build relationships with customers and employees is to bring them to a baseball game. The key to successful event planning for a baseball event is to plan early.
Event Planner Marketing
Use these strategies to build an effective marketing plan for your event planning business.
Use these strategies to build an effective marketing plan for your event planning business.
Wedding Entrance Songs for a Wedding Reception
This article offers creative ideas for wedding entrance songs. With wedding introduction songs in a variety of genres, the list contains many choices for an exciting wedding entrance.
This article offers creative ideas for wedding entrance songs. With wedding introduction songs in a variety of genres, the list contains many choices for an exciting wedding entrance.
Conference Content
Attract more attendees to your conference by featuring awesome content.
Attract more attendees to your conference by featuring awesome content.
cocktails
Event planners should be familiar with a variety of cocktail drinks and cocktail drink recipes so that they may incorporate popular and trendy cocktails for their events. These cocktails and their recipes are certain to be a hit.
Event planners should be familiar with a variety of cocktail drinks and cocktail drink recipes so that they may incorporate popular and trendy cocktails for their events. These cocktails and their recipes are certain to be a hit.
Events Industry Trends
The 2007 EIBTM Industry Trends report identifies several business event industry challenges, especially for international planners. Budget is the biggest consideration. However, expanded destination options may provide some financial relief.
The 2007 EIBTM Industry Trends report identifies several business event industry challenges, especially for international planners. Budget is the biggest consideration. However, expanded destination options may provide some financial relief.
Choosing Venue
Considerations for choosing the right venue for a successful event include timing, location, facilities, catering, service, budget and management preference. And unless logistics and time absolutely prevent it, every event planner should conduct a site inspection before contracting any venue.
Considerations for choosing the right venue for a successful event include timing, location, facilities, catering, service, budget and management preference. And unless logistics and time absolutely prevent it, every event planner should conduct a site inspection before contracting any venue.
Wedding Planners Skills
Full service wedding planners typically manages about 12-20 weddings each year, and a wedding day coordinator handles about 50. Learn what organizational skills are required to become a wedding planner.
Full service wedding planners typically manages about 12-20 weddings each year, and a wedding day coordinator handles about 50. Learn what organizational skills are required to become a wedding planner.
Golf Meeting
Event planners will find themselves organizing one or more golf meetings each year, so it's helpful to follow some helpful guidelines to ensure a great outing every time.
Event planners will find themselves organizing one or more golf meetings each year, so it's helpful to follow some helpful guidelines to ensure a great outing every time.
Sweet Sendoffs: Wedding Bubbles, Wands, Sparklers, Flower Petals and More
Your wedding guests will love celebrating your wedding ceremony or reception with these wedding bubbles, wedding confetti, wedding rice and other fun ideas. Explore modern wedding favors like wedding sparklers and wedding wands, or something more traditional like wedding flower petals.
Your wedding guests will love celebrating your wedding ceremony or reception with these wedding bubbles, wedding confetti, wedding rice and other fun ideas. Explore modern wedding favors like wedding sparklers and wedding wands, or something more traditional like wedding flower petals.
Market Your Conference Online
Some of the best ways to market your conference online cost very little. Target these placements first before dipping into your marketing budget.
Some of the best ways to market your conference online cost very little. Target these placements first before dipping into your marketing budget.
Event Coordinator
Event coordinators serve under a director or banquet manager and are responsible for managing the details of events.
Event coordinators serve under a director or banquet manager and are responsible for managing the details of events.
Catering Certification
For those who are interested in distinguishing themselves in a catering career, perhaps this is a good time to consider obtaining professional certification. The CPCE demonstrates competencies for catering managers and executives, and is administered by the National Association of Catering Executives. Learn more.
For those who are interested in distinguishing themselves in a catering career, perhaps this is a good time to consider obtaining professional certification. The CPCE demonstrates competencies for catering managers and executives, and is administered by the National Association of Catering Executives. Learn more.
Staff Members to Meet on Event Day
Larger venues have several different departments and you'll want to introduce yourself to these supervisors during setup time.
Larger venues have several different departments and you'll want to introduce yourself to these supervisors during setup time.
List of Event Planning Jobs
Use this list to discover hundreds of event planning jobs where planners can make an impact.
Use this list to discover hundreds of event planning jobs where planners can make an impact.
Horse Betting
Event planners should be familiar with horse betting and horse racing terms if they are holding an event at an thoroughbred race track. For some guests, this could be the first time they have ever been to the track.
Event planners should be familiar with horse betting and horse racing terms if they are holding an event at an thoroughbred race track. For some guests, this could be the first time they have ever been to the track.
How to Hire an Event Planner
Whether you're looking to hire someone to plan a a family event or to handle your meetings and seminars, keep these steps in mind when hiring an event planner.
Whether you're looking to hire someone to plan a a family event or to handle your meetings and seminars, keep these steps in mind when hiring an event planner.
Meeting Planning Ideas for Organizing Conventions, Congresses and Conferences
The MPI WEC 2008 offers an excellent opportunity for meeting and event planners to not only gain professional development, it may also be viewed as a learning lab filled with event planning tips for those who are expected to organize conventions, congresses, conferences, seminars and other events.
The MPI WEC 2008 offers an excellent opportunity for meeting and event planners to not only gain professional development, it may also be viewed as a learning lab filled with event planning tips for those who are expected to organize conventions, congresses, conferences, seminars and other events.
What is an Opening Session?
What is an opening general session?
What is an opening general session?
Event Planning Information Flow
Control the flow of communications during the planning stage to avoid mistakes.
Control the flow of communications during the planning stage to avoid mistakes.
Checked Baggage on Airlines
If your airline luggage is missing, you should complete a mishandled baggage claims report. This process differs by airline, but here's what you should know.
If your airline luggage is missing, you should complete a mishandled baggage claims report. This process differs by airline, but here's what you should know.
Wedding Planning Experience
Successful wedding planners come from all walks of life, and no single profession prepares an individual for this career. So what kind of experience prepare someone to become a wedding planner?
Successful wedding planners come from all walks of life, and no single profession prepares an individual for this career. So what kind of experience prepare someone to become a wedding planner?
Fundraising Walks
Looking for a new fundraising idea to raise awareness and money for your cause? Consider a fundraising walk. The y-ME Mother's Day Events can serve as a best practice to help guide your planning.
Looking for a new fundraising idea to raise awareness and money for your cause? Consider a fundraising walk. The y-ME Mother's Day Events can serve as a best practice to help guide your planning.
Non-Profit Event Ideas
The best format for a non-profit event is one that is both engaging and fun.
The best format for a non-profit event is one that is both engaging and fun.
Keynote Speaker
Before selecting a keynote speaker, follow some basic steps that will help assure internal executive support.
Before selecting a keynote speaker, follow some basic steps that will help assure internal executive support.
Event Planner Services
Event planners should create a network of suppliers such as destination management companies, event photographers, stationery shops, chocolatiers and more. The right team will create incredible events and make the event planner look great in the eyes of the client.
Event planners should create a network of suppliers such as destination management companies, event photographers, stationery shops, chocolatiers and more. The right team will create incredible events and make the event planner look great in the eyes of the client.
Sites to Help You Choose Wedding Music
Look here for the most helpful websites as you plan your wedding ceremony music and wedding reception music. These sites contain lists of wedding songs, often with lyrics and videos. Select the perfect wedding music for you with the help of these sites.
Look here for the most helpful websites as you plan your wedding ceremony music and wedding reception music. These sites contain lists of wedding songs, often with lyrics and videos. Select the perfect wedding music for you with the help of these sites.
Group Air Fares
With air fares accounting for a higher portion of events that require group travel, it's important for event and meeting planners to secure airline discounts for group event air fares. Many airlines offer group travel and event options for planners.
With air fares accounting for a higher portion of events that require group travel, it's important for event and meeting planners to secure airline discounts for group event air fares. Many airlines offer group travel and event options for planners.
Dessert Ideas
Looking to create an intimate experience, but not wanting the complexity of hosting a longer evening affair? Perhaps the best idea is to host a dessert reception. That's what organizers at Encore in Las Vegas chose when launching the new hotel to industry travel writers. Consider hosting a dessert reception based on ideas from their pastry chefs. Learn more.
Looking to create an intimate experience, but not wanting the complexity of hosting a longer evening affair? Perhaps the best idea is to host a dessert reception. That's what organizers at Encore in Las Vegas chose when launching the new hotel to industry travel writers. Consider hosting a dessert reception based on ideas from their pastry chefs. Learn more.
Checklist for Venue Coordinators
Venue coordinators are charged with making sure the room is set to specification. Here are some things they need to look for.
Venue coordinators are charged with making sure the room is set to specification. Here are some things they need to look for.
Choosing Catering
Event planners must consider several items before selecting catering services for their events, including menu selection, buffet vs. plated arrangements, special needs considerations, and budget items.
Event planners must consider several items before selecting catering services for their events, including menu selection, buffet vs. plated arrangements, special needs considerations, and budget items.
6 Event Planning Mistakes
Watch out for these potential mistakes that can quickly bring chaos to even a well-planned event.
Watch out for these potential mistakes that can quickly bring chaos to even a well-planned event.
Holiday Party Etiquette
Even though most holiday parties of today aren't the same as many were in the 1990s, that doesn't mean that managers and colleagues aren't observing your behavior patterns at the event. Avoid these potentially career impacting mistakes.
Even though most holiday parties of today aren't the same as many were in the 1990s, that doesn't mean that managers and colleagues aren't observing your behavior patterns at the event. Avoid these potentially career impacting mistakes.
Employee Events at Ice Rinks
Employee appreciation events are a great morale boosters to thank employees. One possible event may be to organize a family skate night at the local ice rink. That's what Delta Hotels chose for its summer employee event. Learn how Delta approached its employee family night behind the scenes.
Employee appreciation events are a great morale boosters to thank employees. One possible event may be to organize a family skate night at the local ice rink. That's what Delta Hotels chose for its summer employee event. Learn how Delta approached its employee family night behind the scenes.
Basic Supply Kit
Every event and meeting planner should have an office supplies kit in storage containers that they can bring with them for event set-up. These items will help prepare any planner to address a range of last minute complications that require business supplies.
Every event and meeting planner should have an office supplies kit in storage containers that they can bring with them for event set-up. These items will help prepare any planner to address a range of last minute complications that require business supplies.
Tip: Determine Professional Development Topics by Skill and Audience Level
Conference organizers are responsible for determining seminar topics for professional development. These topics become break out sessions, and attendees should be given a range of topics targeted to their skill level and development interests.
Conference organizers are responsible for determining seminar topics for professional development. These topics become break out sessions, and attendees should be given a range of topics targeted to their skill level and development interests.
Catering Portion Tips
Use this guide to adjust your catering portion sizes and save money on catering costs.
Use this guide to adjust your catering portion sizes and save money on catering costs.
2010 Events Calendar
An events calendar of holidays and major events will help event and meeting planners know the important dates to schedule their programs and the important dates to avoid scheduling their events. This comprehensive list includes holidays and major events around the world.
An events calendar of holidays and major events will help event and meeting planners know the important dates to schedule their programs and the important dates to avoid scheduling their events. This comprehensive list includes holidays and major events around the world.
Community Festivals
Event planners interested in planning neighborhood food festivals must consider several elements, including operations, vendors, programming, marketing and more. Learn how event planners approach the Taste of Chicago.
Event planners interested in planning neighborhood food festivals must consider several elements, including operations, vendors, programming, marketing and more. Learn how event planners approach the Taste of Chicago.
Catering Tips
Although it seems that many restaurants and hotels have preset food and beverage menus, it's important to incorporate popular catering trends into your selections. The National Restaurant Association's 2008 chef survey highlights top items and tips that you may want to incorporate into your next event menu.
Although it seems that many restaurants and hotels have preset food and beverage menus, it's important to incorporate popular catering trends into your selections. The National Restaurant Association's 2008 chef survey highlights top items and tips that you may want to incorporate into your next event menu.
Break Out Session
: A workshop or presentation on a specific topic that serves as a portion of the agenda of a larger program,
: A workshop or presentation on a specific topic that serves as a portion of the agenda of a larger program,
Destination Management Company
: A third party firm that is commonly hired to provide professional services for the planning and implementation
: A third party firm that is commonly hired to provide professional services for the planning and implementation
Partner Hotel for Your Event
Checklist of things your guests want from event hotel accommodations.
Checklist of things your guests want from event hotel accommodations.
Wedding Music Mistakes to Avoid
Tips to avoid five common planning pitfalls when it comes to wedding music. Wedding reception music should enhance, not detract from, the event. Wedding planners can read this article to learn what mistakes to avoid.
Tips to avoid five common planning pitfalls when it comes to wedding music. Wedding reception music should enhance, not detract from, the event. Wedding planners can read this article to learn what mistakes to avoid.
Wedding Theme: Winter Wonderland Wedding Decorations
Learn how a Washington, DC hotel wedding was transformed into a winter wonderland for New Year's Eve. This article describes the wedding decorations, including flowers, linens and lighting, that made this wedding theme beautiful and unique.
Learn how a Washington, DC hotel wedding was transformed into a winter wonderland for New Year's Eve. This article describes the wedding decorations, including flowers, linens and lighting, that made this wedding theme beautiful and unique.
Planning Your Wedding Music
Resources to help you hire a DJ, avoid wedding music planning mistakes, choose wedding songs, and more. Tips for selecting wedding dance songs and making the most of your wedding reception music.
Resources to help you hire a DJ, avoid wedding music planning mistakes, choose wedding songs, and more. Tips for selecting wedding dance songs and making the most of your wedding reception music.
Wedding Candy Buffets: A Sweet Ending to Your Wedding
Instructions for how to select candy, display containers, and take-home containers for a wedding candy buffet. Wedding candy in every color scheme. Creative display options and links to further wedding candy buffet resources.
Instructions for how to select candy, display containers, and take-home containers for a wedding candy buffet. Wedding candy in every color scheme. Creative display options and links to further wedding candy buffet resources.
Choosing the Best Wedding Favors, Save the Dates, and Place Card Holders
The best wedding favor ideas, from inexpensive wedding favors to useful wedding favors to edible wedding favors. Green wedding favors that are environmentally friendly. Wedding shower favors that bridal shower guests will love. Unique place card holders and wedding favor boxes with style.
The best wedding favor ideas, from inexpensive wedding favors to useful wedding favors to edible wedding favors. Green wedding favors that are environmentally friendly. Wedding shower favors that bridal shower guests will love. Unique place card holders and wedding favor boxes with style.
How to Plan a Small Meeting
8 steps to planning a productive small meeting.
8 steps to planning a productive small meeting.
What is CIC?
The Convention Industry Council's 32 member organizations represent more than 103,500 individuals, as well as, 17,300 firms and properties involved in the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industries. The CIC offers its members many tools and programs designed to support the industry and meet its challenges, facilitate the exchange of information and ideas, and ensure its credibility and high standards of quality.
The Convention Industry Council's 32 member organizations represent more than 103,500 individuals, as well as, 17,300 firms and properties involved in the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industries. The CIC offers its members many tools and programs designed to support the industry and meet its challenges, facilitate the exchange of information and ideas, and ensure its credibility and high standards of quality.
Event Entertainment Ideas
Don't have the event budget to book a big entertainer? Here are several ideas that will impress your audience without breaking the bank.
Don't have the event budget to book a big entertainer? Here are several ideas that will impress your audience without breaking the bank.
Catering Menu Ideas
Use these ideas to turn your catering menu into a productive sales tool.
Use these ideas to turn your catering menu into a productive sales tool.
Holiday Work Party Ideas
Use these fun ideas and activities to make your holiday work party a memorable occasion.
Use these fun ideas and activities to make your holiday work party a memorable occasion.
Increase Meeting Attendance
With increasing pressure on increasing attendance at business meetings and conventions, event services supplier Daniel Fortin of DNL Logistique in Montreal, Canada, offers 10 tips that event and meeting professions should know.
With increasing pressure on increasing attendance at business meetings and conventions, event services supplier Daniel Fortin of DNL Logistique in Montreal, Canada, offers 10 tips that event and meeting professions should know.
Theme Events
Can’t bring your guests to the actual event in person because it’s held out of town or out of the country? Recreate the atmosphere or theme of the major event itself, and invite attendees to celebrate the occasion in your own city.
Can’t bring your guests to the actual event in person because it’s held out of town or out of the country? Recreate the atmosphere or theme of the major event itself, and invite attendees to celebrate the occasion in your own city.
Caribbean Menu
Caribbean chefs worked together and formed Team Bahamas at the American Culinary Competition. Event planners should check out their three-course menu when creating an event with a Caribbean island theme.
Caribbean chefs worked together and formed Team Bahamas at the American Culinary Competition. Event planners should check out their three-course menu when creating an event with a Caribbean island theme.
Making Money with Events
Savvy event planners know there is also potential to make money by designing and promoting their own events for substantial profits.
Savvy event planners know there is also potential to make money by designing and promoting their own events for substantial profits.