Organize Successful Events with MARCO!

Now is the time to make every meeting and event count, especially in a time constraint economy with competing demands and tight budgets. There's no doubt that the job of an event planner is very challenging, often having to deal with last minute glitches and audience responses. Getting the satisfactory nod from the event attendees often requires a memorable event, leaving your guests with a 'wow' factor they realize after they have arrived home. Accomplishing this, is easier than you think, provided you sketch out the tasks and surround yourself with skilled assistance. If you are a marketing veteran, you must be well aware of several tips, but maybe some of these will serve as a reminder.

Try these tips for a winning event:

1. Plan for success. You will achieve what you set out to do if you maintain a positive attitude for the account.
2. Start early. The early bird gets the worm. You may qualify for discounts, be on the forefront of opportunity and you will naturally have time for the 'other' things that come up at the last minute. Contracts, locations, meals and accommodations are large arrangements you will want to set well in advance.
3. Pick your dates carefully, paying attention to holidays, as well as competing events in the community.
4. Plan some type of mixer where people can get acquainted. Make sure you have plenty of name badge ribbons on hand to break the ice. The badge will have their name, but the ribbon can be a playful title they select such as 'Plays well with others' or 'Party Animal'.
5. Send your meeting or event invites early. The sooner you get on people's calendars, the more likely they will attend. If your event is an annual meeting, consider a direct mail piece including promotional items, such as a refrigerator magnet that has a calendar with your event date circled.
6. Choose your budget carefully and wisely. Some creativity here will save your company money and make you look good. Try offering promotional bags and get a community business to sponsor the bag. These bags, along with your company logo, will be noticed consciously or sub-consciously everywhere they are carried.
7. Plan to have a post-event survey to get feedback and to get ideas for your next event.

When it's all over, sit back and relax, knowing that you have created memorable events!