expert advice

It was a normal day in the office on September 26, 2013 until my phone rang and a confused exhibitor was on the line. This exhibitor had received a phone call and email from a company representing itself as our housing bureau for one of our upcoming events. Aging Services of Minnesota did not contract with this housing reservation company nor did we supply this company with contact names. In fact, our room block and event registration materials were not published yet.

As the saying goes, all that glitters is not gold. But in the event planning industry, this precious metal is making a comeback and—24 karat or not—its effects are positively brilliant. If you’re in the midst of planning your next corporate meeting or event, read on for savvy tips on how to fashion the ultimate gilded gathering.

The changing landscape of the meetings and events industry requires planners to be on target when seeking venues.

Pair a good book with a cup of tea, practice yoga in a meadow, and pencil in daily Swedish massages. While all of these things sound ideal, what if you could stop the cycle of stress before it starts?

NJM+E: What should you look for when hiring a photographer?

Special events are different from other projects. An event is a one-time activity with fixed boundaries and there is little to no wiggle room. Once the date, time and location are set, you face a hard deadline. Ready or not, the show must go on!

According to Murphy, if something does go wrong, the client looks to the event planner—whatever the circumstances might be. This is why meticulous planning is paramount, and using templates will streamline the process.

WHEN MY PARTNERS AND I FOUNDED ARTISTRY EVENTS & DESIGN, an event design and décor firm in Denver, we made it a core mission to provide eco-friendly design. This means keeping items out of landfills, repurposing and revitalizing décor and using found items.

Knowing proper etiquette about toasting, displaying flags, receiving lines and gift giving can save major embarassment. 

The time Bill Cosby and I got lost in the Colorado Convention Center is my most embarrassing event moment. 

TRAINS, PLANES, AUTOMOBILES-AND HOTELS (lots and lots of hotels). These places often become mobile offices for event planners, even as they’re developing itineraries for thousands of destination travelers year-round. Since travel can be such a large component to production, we spoke with Hanson Ansary, hospitality veteran and president and CEO of AlliedPRA Chicago, to map out some important key words for transportation and accommodations.