Best List of Hotel Contract Concessions
October 24, 2014
Navigating hotel contracts can be a confusing and scary process for planners. Here at Special D Events we have a wide range of client types; so over the years we have compiled a go-to list of concessions we can negotiate on behalf of our clients. The concessions which we are successful in negotiating into the contract will…
No Room at the Inn: A Meeting Logistics Lesson for All
December 5, 2013
Our solution Three to four pallets were shrink wrapped for shipping instead of the 30-40 boxes we had originally anticipated sending separately. We partnered with a logistics company that would pick up the boxes, take them back to their secure warehouse, palletize them and deliver them to the hotel for us. The best part of…
Taking Care of the Customer – Making Sure All Attendees Feel Welcome
October 15, 2013
First Time Attendees Host a pre-conference session to review what makes your meeting unique / best in the industry Design a welcome booth or mini-lounge for them near the entrance / registration Include a special thank you gift in their registration packet Organize an ambassador program with volunteers who have attended before Offer contests, prizes…
Our Newest Employee Shares her Event Planning “Nuggets” of Knowledge
February 1, 2013
Time management is EVERYTHING There is no handbook for how to manage your time. Timelines missed, meetings forgotten – this does not reflect well on your professional image. Email is my biggest struggle and I’ve finally found a system that works for me. I only check my inbox a few times a day. Scan for…
Event Pet Peeves
January 8, 2013
I do this with most minor pet peeves. I can’t stand people who complain all the time, and yet sometimes find myself complaining about these individuals. It drives me crazy watching those moms who hover over their kids coddling their every move, yet I find myself regularly sneaking into my son’s elementary school after the…
Custom Corporate Gift Ideas
December 18, 2012
The second gift was a custom photo mosaic poster comprised of each employee’s picture. I worked with the client to collect the employee photos and collaborated with a great supplier to create the mosaic. Each employee received their own poster and each office received a framed poster for their lobby. We also created a video…
Say What? Working with Clients From Other Cultures and Countries
December 5, 2012
Back to my last name. A day in my life is probably very different from yours. First off, most of the clocks in my house are set to military time. (It’s a European thing) I am familiar with temps in Celsius, have measuring cups in deciliters, and the soccer channel is a big hit on…
Budget Shortcuts
September 24, 2012
Because this is a profession that takes over the depths of your core; it is often a struggle for planners whose clients have very small budgets. How can we create the perfect setting without ample funds? Here are some tricks of the trade I have developed to stretch my client’s dollar. Event suppliers are approached…
The Experience of a Lifetime
July 31, 2012
It’s just one concrete example of how events can strengthen client relationships. The bonding that takes place outside the office cannot be overvalued. But hospitality events don’t come easy. They require creative forethought, detailed planning, and flawless execution. You don’t need to break the bank on something like the US Open, but the more unique…
Floating Away
July 17, 2012
Balloon providers have been experiencing helium price increases for the past couple of years in response to this shortage. Some suppliers simply don’t offer balloons anymore, and if they do, it is costly. This leaves planners scrambling to find more cost effective tools for enhancing events. How will you go about replacing the classic balloon?…
Every Day is an Event
June 26, 2012
Between the feeding schedule and nap schedule to making sure you have everything you could ever possibly need for just a quick trip to the store, it all comes down to planning. Every day is like a mini event. I need to anticipate everything! I need to plan when my son needs to eat, nap,…