In the Market for an Event Planner?
September 14, 2010
Here are some important characteristics to look for as you shop around… Master of Contract Negotiations – On the surface, the measurement of any event is usually attendee satisfaction. However, when all is said and done, the ultimate measurement is cost control. Even a great event with superior attendee satisfaction can be considered unsuccessful when…
Show Books – Who Needs ‘Em?
August 17, 2010
When I hand a client a detailed show book (a document with every lighting, audio, video, and special effects cue along with speech text down to the second) for the first time, the initial reaction is “What do we need all of that for? It will just confuse our executives.” Actually, it will confuse most…
Face to Face
August 6, 2010
Remember when phones were just phones and computers sat on a desk? Now we bring our computers everywhere and use our phones to check our email or find directions to where we’re going. Technology is advancing faster than ever and there is always some great new way to be more efficient. As a professional person,…
Time is Precious
July 7, 2010
Time is precious, time is money. So it goes. I suppose that is true for everyone, but for meeting planners trying to shoehorn a five day conference into a Monday arrival-Tuesday departure, time is more precious than basketball all star LeBron Jame’s new contract. Time is always at a premium, but at Special D Events…
5 Pointers from the Pros
June 9, 2010
Sometimes being an event planner is a bit like being a doctor. Once people find out what you do for a living they immediately say, “let me ask you something…” insert event question. While we are not diagnosing the general population’s ailments, we are helping people of all sorts avoid mishaps and pitfalls BEFORE they…
32nd Annual EMMY Awards
June 7, 2010
Congratulations to the winners of the 32nd Annual EMMY Awards. Special D Events was proud to help coordinate your gala celebration this past Saturday at the Royal Oak Music Theatre. Good people making great TV…
ASAE Chooses Detroit
May 27, 2010
Get ready, Detroit. The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) recently announced plans to hold its 2015 annual meeting and exposition in Detroit. “This Super Bowl of all conferences” will generate thousands of room nights and untold revenue for the city. But, these aren’t just any conventioneers – they represent the future for Metro Detroit’s…
Is there something I’m missing here?
May 26, 2010
I have been producing events professionally since 1970, and I have learned a lot in that time, but there is one thing I still do not understand: Why do so many companies that have no professional, internal event staff or conference bureau prefer to have major company conferences and celebrations handled in-house? I am not…
You know you are a trade show professional if you:
May 20, 2010
Recite your company’s elevator pitch in your sleep Have physically groveled for bubble wrap Reach for your badge scanner at cocktail parties Tried to tip the dog for bringing you a chew toy Have sold your soul for spare batteries or a light bulb Have kids who are suspicious of toys that don’t have a…
Texas Roadhouse Shows Business Case for Incentive Travel
May 11, 2010
In April 2009, when the AIG effect was in full force, Texas Roadhouse CEO G.J. Hart stood up to a CNBC reporter’s scathing criticism and ridicule of his decision to proceed with the company’s annual retreat in the midst of a recession. A year later, the company is enjoying even stronger corporate performance. Congratulations, G….
Pack It and Ship It
April 23, 2010
Packing and shipping for an event. It’s last minute. It’s time consuming. And let’s face it, it’s frustrating. However, it’s an important part of the planning process and if done well can make a world of difference at your event. Here are a few tips for packing (and shipping) for your next event: Do it…
