| With so many event management companies keen | | | | comprehensive information about their services and a |
| to have your business, how do you find your way | | | | suitably customer-focused approach. |
| through the also-rans to a suitably experienced | | | | Are they clear about the benefits they offer your |
| partner? In this article we present a five-step guide | | | | business? In particular, look for evidence that they |
| to finding the right company for you. | | | | will save you time and money, deliver the event you |
| (1) Understand why you need an event management | | | | require and give you peace of mind through the |
| company | | | | events management process. At this stage you can |
| Do you need support with particular aspects of your | | | | request a brochure or talk to the companies on the |
| event or a complete solution? The former lets you | | | | phone for more information. |
| pick and choose services; the latter gives the peace | | | | (4) Visit your shortlisted companies |
| of mind that a professional is handling your whole | | | | Next, schedule a visit to your shortlisted events |
| event. | | | | management businesses. During your visit, ask |
| Having identified your requirements take time to | | | | probing questions and look for their interest in your |
| prepare an event brief; this should include details of | | | | needs. |
| the services that your supplier provides, typically | | | | Do you get on well with the team? Do they seem |
| grouped in the following categories: | | | | genuinely interested in going the extra mile for you? |
| - Venue management (some event management | | | | Could you see yourself working with them? If your |
| companies are linked with specific venues) | | | | instincts and their answers give you confidence |
| - Event marketing | | | | you're likely to be onto a winner. |
| - Speaker management | | | | Now's the time to ask for a formal proposal detailing |
| - Delegate management | | | | what they'll do for you. |
| - Event finance | | | | (5) Appoint your partner |
| (2) Undertake a web search | | | | Having found an events management company that |
| Leading businesses have informative, professional and | | | | can do what you require, and a team that you feel |
| properly optimised websites. A Google search around | | | | good about working with, it's time to appoint them. |
| phrases such as 'event management company | | | | Having made your decision, don't procrastinate; the |
| London' or 'events management companies' will lead | | | | best companies get booked up fast so make sure |
| you to many potential suppliers; the next stage is to | | | | you don't miss out on a great partnership. |
| shortlist the best ones for your purposes. | | | | Finding the perfect partner is really just a matter of |
| (3) Shortlist | | | | common sense, being methodical, asking the right |
| From the search results identify businesses that look | | | | questions throughout the process and trusting your |
| promising and visit their websites. Expect to find | | | | professional instincts. |