When we start planning any event with a new or returning client, one of the first steps is to determine who are the key event partners. From AV to production to décor to entertainment, and more, it’s crucial to have collaborators you can trust. This rapport allows the event planning process, and especially event day, to be less stressful, more fun, and more successful overall. Here are the top five categories of event partners we typically start with…and rely on!
Venue & Catering Partners
Having a solid relationship with the event venue manager is vital. We always recommend an in-person meeting and site visit right away to talk through the logistics in the event space. Even if you have been in the space several times, seeing it through this specific clients’ eyes and needs is important. Details such as room layout and flow for check-in/registration, guest tables, stage for any programming, on-site auction items, food stations and bars are all part of your event’s success. When it comes to catering, many venues have on-site catering and others have a preferred list of caterers. Talk to the venue right away to figure out the best solution for your event and start pricing out the options so you can stay on budget and also wow your guests.
AV & Production Partners
To ensure your event guests can see and hear what they need is a top priority. If the venue has on-site AV capabilities, that might be all you need. However, bringing in an AV or stage production company can be beneficial to elevate the events sound, stage lighting, presentation screens, and overall experience.
Décor Partners
Décor encompasses the ambience and style of any event. Linens, floral, stage décor, photo opp enhancements, lighting, and entrance pops help set the tone for your client’s vision. Having a wide variety of décor vendor partners in your rolodex is key so you know who to tap for what event. Every event is so different. Right now, we are seeing a big trend in lighting at events. From LED posters, creative decorative lighting throughout the space, and LED Arbors, all of which we have used at recent events.
Entertainment Partners
The entertainment portion of events continues to evolve. Bands, DJ’s, and photobooths remain popular choices. Out-of-the box entertainment concepts like champagne-service dresses, fire throwers, and roaming musicians are also beginning to garner more attention. When you start your event planning process, think about what kinds of entertainment you’ll need for the event, what works in the venue, and what is on budget.
Auction & Fundraising Platform Partners
At Do Good Events, we hold numerous fundraising events for our clients. Whether you are a non-profit organization or a corporate client, having a trusted partner to host your silent auction, ticketing, and fundraising is essential. We work with different companies based on our clients’ needs or their current vendor relationships. We love having representatives from these companies on-site at the event. They provide a software expert to help our team execute the tasks smoothly. Check out our latest blog here to learn more about how to choose your auction platform.
If anyone has any questions or ever needs any vendor recommendations in the event space, please let us know!