Eight ‘Old’ Things to Remember When Planning in the New Year

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We live in a “been there, done that” era; a time when everything has already been done (again and again) and new ideas are difficult to generate — especially within our industry. But why the constant pressures of creating something original; why is it that we are always seeking the bigger or better, what is it with the want and need for the newer?

Here’s a new idea; why not perfect the old — reinstate the fundamentals that we already seem to know so well yet so often forget? According to Irvine, Calif.-based corporate event management firm Pacific Partners, all you need to start planning successful events in the New Year is to remember these eight important “old” things.

1. Lines are never good — no matter what’s waiting at the end of them. Make sure you have plenty of buffets, bars, servers, restrooms, valet attendants, registration tables…you name it! Less is not always more.

2. A hot entrée should stay just that — hot. If that means more chefs, waitstaff or warmers, a different entrée, a bigger kitchen or more than one, then that’s what it means. But once word gets out that the entrée was served warm (or worse yet, cold), there’s no going back.

3. Adequate temperature. This one is never easy and always a problem. Avoid any potential for disaster by planning accordingly. That means working air conditioning, plenty of umbrellas or space heaters (even summer nights in Southern California can get chilly) and also letting your guests know to dress appropriately.

4. Audio-visual makes it or breaks it. It sounds so simple yet it’s critical, easily overlooked and so often underrated. In this case, less can be more; just make sure it’s appropriate, functional and done professionally.

5. Happy vendors = happy buyers = happy clients — not the other way around. Remember that it’s the team behind you that often holds you (and your event) up.

6. Risk management, insurance, indemnity, protection, you name it…just make sure you have it! Always be prepared for the worst and have everything covered before the emergency (should it happen); it could save you, your company and your client more than a huge headache.

7. Know your budget inside and out, front and back, up and down. It’s about making sure your ideas match your budget and getting the best use of your money.

8. Plan an event but create an experience. Know what it is you are creating and its purpose. An event has a beginning, middle and end; an experience, however, can (and should) last a lifetime.

Above are only eight important “old” things to remember. But really it’s about refining all of the minor details of planning, continuously improving all of the finer touches and letting all of the bigger, better and newer ideas come once all of the old ones have been mastered. Perfect the old before you begin your quest for the new — your clients, guests and attendees will all appreciate it more than you think.

For more information, visit www.pacificpartners.com.