Savvy Supplier: Aggreko’s Meador Shares His Power Playbook
By Gary Meador, Director, Aggreko Event Services
Event teams are no different than sports teams. If one team member fails at their responsibility, the play (event) does not go as designed—and the result does not meet expectations.
As a 20-year veteran of diverse events including the Super Bowl, soccer’s World Cup (the other football), the Olympic Games, corporate events and backyard weddings, I have been involved with some of the most- and least-organized teams.
An event of any size revolves around pre-event preparation and communication. Success is elusive without three critical actions. They are: Communicating expectations in advance; making sure vendors understand your needs; and determining that every involved person knows what actions to take when changes occurs.
Special event teams only get one shot at pulling off an event. So how do the best event planners ensure their team is fully prepared for the game? As the North American director of Aggreko Event Services—a vendor of cost-effective power, electrical distribution and temperature-control services—I have a playbook that includes these practical tips that will help you achieve peak performance.
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Involve your vendor early on, preferably in the design stage. Expert vendors will understand the local working conditions, codes and other obstacles. This is also a great time for you to identify any design limitations due to site conditions.
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Set expectations. Vendors need to recognize your client’s needs and expectations in a way that’s specific. What is their idea of a successful outcome?
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Let vendors help you ask the important questions. You cannot be expected to be an expert in everything. The more specific information you can provide vendors, the better pricing you’ll receive, with less chances for change orders. Also, providing your clients with an all-inclusive lump sum proposal will help you gain credibility, put you in a better position to win business and protect your bottom line.
- Make vendors a part of your team. Insist they coordinate and communicate with other vendors involved on your project, recognizing their exact needs and expectations. Have team discussions with all parties involved before taking the field. The scenario if you don’t? Sending 11 football players on the field to run a play that only the quarterback knows.
To huddle up with Aggreko in planning your next event, contact us at 888.578.5879. Or click through to visit our website: http://aggreko-event-power.com.