From the Publisher
Technology Coverage Expanded
by Pat McCarrell | Published in May 2008 economy | Departments
The most ardent technology buffs can barely keep up with advances in production, so planners need all the resources they can get on the subject.
Most planners leave the major technical details to the hired pros, but questions invariably arise that you want answered before you make the call to your A/V partner.
That’s why we devote so many magazine pages to production coverage. Recognizing your hunger for knowledge on this subject, beginning this month we’re introducing Tech Talk, a new monthly column that lets you ask questions and get answers directly from top production professionals.
This month, Warren Kong, creative/technical director for Orlando, Fla.-based Chameleon Designs LLC, shows you how to use lighting and sound to enhance your event’s theme — with minimal impact to your bottom line (see pg. 22).
If you have burning technology questions — and we know you do — send them to Managing Editor Rachel Globus (rachel@event-solutions.com).
Partnering Up
In these uncertain times, it’s important to find suppliers you can trust. Economic downturns result in shakeouts, and while I don’t believe the events industry is there yet, you need look no further than the passengers stuck with tickets on a bankrupt airline to see how suddenly things can happen.
Some might advocate sticking to partners you know until things settle down. But new partners can offer new ideas, so limiting yourself to the tried and true isn’t always the best policy.
When looking for a new vendor, pay close attention to the supplier’s memberships in industry associations, and rely on references from other trusted partners.
I hope you’ll also take into account who has the resources and business savvy to market themselves, whether it’s in the magazine, e-newsletter or on www.event-solutions.com.
That’s one reason we put together this month’s section devoted to corporate entertainers. When you’re planning the entertainment for a program months in advance, you need to know that the act you’re counting on will be there when the big day rolls around.
A company that makes the effort and invests in marketing itself is also showing a sign of a quality business and one with longevity even in the face of economic uncertainty.
I hope you’ll find ideas you can use in the entertainment section, as well as in ads throughout the magazine, and give them a call.
When you do, tell them Event Solutions sent you!
About the author: Pat McCarrell
Pat McCarrell was formerly the publisher and editor of Event Solutions magazine.
Contact: editor@event-solutions.com