Ask the Event Planning Expert

courtesy of www.corpchem.com

Event planning or not. It doesn’t matter how great one is at their job we all can use a bit of help now and then. At MasterTheEvent.com we have found anytime we’re at industry happenings especially where students are involved. We are inundated with event planning questions and requests. Recently a hospitality student shared that when she gets the chance to network and question an industry professional she jumps at it. It provides her the opportunity to toss ideas around as well as understand more about her fast approaching career.

Ask the Event Planning Expert – What’s in for You?

That got us thinking. With our combined experience planning and executing events and meetings, why not come together and share our know-how and ideas. So we went to our industry suppliers and we all agreed to pool our knowledge and experience. To regularly provide answers and advice to an assortment of event planning challenges and questions.

What does this mean for our readers? Well we will consistently do our best to provide informative answers, guidance and tips. To everything from A to Z in the event and meeting planning world. Monthly you can check in. And find “Ask the Expert” Q&A blogs that will answer your industry, career, logistics and event planning questions and issues.

Ask the Event Planning Expert – First Question…

For our first Q&A session we thought we’d address a couple of questions from people newer to planning.

I am new to the industry and am just about to start meeting with clients. At those first new client meetings what questions should I start with?

First time client meetings can feel overwhelming. Those first meetings can sometimes be the most agonizing. I promise you we’ve all been there. It can be hard to know where to start and what questions to ask. The whole point of that first meeting is to be able to get as much information from the client as possible. And to be able understand and then convert it into something that will eventually surpass expectations.

I usually start with asking the what, where, when, why and who questions. And within each of those categories I open it up with additional questions. In the end you want to be able to pull out as much info as possible regarding the event and the client’s objectives and requirements. Date, time, number of guests, type of event and budget to name a few.

Ask the Event Planning Expert – Next Question…

I am considering changing careers and wonder what you think are event planners’ most needed qualities?

Anytime we consider making a career change we ask ourselves “Is this the right change for me?” And “Do I have what it takes to be successful?” If you ask any event planner they will tell you it take a unique individual to be an event planner. It’s a job that requires you to think on your feet and be able problem solve and fast.

Organizing events and meetings definitely takes attention, skill and know how. An event planning career demands that you be organized and capable in a lot of diverse arenas. To be successful it is imperative to understand the fundamentals of planning and be able to function within tough deadlines. And it goes without saying that you need to be flexible, detail oriented and good at multitasking. To do well good time management skills, the ability to effectively communicate and excellent people skills will come in handy. I don’t doubt you already have these skills and more or you wouldn’t be interested in this industry. Good luck with your career plans.

So next time you have a question, comment or recommendation hit the comments section. Or get hold of us on Twitter and let us know. We look forward to connecting and sharing at our future monthly “Ask the Expert” Q&A.