Your event is important for a multitude of reasons, and who you work with matters.  The person helping you plan the event will be with you from start to finish, and that relationship will work best if you know exactly what you are getting, and have built a rapport of trust with your planner.  It’s more important to find the right match, than to force a fit.  Here are a few things to look into when choosing a planner:

Contract – if the planner is a registered business, they should have a legal contract.  Don’t feel pressured to sign on the spot.  Take it home, make suggestions, and create a document that both you and the planner are happy with.

Samples – compare planners by seeing samples of their work.  View gallery albums online, follow them on social media, and see what kind of feedback is left regarding their work.

Insurance – In Canada most registered businesses have insurance.  When the proof of insurance is shared with you, be sure that it includes liability coverage, errors and omissions.  It is not uncommon for the planner to ask to be added to the venue’s insurance as additional insured.    

Personality – even if your event is on the smaller scale, you will be spending a lot of time working with your planner.  That person should be someone you enjoy working with, a person who you feel comfortable trusting, and who you can communicate clearly with.  This is beneficial for both of you!  People work best with people they like. A few questions to keep in mind are, does the planner listen to your vision?  Can they work with deadlines?  Are they punctual?  Are they organized?

Credentials – Ask your planner if he or she is a member of any professional associations or has any industry designations.  Being active in the events industry means the planner is watching trends, and evolving with the market.  They may have a certificate, a program, or a diploma showing their technical training.

References – the planner should have these contacts on the ready, and past clients are the ideal people to speak with about meeting goals and building relationships. 

The investment in a planner is worthwhile, so we recommend spending some time to ensure you have the right person for the job.  If you are interested in learning more about Cloud 9 Event Services, we would be thrilled to chat with you, and we aren’t the best fit, we will gladly send you some referrals to another local planner.  After all, who you work with matters!

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