7 steps for finding your perfect event management partner
Planning a successful event is no small feat, and it all starts with finding the right event management company to bring your vision to life. Whether you're organizing a corporate conference, an unforgettable product launch, or a team-building retreat, your choice of event management partner can make or break the experience.
With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to narrow down the choices. But fear not! We've got you covered. In this blog, we'll walk you through 7 essential factors to consider when choosing an event management company.
1. Experience matters
When it comes to organizing a successful event, experience does matter. And those without the proper resume can cause more problems than they solve.
During your evaluation of potential partners, take the time to examine previous events on their website. Does their portfolio align with the style, budget, and audience of the event you're planning?
For instance, they may excel at executing lively, extravagant global company retreats that rival Coachella, but is there evidence to say they can put together an intimate and multi-faceted leadership conference without going over the top (and way over budget)? Or maybe they’ve perfected the art of hosting in-person events, but can’t seem to pull off an interactive webinar without more than their fair share of hiccups.
FCM Meetings & Events has been in the event game since 1986, connecting people across the globe by providing dynamic solutions to clients in over 100 markets. And after thirty-plus years in the business, we know how to throw an unforgettable bash.
As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.”
2. Communication is non-negotiable
Clear and effective communication is the backbone of any successful event planning process. From the moment you first get in touch, pay close attention to how your prospective event manager interacts with you. A good event manager should hit the 3 As:
- Approachable – Are they friendly and easy to talk to? Do they make you feel comfortable sharing your ideas and concerns? A reliable manager will also ask insightful questions to gain a deeper understanding of your needs and objectives.
- Accessible – Consider how they maintain communication before and after your first meeting. If they go quiet on you for days, it’s a red flag.
- Available – It’s normal (expected, even) for an event manager to oversee multiple projects at once. But if they have too much on their plate, they might not be able to provide the attention and dedication your event deserves.
3. You know they’re not going anywhere
As the pandemic upended corporate events, the financial resilience of an event management partner became glaringly indispensable. Between event cancellations, slashed budgets, and looming uncertainty, many small businesses were forced to cease operations altogether.
This raises the question: what if such upheaval were to occur again?
Smaller agencies might face closure after losing a significant account – leaving you and your event needs stranded with no support. But larger entities like FCM Meetings & Events, backed by the financial strength of Flight Centre, offer assurance that they are here to stay. Trusting your event to a stable partner ensures peace of mind, knowing that your event needs are in secure hands for the long haul.
4. Remember: Skill sets vary
Understanding the unique skills and strengths of an event management company is crucial in finding the ideal partner for your event. Take the time to explore what sets them apart from others in the industry.
For example, our FCM Meetings & Events team not only brings their expertise in event planning – they also excel in event technology! With our market-leading suite of Cvent solutions, you can rest assured that your event stays at the forefront of innovation.
By asking targeted questions about their experiences and how they handled challenges in similar events, you can gauge their adaptability and problem-solving abilities.
5. There’s power in personal referrals
While testimonials and case studies are helpful, don't stop there! But be wary: not all online reviews are genuine. Anyone can fabricate positive feedback to boost their own reputation.
To gain more reliable insights, hear it directly from the source! Don't hesitate to ask the event management company to put you in touch with clients who might be more than happy to share their authentic experiences working with the company.
6. Costs should be clear
When considering an event management company, ask them about proposed ideas and strategies for your event, and inquire about their approach to budget allocation. It's important to know which areas will be given priority in terms of spending, and equally important to understand what happens if the event looks like it may go over budget. A trustworthy event management company will never spring surprises on their clients when it comes to budgetary matters.
7. They understand and support your vision
The success of your event hinges on your management team's ability to understand and support your goals. Rather than attempting to shoehorn your event into a standard template, a reliable event management company will work hand-in-hand with you to create a customized plan that aligns with your vision.
That’s why at FCM Meetings & Events, we customize our offering to each and every client. Whether it's a product launch, a team-building retreat, or a corporate conference, we make it a priority to understand your underlying objectives and ensure your event is a one-of-a-kind experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Make your event memorable with FCM Meetings & Events
Under the guidance of the right event management company, your vision will shine, and your guests will leave with unforgettable memories.
With FCM Meetings & Events, you can be confident that your event is in the hands of dedicated professionals who will go above and beyond to make it an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.
Don't settle for less – FCM Meetings & Events is here to take care of your next gathering. Big or small. Live or virtual. We've got you covered.
Reach out to us today to make your next event come to life.
