What is Event Planning?
Event planning involves planning, budgeting, site selection, arranging all the necessities associated with decor, and coordinating transport. The event planners must ensure that all components are in order so that the subject event, whether meeting, party, or team building, is successful. They also undertake pre-planning activities such as selecting bands, themes, and colors for the event. Also, the event planners must get proper insurance coverage to insure everything related to event utilities to avoid losses in cases of damages. In essence, the goal of an event planner is to fulfill the client’s specifications as relayed in the agreement. Moreover, they try and minimize accidents and risks so that there is as little damage to the equipment in use. Event planners are typically more creative than other people when preplanning an event.
An event can be associated with creative processes. The event planner needs to assess the location allocated for the event, including the condition and size or space. This would require the event planner to develop the theme, considering the details shared by the client. Also, the decorating process is among the creative processes the event planner has to figure out and ensure the outcome becomes eye-catching for both the client and invited guests. The pre-event process includes decorating and analyzing the event’s theme, which are actions or activities done before the actual day of the event.
What is Event Management?
Event management incorporates overseeing an event from start to finish. Before the event, the event managers, usually hired by the venue, focus on parking logistics and planning decisions, including location, theme, and event time. They are tasked with overseeing same-day logistics and ensuring the location fits with the client’s specifications. During the event, event managers oversee that all processes are running smoothly. In the case of any problems, they ensure their team rectifies these as soon as possible to minimize time wastage.
Event Design Industry
The event design industry is a large one. From weddings, to parties, to meetings, having event staff is crucial. However, since there are so many positions in the event industry, it is important to know who does what and why. It is a common misconception that event planners and event managers are one in the same, just a different title depending on the company. This is completely false, for both positions are very different. Knowing how to differentiate even planners from event managers will make your event run smoother.
Event Planning
So, what is event planning? This of this as the creative and pre-event process. The planner is the person who managers all the activities prior to the actual event. Whether you are deciding on colors or caterers for your wedding or birthday party, the event planner is your go to. Some of the areas that event planners work with you on are:
- Choosing an event space
- Choosing themes and colors
- Creating menus and choosing caterers
- Creating table layouts and designing the space
- Helping choose bands, music, or any other hired entertainment
- Creating and handling pre-contracts, money handling, and proposals to vendors
Essentially, your event planner is creating the experience of the event, and assuring a solid framework to follow once the event starts. Think of your event like a meal. The event planner is the creator of the recipe, testing to make sure all the flavors interplay with each other just right before it is handing over to the check to cook it. The event planner can also manage, like a recipe creator may also be a chef, but they are not inclusive, and it does not guarantee a planner can manage or vice versa.
Something also to remember, an event planner, you choose and hire most time. chosen a venue that provides you with an event planner, most times you are responsible for hiring your own event planner. No matter the case, the event planner is there for you–to make sure they assist you to realize your dream event.
Event Management
Now that we know what an event planner is, let’s define an event manager. An event manager actually manages the event; this is the more practical and same day side of event design. Event managers deal with the following:
- Same-day event logistics
- Making sure vendors are up and running on time
- Keeps track of clock for different scheduling needs
- Helps with parking logistics and emergency default plans for the event
- Works and manages the staff hired for the event like wait staff, cooks, entertainment
- Ensures any conflicts at the event are resolved.
Reviewing the previous analogy used for event planning, what is the event manager? That’ right. The event manager is the actual chef! They execute the meal, after it has been created by the planner. Some sites will have event planners that also manage, but this is not always the case, so make sure to get the information as to what each person does when you start working with them.
Additionally, event managers usually do not work for you. They work for the particular site, where they are employed and directed. Therefore, although you can discuss issues with the manager, they cannot always be told what to do.