Fool-Proof Plan for Picking your People
Event planning can be overwhelmingly stressful, especially if it’s not your day job.
One simple thing that can help calm those nerves (more than a glass of chardy) is choosing the right suppliers to collude with to bring your vision to life. The right team in the room is essential for an event that’ll be remembered long after the last crystal glass is clinked and final canapé is savoured.
You don’t want the DJ clearing the dance floor, or the florist throwing red blooms at a Hamptons theme. You especially don’t want a group of modern dancers performing at the launch of your 2 billion dollar ship…
Here’s our fool-proof plan to selecting the right suppliers;
1). STALK THEM
We of course mean the legal, digital kind of stalking, otherwise known as research. Take a deep dive into websites, Instagram, TikTok - all the socials! Get to know who they really are – the team behind the dream - what they look like and what their overall brand message is. Make sure their vibe aligns with yours.
2). TALK TO PEOPLE
Sometimes the best judge of character comes from people you know - whether that be your mate who throws killer parties every weekend, or an event pro who knows the best of the best in your city. Word of mouth is how you’ll get the real reviews!
Scrolling through testimonials is a great way to back up your word of mouth insights but be wary of relying on testimonials alone… they’re not always what they appear to be.
3). TRUST YOUR GUT
If you ever get an iffy feeling about a supplier over email (or phone), then our guess is that the feeling will follow you up until event day. Trust your gut, don’t let anyone leave you with added stress. Suppliers should relieve the anxiety, not create it.
4). MEET IN PERSON
Meeting with suppliers before event day is ideal, whether it be on-site for a thorough AV breakdown or simply picking the setlist over coffee. Questions will arise and problems will be resolved that may’ve been missed over digital communication - so where possible, always catch up! While majority of businesses are busy AF right now, the people you want on your team will make time for you.
5). SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION
The one thing event profs love more than a glass of bubbles after bump-out is being reassured what they’re doing matters. So, make sure to send your AV technician, your bar staff or your limo driver some love, and share the awesome images from your event so they can really feel like they were part of something with you! There’s nothing better than opening your inbox on a Monday morning to a heartfelt thank you.
6). LISTEN TO BEHIND THE CLIPBOARD PODCAST
Shameless plug… Behind the Clipboard is back very soon!
We're shaking things up in Season 5 (coming mid-2021) and focussing 100% on the creative legends who make Perth's events hotter than Byron when the Hemsworths are in town. From videographers to caterers, you'll get the low down on what it takes to be in the biz - and who to call for your next event.
