How to Choose an Event Management Company

You can do event management alone, but you may not pull off the desired outcome if you don't have the expertise. In this case, hiring a credible event management company is great idea because it allows you to save time and money, on top of having an exciting, unforgettable, and productive event. 

You need a company that can sufficiently meet your needs, and provides services and equipment you and everyone in attendance will live to remember. They should also be approachable and available to communicate with you every step of the way. That being said, here are considerations to look out for when choosing an event management company: 

1. Work Samples

You need to work with an event management company that has at least done event management for several years. Their experience assures you they can bring forth on-point results. Ask them to provide you with samples of their previous work so you can ascertain they're telling the truth about the quality of their services, and so you can make informed decisions based on results. Also, make sure they’re able to share photos of events they worked on for scrutiny.

2. Locality

A local event management company understands your neighborhood in and out. They know the climate, typical security concerns, best venues, etc. Thus, if you're hosting an event in or around Manchester, you may want to get more details about the best event management firms in the area and choose accordingly. 

3. Testimonials 

Client testimonials are one of the ways you can be sure of a company’s level of expertise. You can usually find these on their company site, social media channels, and legitimate online review platforms, among others. You can also ask for references from friends who've had experience working with the said company. It also helps to do a background check so you can assess and verify the company's legality.

Furthermore, since some may require you to make an advance payment, you'd want a company with a known and official address, so you know where to go should they decide to play games with you.

4. Specialty 

Events are different, ranging from corporate to social to private. Social events are most prevalent and are typically celebratory; examples include weddings, engagements, and birthdays. The event planner, in such cases, is mainly concerned about ensuring everything is in its place and well-arranged so the attendees can enjoy the party.

On the other hand, a corporate event involves more serious issues. For instance, you could plan meetings, conferences, sales kick-offs, product launches, leadership talks, staff engagement activities, corporate retreats, or award ceremonies. All of these have the same goal: attracting investors, networking, or getting people in attendance interested in your enterprise's goods and services. 

Thus, when choosing an event management company, pick the one that suits your niche. A company that's been doing social events may not adequately supply you with the necessities of a corporate event, and vice versa. 

5. Flexibility

If you're working with a fixed budget, it helps to look for an event company open to price negotiations. Perhaps, you can handpick the services you need instead of choosing an entire package, and, then, discuss the payments.  

On top of this, the company you select should also have a backup plan when things go wrong. Uncertainties like lousy weather, sudden rescheduling, and power outages are commonplace, and the company you hire should adjust accordingly to any of those circumstances.

6. Technology Endowment

Currently, virtually everything involves technology, including event management. Thus, the company you're working with should have cutting-edge technologies that could make your event a phenomenal occasion. They should have the necessary equipment and be knowledgeable in 3D mapping, event apps, digital registrations, projection, and augmented reality. 

7. Creativity 

You'd want a company that'll take the initiative to organize an event that'll leave your guests in awe. So, instead of the typical event ideas, they should go further and make the event distinct. Your attendees can be interested in working with you when they see how much effort you put into hosting and entertaining them. 

A modern event company should have innovative ideas and creativity combined with new tools. And, should any technical hitches arise, the company should have creative ideas to solve them. 

8. Quality Of Equipment

The company you hire should use high-quality equipment for aesthetic and functional purposes. Therefore, ask if you can survey beforehand their equipment, like sound system, furniture, vehicles, lighting fixtures, and decorations, among others. Additionally, ask to see their list of suppliers, including outside caterers, agencies, and vendors, so that you can assess their capacity as well. 

9. Insurance

Accidents can happen during an event; thus, you'd want a company with insurance to bail you out in case of mishaps. For instance, one with public liability insurance ensures every guest's property can be paid for in case of an uneventful damage or loss. Alternatively, if they have professional indemnity insurance, you get your money back should something occur or the company doesn't meet your expectations.

In this instance, a credible company should have such types of insurance and be ready to show the policy documents if you request to check them. 

Conclusion 

A typical event has a lot of details that go into it. Therefore, you must select a company ready to hold an event that meets your needs. You should also assess every company you’ve shortlisted to see what they offer. Most importantly, work with the one that can provide you with the best value for money.