Event planning : the ultimate guide to successful meetings, corporate events, fundraising galas, conferences, conventions and other special events

Special events such as fundraising galas, meetings, conferences, and product launches are complicated, fraught with thousands of details, and must go without a hitch. Loaded with useful forms and checklists and featuring case examples of events going both right and wrong, this book provides readers with a detailed blueprint for planning and executing special events with flair and without unexpected surprises and expenses.

Preface.
Acknowledgements.

Chapter 1:The First Steps: Initial Planning and Budgeting.
How Much Can You Spend?
The Purpose of the Event.
Initial Planning.
Visualization.
Budget Breakdown.

Chapter 2: Organization and Timing.
Critical Path.
Function Sheets.
Timing Is Everything.
The Time of the Day and the Day of the Week.
Date Selection.

Chapter 3: Location, Location, Location.
Site Selection.
Location Requirements.
Hotels and Convention Centres.
Restaurant, Private Venues, Catering.
Location: Q&A.
Theatres.
Tents.
Contracts.
Gala Openings in New Venues.

Chapter 4: Transportation.
Limousines.
Motor Coaches.
Parking Transportation: Q&A.

Chapter 5: Guest Arrival.
Weather Considerations.
Arrival & Weather Considerations: Q&A.
Fanfare.
Fanfare: Q&A.
Registration: Guest Pass Security and Ticket Pick up.
Registration: Q&A.

Chapter 6: Venue Requirements.
Staging, Audio Visual, Lighting.
Staging, Audio Visual, Lighting: Q&A.
Room Requirements: Q&A.

Chapter 7: Who's It All For?
The Guest List.
Invitations.
Media.
Media: Q&A.
Children At Your Event.

Chapter 8: Food and Beverage.
Menu Planning.
Staffing.

Chapter 9: Other Considerations.
Entertainment.
Entertainment: Q&A.
Photographer.
Photographer: Q&A.
Themes and Programs.
Final Touches.

Conclusion.
It's A Wrap.
Applause! Applause!
Your Next Event.

Appendix A: Sample Cost Sheets.

Appendix B: Sample Payment Schedules.

Appendix C: Sample Function Sheets.

Index.

Event planners, marketing professionals, public relations firms