More than 36 percent of businesses in the U.S. are planning to increase their trade show budget this year. If you want a piece of that pie, your event has to rise above the average.
Planning a business event is a complex process with many moving parts. Here are some of the common event planning mistakes to avoid.
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1. Waiting Until the Last Minute
If you want your event to stand out, you need to take the time to plan the details. You’ll likely miss something significant if you leave your planning until the last minute. Your event won’t be as successful as it otherwise might have been. Not only is early planning essential, but using modern technology can ensure a better-organized event. You can make your event more flexible by using a hybrid events platform, as both in-person and virtual attendees can access and enjoy your event equally.
Venues for events are booked many months in advance, so it pays to start planning early. When promoting business events, you will want to give participants enough lead time to book your event.
2. Failing to Find the Right Training
There are lots of resources and training programs for event planners. They can help you develop processes to streamline your event planning. You can learn about marketing techniques and how to define your business event objectives.
If you want to learn more about event planning, view this event planner conferences schedule to discover the benefits you will gain as a participant. This type of event will show you precisely what you need to know to create your event.
3. Choosing the Wrong Venue
Every venue has advantages and disadvantages. You’ll want to find the one that allows your event to shine. Check that the venue has the capacity and equipment you need to enable your speakers to make their presentations.
It helps to speak with other event planners about their experience with specific venues. Find out if the facilities can support the number of people you expect to attend your event.
4. Skimping When Hiring Helpers
An event planner’s common mistake is not hiring the right business event staff. Your business event budget should include an allowance for plenty of helpers to answer questions, hang signs or respond to problems.
Evaluate your staff and their skill sets and match them to the roles you require at your event. There will be peak periods when you’ll need to double up your resources. That allows attendees to move seamlessly from one space to another.
Be ready for higher volumes during breaks, and ensure that you have attendants to direct traffic inside and outside the venue. If you’re trying to plan an event with a limited budget, be creative about finding assistants to help you with your event. Ask for volunteers or contact a local college to see if they can provide student assistance.
5. Confirm Your Vendors and Speakers
You will make arrangements for vendors or speakers months in advance of your event. Confirming that their plans haven’t changed during that time is essential.
Allow yourself a bit of time to find replacements. Always have a plan B in mind in case you have to make last-minute changes.
Avoid Common Event Planning Mistakes
Now that you understand the common event planning mistakes to avoid, your event is more likely to be a success.
Did you find this article helped you avoid some pitfalls of events? If so, check our other helpful articles to discover additional ways to create a successful event.
