Events are more popular than ever; as businesses search for ways to engage, inspire and activate their employees, customers, and wider communities. As technology develops and society becomes more connected to it, the power of live experiences and face-to-face connection is more important than ever.
Events often utilise a significant amount of time and resources, they are an opportunity to make an impression on your audience, so it is important that everything runs without a hitch. If you have taken the decision to outsource to experts, then the first key step is to select the right events agency.
How do you know which one is right for you? There are several things to be considered. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 5 things to look for when selecting an events agency.
Size doesn’t always matter when it comes to event agencies, but it is important to know that your event will be resourced effectively with a team that has the required skills, expertise, and, most importantly, experience. It is equally important to ensure that there is sufficient pre-event support as well as on-site support. Whilst you will definitely need more volume onsite, it is the quality and detail of the planning that will ensure the event runs smoothly.
An experienced event agency will have a wealth of knowledge to draw on, they will have effectively risk assessed and planned for the ‘what ifs’. We all learn and improve from experiences and they will have been there, seen it and got the badge (testimonials) to prove it. Ultimately, they will know what surprises to look out for and have a contingency or plan in place.
If you are looking for something even more specialised, you may want to ensure that they are experienced in the type of event you are planning or have experience working within your industry segment.
For example, if you are planning a staff away day or employee incentive trip, you would want to select an events agency that specialises in incentive trips and meetings and has clear proof of delivering genuinely enjoyable and useful experiences for clients.
Do your research, try looking carefully at their website. Go through their credentials, testimonials, and case studies. This will give you a better idea of their expertise and specialty.
To make sure your event is a success, you need to choose an events agency that is creative, flexible and will work with you to bring your vision to life.
Therefore, a unique and forward-thinking approach is essential in making your event stand out. An events agency with fresh ideas and a willingness to think outside the box will be able to create an unforgettable experience for your event’s attendees.
In addition, an excellent creative agency should also pay close attention to all the little details, from the menus to the lights to the entertainment and the décor. As event professionals, we all know that the devil is in the details, especially when it comes to events!
Let’s be clear, being creative is not always about the visuals, it can often be the way a challenge is approached to ensure the best result.
When choosing an events agency, try to also look at their recognition and awards. This will give you a good idea of their ability to deliver quality events that meet the needs of their clients. Select an agency that has been recognised by both its peers and the events industry as a whole.
It may sound a little cliché, but always take a look at their google reviews and ask to see relevant case studies.
Another sign of a strong event agency is when its team is involved with industry bodies and associations such as the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), Meetings Professionals International (MPI), or Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), to name just a few. This shows a commitment to learning and development and being pioneers in their field.
An events agency which is up to date with all the latest event and audience trends is a must – but how do you really separate the wheat from the chaff? The answer lies in whether the agency can give you the reason why the latest tech or trend is a strong fit for your event, rather than just forcing it on you. The agency you choose should focus on creating impact in the right way to deliver your key messages. Sometimes the big wows are created by the simplest of things.
Sustainability is an increasingly important factor in any sector, but even more so when it comes to event planning. So, it is essential to choose an agency that is aware of sustainable and green practices and can help you plan a sustainable event.
In terms of sustainability, your events agency will support you in many different aspects, including:
You can identify a good event agency right from the very first minute. How? By paying attention to the questions they ask you.
A professional event planner knows precisely what to ask when planning an event. If you are asked questions such as, ‘what are you trying to achieve with this event?’ or ‘what are three must-haves for this event?’ and ‘tell me about your guests, their demographic and needs?’ it means you are in good hands.
If the focus is purely on numbers and location, alarm bells should ring in your head.
Moreover, this also represents a good start for clear communication. A well-executed communication plan is, in fact, vital in ensuring that your event runs smoothly. So, the events agency you choose should be able to clearly and efficiently communicate with all stakeholders involved in the planning and execution of your event.
When choosing an events agency, it is essential to consider all the above factors to ensure you select the best possible agency for your event. At Word on the Street, thanks to our expertise and knowledge, we will take care of your event, creating a unique experience for all your guests and working with you to deliver something truly memorable.
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