Event managers must have a keen eye when choosing which preferred vendor fits the job the best. Though the temptation of the event manager is to make a bit more commission by hiring a less costly vendor, the event may suffer, and here is the reasons why this is true. Great vendors have a sixth sense in knowing how to pull an event off well, because they have been in these situations many, many times. Their sixth sense helps them make well-informed decisions during challenging moments.
Timing
Timing is EVERYTHING at events, and the vendors are the ones who provide the services and frame the timing. Event planners know this rule well, that the event can only go as fast as the services can be metered out. A great vendor will gauge the size of the crowd, and not prolong the line by metering out services that are too slow. The vendor is oftentimes able to gracefully pick up the speed of their services when the demand is higher. The pace of a great vendor is learned from years of experience.
Starting Well
The great vendors have their setup down to a science, and won’t be fumbling around. They arrive early because they are not held up by trivial things nor the learning process. They know what works and what is required. They can predict constraints that might occur during the event, as well as use their sixth sense to navigate the challenges.
Ending Well
There is a grace that comes from great vendors in knowing how to end their services efficiently at events. Crowd management and line control are key skills that take a lot of coordination and experience. Each crowd is different, and demands will vary from event to event. The sixth sense employed here is well-coordinated and steeped in experience.
Event managers, when have you seen your preferred vendors using their sixth sense?
photo credit: The Absurdity of Time via photopin (license)
Agreed, just last month a client spec’d 9′ tall screens in a ballroom with 12′ ceilings. An average person sitting in a chair is 4-4.5′ tall so the bottom of the screens would have been blocked. I checked the hotel web site and suggested we bring in smaller screens rather than scramble on site to source smaller screens. Pre production from power to room size to dock availablility is standard operting procedure for us. Obviously on bigger events CAD/Vectorworks drawings solve many issues before we even arrive. Patrick I get what you mean about the sixth sense on site, rolling with the on site challengs is everything.
Paul, your knowledge and experience is the basis of your sixth sense. You knew to suggest what would work to your client, and were honest in your recommendations on smaller screens. You knew to not block screens once the audience was seated. Well done!
Pat, you have hit on the key points! Regardless of the event, Knowing the time limit and the services that can be offered appropriately is key to success. Set up and breakdown can be the most crucial elements of professionalism.
Thad, you are one who knows this well. You have deadlines upon deadlines in your service delivery and entertainment. You sound like you have the sixth sense in knowing how to deliver appropriately within the time allotted. Thanks for the comments!