APPOEMN - Key Competencies

Key competences of an APPOEM Event Planner

Once a client has made the decision to employ the services of an APPOEM Event Planner, there are a number of key areas that you must show great competence in. The key areas of competences are listed below:

·      Planning, organising and coordination

·      Introducing new ideas

·      Dealing effectively with problems

·      Art of compromise

·      Assistance with mundane processes of planning an event

·      Negotiating with suppliers

Planning, organising and coordination - The event planner must be meticulous and ruthlessly efficient in keeping all activities on time and to the agreed budget. Detailed records should be kept so the event planner is always aware of which stage any of the activities are at. The main reason that clients employ an event planner is to save them time and remove the stress of planning and executing an event.

Introducing new ideas - It is essential that the event planner is able to bring new and exciting ideas throughout the planning process. In order to be successful in this area regular attendance at trade fairs and familiarisation visits to venues will be required, as well as keeping themselves up-to-date with trends and fashions.

Dealing effectively with problems - Due to the high number of individual suppliers and companies that the event planner must coordinate there is a large risk of problems arising. Contingency plans and well negotiated contracts become essential to the smooth running of the planning process. You also need to have the ability to roll up your sleeves and pitch in if things are not going to plan, whilst all the

time keeping a cool head.

Art of compromise - Sometimes monetary constraints restrict the requirements of a client or the wishes of a boss are at serious odds with the requirements of the booker. In these situations it is essential for the event planner to balance the available resources and the needs of all parties to produce an outcome that is acceptable to all those involved in the event organisation.

Assistance with mundane processes of planning an event - Event planning does have a glamorous and enjoyable side, but there is also the mundane and tedious side of event planning such as sending out invitations, coordinating responses, following up non-replies, arranging transport and accommodation requirements and dealing with high maintenance members of the party. The event planner should assume responsibility early on in the planning for all these process to allow the client to concentrate on their other roles.

Negotiating with suppliers - The client’s perceived value of an event planner will be greatly enhanced if you are able to deliver substantial savings to the client. This can be achieved either through discounting or value-added. Discounting is when the event planner gets a lower price than the client could have achieved by going directly to the supplier – for example, a venue would discount their rates by 20% from their published price. Value-added is where the event planner negotiates a better quality of service or product for the same price – for example, a venue will offer complimentary upgrades on accommodation for the events clients.