CBJ Corporate Meeting & Event Planner

A local event expert shares questions to ask
Planning a corporate event can
be overwhelming, especially
if it is your first shindig. Emily
McMahon, owner of Soirée in
North Liberty, has more than
a decade of experience in the
event industry. She is also
an adjunct instructor at the
University of Iowa, teaching
courses in the Certificate in
Event Management program.
Here, she shares a few
questions you should ask –
and answer – to ensure your
event is a success.
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What are you goals and objectives for the specific meeting or
event? Not every event is the same. Goals differ, as well as the
audience. Determine early on what you want your attendees
to experience. Refer back to the original goals, keeping your
budget in mind, throughout the process.
What kind of venue best suits your needs? There are two types of
venues: standard and non-standard. Non-standard venues, such
as a barn, may have more costs if they don’t have amenities
such as tables and food. Most standard hotel ballrooms will
already have tables and food – and the staff to set them up.
Again, determine what best suits your audience and goals.
Who is providing the food? Guests remember the food, so make
sure it is high quality. Nobody wants their event remembered
for the dry chicken. Some venues, like hotels, provide their own
food service. Others require off-site catering. Be sure to choose
a menu that fits your needs.
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CBJ CORPORATE MEETING & EVENT PLANNER 2019 9