When I formed In Any Event two years ago, I made an important decision for the firm. That decision was to never... ever... under any circumstances... accept vendor kick-backs. I think they're wrong. I think they do a disservice to the client. And I think they disgrace the industry.
Those not in the field may not know what a kick-back is. Well, simply put, it's when a vendor gives you, let's say, a 10% discount on goods and services that you can pocket for doing business with them. Or, it's when a vendor says, I'll give you 'x' amount of dollars as a 'thank you' for your business. It's Wrong...with a capital 'W!'
Our policy is pretty cut and dry. If you want to give us a discount on your goods and services, we're going to pass that savings right on to the client. No if's, and's or but's about it. It's the way we do business because it's fair and just and the way it should be done!
As you might be able to tell, this topic has me hot under the collar right now. Because it's so prevalent in the industry, many people assume that all event planners do this. Not this one. This one will never do that. And she will yell it from the mountain tops for everyone to hear!
~Jodi
Friday, October 24, 2008
Kickbacks=Unethical
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Bridal Market in NYC
Bridal Market is going on in NYC today and tomorrow and I love what I've seen coming off the runway! Darcy Miller of Martha Stewart Weddings, along with her staff, have been blogging live from all of the shows. As of 5:45pm, they were taking in the Amsale show and ooggling over her 'LWD's' - Little White Dresses.
Since I'm holed-up in my office today - and will be tomorrow, too - I have my Google Reader up so I get the play-by-play. You're not going to want to miss what's coming off the runways and the new influence it will have on the market so click here and you can keep up, too!
~Jodi
The Special Event 2009
The premiere conference for those in the event planning industry is just around the corner. The Special Event 2009 will be held in San Diego this year, from January 27 through January 30. I signed up to attend last week and I can't wait!
I've wanted to go to this conference for several years now and each time it rolls around, I've had a scheduling conflict with an upcoming event. Well, this year, there's no conflict since a January event falls in the middle of the month!
One of the special lectures I signed up for {and am most excited about} is the Wedding Luncheon. The guest speaker this year is Carley Roney, co-founder and Editor in Chief of The Knot, Inc. In addition to this luncheon, there will be an opportunity to explore the Designer Wedding Gallery where a select few designers are invited to showcase their tabletop design talent. The thought of going to this luncheon makes me so excited!
It is a bit of an investment to attend this conference. Between registration, hotel and airfare, it costs about $2,500 to attend. And that doesn't include food and incidentals. But, I think it's going to be well worth the cost. And since I obtain educational credit for each session I attend, I'll find myself that much closer to being eligible to sit for the CSEP exam.
For those who don't know, the CSEP {Certified Special Event Planner} exam is a rigorous examination that requires a lot of event planning education and experience, community involvement and business excellence to be allowed to take. It has been a personal goal of mine to take this exam. There are only a couple CSEP's in the entire state of Michigan. Probably because the test is as tough to earn enough credits to sit for as it is to take! In the next year or two, I hope to announce my passing of this exam!
So, if you have the time and you're an event planner {or a vendor working in the special event field}, I strongly encourage you to look into this conference. I don't think you'll be disappointed!
~Jodi
Thursday, October 16, 2008
A Rockin' Bride and Groom
Allow me to introduce you to an upcoming bride and groom. Their wedding is just a few short weeks away. And I adore these two. Their love for each other is undeniable. Their style contagious. And their excitement for the start of their lives together, forever, heart-warming.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Great Find
*photo courtesy of Anna GriffinThursday, October 2, 2008
Shhh...I'll Let You In On a Secret
One of the key components of any successful event is keeping excellent track of who's been invited, who's accepted, who's declined and what the specific special needs of each guest is. I'm often asked how we do that at In Any Event. Well, I'm going to share my secret with you.
About two years ago, I began an extensive search for stable software that met the needs of a growing event planning firm. I wanted something that was flexible, easy to use, produced clear and concise reports and had superior technical support. After much research, I settled on a great software package out of England called the Perfect Table Plan. I was sceptical at first. Why, you ask? Well, it was only $34.95. I had reviewed so many packages that were hundreds, even thousands, of dollars that I was sure this package wouldn't be good. But, from what I had seen, it had everything I wanted. So, I purchased the software and haven't looked back since!
I can't tell you how vital this program is to the success of our business. Since we handle all response cards for every event we produce, we need a program that's easy to use and can keep up with us. This software does just that. So, if you're an event planner (or even a bride) looking for something to keep your RSVP details organized, I encourage you to check this software out.
~Jodi
