article thumbnail

Event Planning Has Risen in the Ranks of Most Stressful Jobs

Velvet Chainsaw

Meanwhile, nearly every article I read or industry panel I attend is proclaiming that our industry is nearing a full recovery. Event planners are experiencing sticker shock from rising costs for audiovisual, food and beverage, and other direct meeting expenses.

article thumbnail

The Art of Room Blocks

SmartMeetings

As soon as you know meeting registration is not meeting original forecasts: Negotiate with the hotel to release back some meeting space (if possible). Ask if food and beverage spend above the contracted minimum could count toward the room block minimum. This article appears in the May/June 2023 issue.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Money Talks: Defining an Event Budget

TicketBud

This enables organizers to devise backup plans, forge partnerships, and negotiate favorable deals with vendors to ensure that the event stays on track throughout planning and execution. An early start means more time to shop around for bargains, establish partnerships and negotiate with vendors.

article thumbnail

Elevating Event Experiences

SmartMeetings

List your top three, non-negotiable activities you must complete before your head hits the pillow! With a clear intention, you tailor every aspect of the event, from décor and entertainment to food and beverages, to align with your goals. Provide bite-size food portions to sample multiple dishes and eliminate food waste.

article thumbnail

The New Bottom Line

SmartMeetings

How to prepare for 2023 contract negotiations Yes, we’re out of the pandemic shutdown, but it’s not back to “business as usual.” Add-On Travel: Negotiate pre- and post-rates in the contracting stage. For example, we’re seeing higher food and beverage (F&B) costs with little to no discounts.

article thumbnail

Event Contracts: Agree to Be Agreeable

SmartMeetings

Negotiation experts share tips for building win-win event contracts The ROI is in the details when drafting a vendor contract. The negotiation phase is a good time to ask the hotel partner for ways to save—by using the same AV set-up as an event pre or post to share set-up costs for instance.

article thumbnail

Getting More Value from Conference Keynote Speakers

Velvet Chainsaw

Here’s what some organizers are asking for and getting: Pre-Event Content Marketing – Customized promotional video or interview, webinar, article contribution for newsletter, blog, podcast or magazine, social channel engagement. Develop a list of prioritized concessions (value adds), just like you would for hotel negotiations.

Speakers 278