"Day of" vs. "Month of" Coordinating/Plannning Services

Semantics or not … here’s yet another debatable topic.

First, although it appears as such, it is important to understand that an event planner is not a party planner and is definitely not simply a decorator. They are professional event planners because they have the education, the resources, the experience, the network, and reliable alliances in the industry.

The professional planner focuses on the client’s objective and ensures it is seamlessly achieved by paying attention to all the details that lead up to the event for all weddings, corporate, social and fundraising events.

We must therefore understand both the definition and the nature of work associated with the different titles used in the industry:

1. Event Planner: A professional who plans special events and is responsible for the event from conceptualization to orginization and execution of the entire event. They will custom design the event and make appropriate suggestions and recommendations based on the clients vision, needs and budget. They will assist with venue searches and acquisition, vendor referals and recommendations, ettiquette advisement, budget advisement and maintenance, logisitcs maintenance, make, and implement design recommendations and assist with menu recommendations and selection. They will also ensure that the client complies with all state and federal legalities for any licenses and permits that may be required for the event as well as ensure that all political and social protocols are adhered to.

Planners will have several meetings with their client throughout the planning process, they are not only there during set-up, but are there from beginning to end to of the event to handle any problems that may arise, and oversee the breakdown as well. These are just a few of the many responsibilities of a professional special event planner.

2. Event Consultant: The American Heritage dictionary defines consultant as "one who gives expert advice." In the event planning industry, consulting and planning are in most cases synonyms of each other with minor differences in what their "comprehensive" package offers.

3. Event Coordinator: A coordinator orchestrates the event. However, it is a miss-conception and a miss understanding that a coordinator just shows up on the day of the event and "makes things happen." Typically, the coordinator will have a specific number of meetings (contractual agreement) with their client, get a list of all the vendors and their contacts, construct a time line, have a vendor rehearsal, and finally execute the event on the day of. Yes, a planner/consultant can also be a coordinator.

Now that we have clarified the definition and responsibilities of a planner, is "Day of" or "Month of" the proper "term" for this service? Or, should we coin a different term/phrase for it? Remember, most event professionals will not take on “Day of” jobs less than 3-4 months prior to the event. Therefore, "Month of" may be more fitting regarding the scope of the services. What do you think?

Father's Day Cards

Father's Day is only one week away -- Sunday, June 20th! If you are looking for a creative way to wow Dad, help your child make a homemade Father's Day card like the ones featured on Disney's Family Fun website! This one is my favorite:


You can view the directions for how to make this crafty card here.
Father's Day Craft Box is another great resource for DIY Father's Day cards! Check them out!

Our New Look!

Don't worry... you've come to the right place. The Events2Remember, Inc. blog has a new look! I hope that everyone enjoys this new layout and finds it easier to navigate.

Also, if you have yet to see it, our official website has been completely revamped! Please take a moment to look through some of our new features:

• The Photo Gallery
• Description of Services
• and our E-Commerce Advantages
  

The African American Heritage Festival

Once again, it is time for the 9th annual African American Heritage Festival (AAHF). It will take place in Baltimore, Maryland at M&T Bank Stadium (Lots B & C) June 18-June 20, 2010 and Events2Remember, Inc. is partnering with the festival this year! The African American Heritage Festival is an annual family celebration of the history, culture, education, heritage, and arts that
embraces and promotes the rich traditions and zestful spirit of the city of Baltimore. The festival is free before 4pm and $5 after 4pm. Children 12 and under are free anytime, all weekend.

Founded in 2001, the African American Heritage Festival has become one of the premiere Atlantic-coast summer festivals offering patrons a wide array of events. Such events include local artist’s displaying their arts and crafts, carnival rides , live performances on 3 stages (Main stage, Verizon Wireless B stage and the Sunny Delight Children’s stage), Baltimore’s local and diverse cuisine and villages filled with programming in the areas of Health and Wellness, Financial Empowerment and Art/History/Culture and Education. This year, scheduled to perform include Ryan Leslie, Robin Thicke, Donnie McClurkin and many more, for a full list of the artists scheduled to perform on all 3 stages, please visit www.aahf.net and click on "Entertainment."

Proceeds from the festival go towards the AAHF Foundation, Inc. The foundation is a Maryland based non-profit organization that cultivates, secures, and directs creative and intellectual capital towards developing self-sustaining, cooperative, and competitive communities. The AAHF Foundation, Inc. was established in 2008 to combine the reach and influence of the African American Heritage Festival with direct services in health and wellness, education, and financial literacy. The AAHF Foundation, in partnership with regional non-profits and foundations, produces events that support direct services around health and wellness, financial empowerment, and education, as well as creates opportunities for self-expression in the creative arts, music, poetry, dance, and theater by producing the Annual African American Heritage Festival.

Their model is one of building coalitions and partnerships that serve and affect under-served communities. Their commitment is to touch and impact communities that are at a disadvantage in relation to health disparities, low graduation rates, financial empowerment and ownership. We hope to see you at the festival this year!

Cocktail Buffet Highlights

video clip courtesy of Matheson Communications, Inc.