Hiring the Best Freelance Event Planner
It is time to party now. It is the summer time, it is post-pandemic, it is a time when people are coming out of lockdowns, with extra money in their pockets and a burning desire to socialise and to party!
Job opportunities in the events sector have seen a dramatic shift as a result of the large number of businesses that have shut down permanently or implemented layoffs as a result of the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As with most social occasions, business events require a director to accomplish things, and a freelance event planner may be able to do so as well. There are literally hundreds of event planning business and independent planners out there, so the real question is how to choose the best one.
Where can you find the best freelance event planner?
First, you may rule out the ocean as a place for catching freshwater fish. Determine your ideal applicant profile and where they could be located. Don’t be scared to branch out from LinkedIn. Ask your peers for recommendations. Referrals from colleagues are usually a good place to start when looking for an event planner. Everyone has been to an event sometime recently, so was it a good one and who organised it?. Hence, an introduction from a reliable source may be helpful when looking for a freelancer, since it can cut down on time and resources spent on the hunt.
Many successful event freelancers have gained important experience in the food and beverage industry, commerce, public relations, designing, and other related fields, though neither a formal degree nor prior job is required to thrive in the market. Therefore, it is critical to assess a person based on their competencies in areas such as attention to detail, budgeting, and communications. A lot of hotels have event planners, hotels have had to reduce their staff recently due to cut-backs, so many event planners who used to work in hotels, might now be freelancers and working hard, with their experience gained in the industry. They will also have the contacts for food, beverages and hotel locations.
Third, before contacting an event planner, fully understand what services they provide and how they can meet all of your expectations. A skilled event planner has connections and can get bargains you can’t. Having someone whose only responsibility is arranging events is usually a wise investment due to the specialised nature of the work.
Lastly, it is important to understand the specifics of your contract with the event planner before signing anything. What happens if you have to reschedule, delay, or drastically alter your event?
Last minute changes can happen, including bad weather or localised covid outbreaks, or other related sickness. These last minute out of your control issues should be accommodated within the contract.
