As event organisers, we have really noticed the changes businesses are making during the recession. For example, in 2009, many companies have had to cut costs to address sales shortfalls but, for 2010 and beyond, they must address their sales and marketing strategies to deliver effective returns.
Events have been and will continue to be a successful sales and marketing medium.
We have found that during the tougher times, understandably, companies are hesitant to commit to budgets and are more cautious about guaranteeing returns. They are also concerned about the perception of hosting impressive events. These companies are in danger of underestimating and ignoring the value face-to-face meetings produce.
With every recession companies cut costs and the marketing gurus say that those who invest in sales and marketing will come out the other side stronger and more successful. This message is not always listened to.
Now, more than ever before, is the time to act. Sales are key to keeping a business afloat and live events, on whatever scale, are one of the best ways to produce sales and enhance your bottom line.
The real key to putting on a successful event to boost sales and business exposure is to work with event organisers who can execute a low budget event with a different approach and emphasis.
It might seem to some that working with specialist event organisers will be expensive and that many agencies cannot put on a low-cost event. This is quite the opposite, as venues, AV companies and other event suppliers are working together with event agencies to ensure that competitive (and budget conscious) rates are supplied during the current economic climate.
At In Any Event UK we have plenty of experience of working with budget-constrained companies, looking to host an impressive event. Contact us to find out how we can save you money and help out with your next event!
Showing posts with label event advice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label event advice. Show all posts
Thursday, 3 December 2009
Friday, 16 January 2009
Credit Crunch Conferences – Saving Money for Events in the Current Economic Climate
You may believe that doing all the hard work yourself is the cheapest and easiest way to go about planning a successful event. In fact, it is more likely to cost more - not only due to higher direct costs, but also in lost time and productivity.
Using a free venue-finding agency, such as In Any Event UK, can save you both time and money. We have years of experience in negotiating rates so that you get the best deal.
Some of our top money saving tips include:
§ Ask for jugs of tap water instead of bottled water – this is not only cheaper but better for the environment too as you are doing away with plastic bottles
§ Always check what is included in any rates you are given – they may sometimes include optional extras which you do not need
§ Find out if AV equipment is included in the price, if not, ask if it can be included
§ Choose the right layout for your seating plan – different layouts require different sized rooms which might increase your costs so it is important to think about how you want your delegates to interact with each other or the speaker
§ The larger your request the more power you have for negotiation on added extras and rates. If you have a series of bookings, highlight this at enquiry stage
§ Plan your event during the off peak seasons and days: Mondays and Fridays are especially good days as well as weekends. Peak seasons cost more and the venue may not have the time or the staff to devote to your meeting
§ Don’t accept the first rate that they quote: ask them questions such as ‘what is this reduced from’ or ‘what is your rack rate’. From this you can then see what sort of saving you have made
§ If working to a budget, offer the venue your overall budget and ask them to try and put a package together within this set amount
§ Simple hot lunches often cost less than a buffet and perhaps ask for biscuits or pastries to be included in your coffee breaks or taken out to cut costs
ASK! Always ask even if it is for something you do not think they will offer you. You won’t get it if you don’t ask.
Ensure that all negotiations and concessions are put in writing to avoid confusion and frustration at the time of confirming or settling your bills.
In these harder times, venues need to be accommodating to customers so there are better chances of negotiation and the addition of optional extras into the price, so take advantage today!
Using a free venue-finding agency, such as In Any Event UK, can save you both time and money. We have years of experience in negotiating rates so that you get the best deal.
Some of our top money saving tips include:
§ Ask for jugs of tap water instead of bottled water – this is not only cheaper but better for the environment too as you are doing away with plastic bottles
§ Always check what is included in any rates you are given – they may sometimes include optional extras which you do not need
§ Find out if AV equipment is included in the price, if not, ask if it can be included
§ Choose the right layout for your seating plan – different layouts require different sized rooms which might increase your costs so it is important to think about how you want your delegates to interact with each other or the speaker
§ The larger your request the more power you have for negotiation on added extras and rates. If you have a series of bookings, highlight this at enquiry stage
§ Plan your event during the off peak seasons and days: Mondays and Fridays are especially good days as well as weekends. Peak seasons cost more and the venue may not have the time or the staff to devote to your meeting
§ Don’t accept the first rate that they quote: ask them questions such as ‘what is this reduced from’ or ‘what is your rack rate’. From this you can then see what sort of saving you have made
§ If working to a budget, offer the venue your overall budget and ask them to try and put a package together within this set amount
§ Simple hot lunches often cost less than a buffet and perhaps ask for biscuits or pastries to be included in your coffee breaks or taken out to cut costs
ASK! Always ask even if it is for something you do not think they will offer you. You won’t get it if you don’t ask.
Ensure that all negotiations and concessions are put in writing to avoid confusion and frustration at the time of confirming or settling your bills.
In these harder times, venues need to be accommodating to customers so there are better chances of negotiation and the addition of optional extras into the price, so take advantage today!
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