One of the things I work on most with Clients is refining their sponsorship decks. As event organizers, we know that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to designing sponsorship packages, but it can feel exhausting trying to create custom sponsorship packages for each event or potential partner.

In getting down to the nitty-gritty of event sponsorship, it appears that two of the more popular offerings that I see in sponsorship decks, speaking opportunities and experiential or activation opportunities, are all but inconsequential to our potential partners.

Photo by Jakub Dziubak on Unsplash

With the rise of food and beverage costs, event planners like myself who manage multi-day conferences and conventions are looking for ways to save, while still offering a wonderful experience to their guests. 

Thankfully, I’ve had wonderful experiences with the hotels for my Fall events, and one suggestion that a Conference Services Manager made stopped me in my tracks.

Photo by Or Hakim on Unsplash

Are you an event planner, meeting planner or event host who is noticing an uptick in catering, food and beverage pricing? Well, you are not alone.

I was scrolling through Instagram a few weeks ago when I noticed the James Beard Foundation had conducted a survey of chefs on the effects of Climate Change on being able to deliver to their clients. Not surprisingly, they shared stories of temporary shut-downs due to weather-related disasters; increased prices on the items that event planners creating menus want the most; and less ability to source ingredients, among other consequences.

Minneapolis is a fun city, and one that I’ve been to a few times. First, during the Connect conference in August of 2023, next for a walkthrough with the Client in January, and finally for the event in May of 2024. I have a few places that have stuck with me in a positive way - and not all are vendors I worked with or venues I held events in. Here are some of my recommendations if you find yourself in Minneapolis:

Last year, I was on the planning team for a multi-day nonprofit conference and in charge of, among other things, site and vendor selection. With little firsthand knowledge of the city, I was grateful to have partners like the HelmsBriscoe and Destination Cleveland teams who helped to narrow down a wide variety of options and select vendors that were right for us. Below are my top 3 vendors I highly recommend from my time working in Cleveland, for anyone looking to plan an event there in the future:

As a seasoned event planner renowned for exceptional skill in curating unforgettable experiences, Beth Lawrence has been at the forefront of the industry's latest trends. From orchestrating multi-day conventions and innovation festivals to organizing fundraisers, incubator programs, and statewide historic site tours – in-person and virtual – her expertise spans various event types.

As a seasoned event planner renowned for exceptional skill in curating unforgettable experiences, Beth Lawrence has been at the forefront of the industry's latest trends. From orchestrating multi-day conventions and innovation festivals to organizing fundraisers, incubator programs, and statewide historic site tours – in-person and virtual – her expertise spans various event types.

As a seasoned event planner renowned for exceptional skill in curating unforgettable experiences, Beth Lawrence has been at the forefront of the industry's latest trends. From orchestrating multi-day conventions and innovation festivals to organizing fundraisers, incubator programs, and statewide historic site tours – in-person and virtual – her expertise spans various event types.

As a seasoned event planner renowned for exceptional skill in curating unforgettable experiences, Beth Lawrence has been at the forefront of the industry's latest trends. From orchestrating multi-day conventions and innovation festivals to organizing fundraisers, incubator programs, and statewide historic site tours – in-person and virtual – her expertise spans various event types.

As a seasoned event planner renowned for exceptional skill in curating unforgettable experiences, Beth Lawrence has been at the forefront of the industry's latest trends. From orchestrating multi-day conventions and innovation festivals to organizing fundraisers, incubator programs, and statewide historic site tours – in-person and virtual – her expertise spans various event types.

As a seasoned event planner renowned for exceptional skill in curating unforgettable experiences, Beth Lawrence has been at the forefront of the industry's latest trends. From orchestrating multi-day conventions and innovation festivals to organizing fundraisers, incubator programs, and statewide historic site tours – in-person and virtual – her expertise spans various event types.

Planning and executing a successful event is a challenging feat. It requires meticulous attention to detail, careful organization, and a deep understanding of the target audience. Whether you are a seasoned event professional or looking for professional event planning assistance, having the right strategies and techniques in place can make all the difference.

This article lists ten essential event planning tips every event professional should follow. From choosing the perfect venue to creating memorable experiences, these tips will help take events to the next level. Keep on reading to discover our secrets to successful event planning.