MEETING AND EVENT PLANNING | SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Plan the perfect event Use these expert tips for your next gathering By Jackie Sheckler Finch Meetings that run smoothly can get a great deal of business accomplished. Events that go as planned can leave happy memories for participants and guests. But behind every successful meeting and event is a massive amount of preparation and organization. Those efforts sometimes aren’t easily noticeable, but neglect them and you’ll certainly see the difference. Consider these meeting and event planning tips from local experts who are available to help juggle all the tasks necessary to ensure a first-rate gathering.
Choose an event planner “Event planners make for a quick and easy planning process,” says Summer Meleski, event coordinator for Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano, noting that first-time planners m y not be aware of planning pitfalls. “We are here to guide you every step of the way.” Ask ahead of time if attendees have food allergies “Setting up a meal plan or o ering choices you know everyone will like and can have is very important,” Meleski says. “Knowing about allergies prior to a function helps ensure guests with allergies get exactly what they need.” If hosting a meal, decide whether it will be a bu et or a sit-down dinner.
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“This all depends on what type of atmosphere you are trying to create for your event or meeting,” Meleski advises. “Bu et dining is going to give off a mo e laid-back kind of feel. A planned-out meal with courses will be more formal.” Find the best meeting or event location “Be sure that the space is large enough and has some natural light,” says Emily Ruebl, director of Friedman Park Event Center which opened in September 2020. “You don’t want a space that is stark with only fluo escent lights. Windows and a beautiful view can make a big di erence in setting the mood whether you are hosting a meeting or an event.”
Friedman Park Event Center
Schedule breaks during meetings “Let participants know there will be breaks and when the breaks are scheduled. People often need to check in with their office or their fami , or return calls, or stretch their legs, or get a drink,” Ruebl says. “Serving snacks and something to drink at breaks is helpful. Always have water available.” Plan for inclement weather “It is very important to have a back-up plan,” Ruebl cautions. “If it’s an outdoor wedding or a retreat planned for outdoors, be sure there is plenty of indoor space in case of rain or bad weather.”
