Boutique Vs. Large Event Management Firms
Every time a company invests in an event, whether it is a national sales meeting, product launch, incentive trip for top performers, roadshow, gala or networking event, they need to ensure that the event has engaged their audience and met their objectives. This is where an event management company can save an organization time and money.
How do you chose the right event management company? In essence, the company that you choose will partner with you to achieve your event objectives. They become an extension of your organization. They need to get to know your target audience, your culture and clearly understand your objectives of the event. How do you choose the right partner? Is it a large agency, a smaller boutique firm or an independent planner?
With a large agency, you know you will have the manpower, corporate processes and safety-net that comes with a large corporation. On the contrary, an independent planner is hired to supplement internal staff and is a single entity managing the entire event. Then, you have a boutique event management firm nestled comfortably in between the two. Given the size and structure, a boutique firm has the expertise to support a client event while becoming an extension of the client team. Each client is not just a number; they are a relationship that the firm is invested in. As well, the success of the event has a direct impact on the success of the firm. The hands-on style offered by a boutique firm provides a superior level of attention to detail. The analogy “you are not a small fish in a big ocean” applies.
Getting to know you
As a partner in this event, a boutique firm will take the time to get to know the organization, the culture, the vision and the target audience, before starting to plan. Once the planning gets started, dedicated team members are assigned and are fully focused on the client and the event.
Skipping the Red tape
In a boutique agency, decisions can be made quickly and acted on without having to pass through multiple layers of management. Program managers have the flexibility to change course without completing numerous forms or going through multiple internal departments to make these changes happen.
Creating a unique event
Customization is another key element. There are no off the shelf programs at a boutique firm; each event is created specifically for the client with a focus on engaging the audience.
Large or Small Scale Events
Whether the event is large or small, a boutique firm has the flexibility to add staff as needed to support your event. This is called “on demand staffing” which saves on overhead and overall cost of the event. They pull from a dedicated pool of experienced staff, which supports the core team as needed. Having a broad pool of SME’s provides the client added resources to enhance a variety of event needs when required.
One Team…One Goal
There is an invested culture in a boutique firm with a sense of personal ownership and pride in each event that is being managed. Being an essential part of a team instead of just another number, creates an environment where staff members go above and beyond to ensure the success of the event.
Do you look for passion and dedication when you hire employees? If so, then you know how useful it is when your event team shares those values too. A boutique event firm is flexible, fast and focused on their clients.
