Proudly Stubborn Standards

Pride is one of those character traits that is undesirable if you are a service provider or vendor in the Events Industry. However, one thing I am proud of and will not be swayed from is my adherence to the standard of excellence.

The mistake that is often made is the assumption that quality and excellence translate to a high budget. This is far from the truth - excellence is an attitude that transcends all levels of monetary value.

We, in the events industry need to be more than aware of this, in fact we need to be pedantic about paying attention to every detail no matter how small.

People can invest a lifetime in their special occasions.

They have dreamt, planned, and budgeted for months, sometimes even years, and as we know weddings a lot of times can stem from as far back as childhood fantasies.

One of the worst things that can happen to clients is that after walking in to see their “dream come true,” they are met with disappointment when presented with their set up, meals, attire or poorly captured photos and/or videos. After the tremendous anticipation, the disappointment may not be undoable.

Granted there are clients that have a “soft drinks budget” and insist on a champagne level of lavishness for their event.

Nowadays there are several tiers of equipment and decor that can replicate the look and feel of the picture perfect events, but they also need the strictest level of attention to detail to produce what is desired.

There are no shortcuts. “Poor planning will produce poor products.” All stakeholders play an integral part of the planning process.

By the time that the event is being executed, each service provider should be in a position to sing their part forwards and backwards. That is why, as an event planner I hold the service providers I work with to a very high standard - they know that I do not compromise the quality of work that we present to our clients.

We’ve noticed that an oversight of key elements can completely ruin a day.

So, over the years I have developed partnerships and alliances with service providers whom I know are proud of their standard of excellence, and I can trust them. They are referred to as my “Preferred Vendors List.” I am quick to praise their amazing work, but also will not hesitate to let them know when their standard isn’t up to par, and likewise they can do the same with me. Open communication has been and will always be a key component of our smooth working relationship.

On the flip side of the coin, some clients will shop around according to “price” and find themselves disappointed with their experience because shortcuts were taken. I urge clients to do their homework when enlisting us service providers. The search should not end on price only.

There is so much more to planning an event successfully, such as:

• The administrative process, communication and execution go hand in hand - there is no “winging it” in events. It needs to run like a well-oiled machine
• Quality control is a “non-negotiable.” Checking quality at every step of the process is a must..
• Surround yourself with service providers who also strive for excellence, as they are reflection on/of you

Finally, we need to be able to stand by our brand, and the fact that industry peers and clients will take pride in aligning themselves with it. Pride going hand in hand with being stubborn about excellent standards is therefore a prerequisite in our industry.

Continue to follow along as we dive into different topics.

And remember, excellence always!