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What is an event planner? Why do you need one?

2/12/2015

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People never ask why they need a plumber or a dentist, but they often ask why they need an event planner.  We're just party planners after all, right???  WRONG!!  

The U.S. Department of Labor classifies this occupation under the title of Meeting and Convention Planners. and  introduces the nature of this work as follows:

Meeting, convention, and event planners work to ensure that this purpose is achieved efficiently and seamlessly. They coordinate every detail of events, from beginning to end. Before a meeting, for example, planners will meet with clients to estimate attendance and determine the meeting’s purpose. During the meeting, they handle meeting logistics, such as registering guests and organizing audio/visual equipment for speakers. After the meeting, they may survey attendees to find out how the event was received.

The event planner creates programs that address the purpose, message or impression that their organization or client is trying to communicate. Event planners work long and non-traditional hours to plan and execute all details related to a variety of event formats including seminars, conferences, conventions and trade shows; charity galas; luncheons and dinners; executive retreats;  trips and travel; golf tournaments; walks/runs and other programs.
 
Successful event planners will have the following skills:
·         Verbal and written communications
·         Organization and time management
·         Project management and multitasking
·         Self-starter and team player
·         Understand Microsoft Office applications
·         Detail and deadline-oriented
·         Negotiation
·         Budget management
·         Staff management
·         Marketing and public relations
·         Interpersonal skills with all levels of management
·         Problem solving while under pressure
·         Ability to visualize attendee flow/experience and event set-up well in advance of the event.

 Successful event planners will develop the following knowledge:
       Venue selection; Catering; Production; Entertainment; Awards/Gifts; Transportation; Lodging; 
       List Management; Logistics Planning

 Additionally, many Event Planners have invested in certifications.  The education required to receive a certification is specifically geared toward planning events and meetings covering everything from room set-up, crowd capacity, ADA requirements and contract language.  These designations can be quite costly; require an acquisition of skills that usually take several years to achieve; and take time to study for.  A planner with a designation means the planner is a professional and is dedicated to their profession.  

The most common certifications are:

·         CMP - Certified Meeting Planner - Issued by the Convention Industry Council                  
·         CMM - Certified Meeting Manager - Issued by the Meeting Professionals International
·         CSEP  - Certified Special Events Professional - Issued by International Special Events Society

 So the when you have a leaky pipe call a plumber, when you have a toothache see your dentist and when you have an event or meeting, hire a professional planner!
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What is an event planner?  Why do you need one?

2/11/2015

0 Comments

 
People never ask why they need a plumber or a dentist, but they often ask why they need an event planner.  We're just party planners after all, right???  WRONG!! 

The U.S. Department of Labor classifies this occupation under the title of Meeting and Convention Planners. and  introduces the nature of this work as follows:

Meeting, convention, and event planners work to ensure that this purpose is achieved efficiently and seamlessly. They coordinate every detail of events, from beginning to end. Before a meeting, for example, planners will meet with clients to estimate attendance and determine the meeting’s purpose. During the meeting, they handle meeting logistics, such as registering guests and organizing audio/visual equipment for speakers. After the meeting, they may survey attendees to find out how the event was received.

The event planner creates programs that address the purpose, message or impression that their organization or client is trying to communicate. Event planners work long and non-traditional hours to plan and execute all details related to a variety of event formats including seminars, conferences, conventions and trade shows; charity galas; luncheons and dinners; executive retreats;  trips and travel; golf tournaments; walks/runs and other programs.
 
Successful event planners will have the following skills:
·         Verbal and written communications
·         Organization and time management
·         Project management and multitasking
·         Self-starter and team player
·         Understand Microsoft Office applications
·         Detail and deadline-oriented
·         Negotiation
·         Budget management
·         Staff management
·         Marketing and public relations
·         Interpersonal skills with all levels of management
·         Problem solving while under pressure
·         Ability to visualize attendee flow/experience and event set-up well in advance of the event.

 Successful event planners will develop the following knowledge:
       Venue selection; Catering; Production; Entertainment; Awards/Gifts; Transportation; Lodging; 
       List Management; Logistics Planning

 Additionally, many Event Planners have invested in certifications.  The education required to receive a certification is specifically geared toward planning events and meetings covering everything from room set-up, crowd capacity, ADA requirements and contract language.  These designations can be quite costly; require an acquisition of skills that usually take several years to achieve; and take time to study for.  A planner with a designation means the planner is a professional and is dedicated to their profession.  

The most common certifications are:

·         CMP - Certified Meeting Planner - Issued by the Convention Industry Council                  
·         CMM - Certified Meeting Manager - Issued by the Meeting Professionals International
·         CSEP  - Certified Special Events Professional - Issued by International Special Events Society

 So the when you have a leaky pipe call a plumber, when you have a toothache see your dentist and when you have an event or meeting, hire a professional planner!

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Whoopi and Me!

2/6/2015

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Picture
Yup... I'll be hanging with Whoopi Goldberg!!!!  Well.... sorta....

We'll both be presenting at the AFP International Fundraising Conference.

Each spring the Association of Fundraising Professionals hosts an annual conference that brings more than 4,000 fundraising professionals together to discuss, teach, and learn about new development issues. It offers more than 150 educational sessions and an exhibit hall with over 300 vendors.

Whoopi Goldberg will speak on Sunday March 29, the first day of the conference during the "Opening General Session."  It's very appropriate for Whoopi to be hanging with us fundraisers.  She has "channeled her celebrity into bringing attention to countless causes including AIDS, children’s issues, healthcare and substance abuse."

I'll be presenting on Monday March 30 and will share some insights gained from my 23 years in fundraising and special event planning.  My topic is "Stewarding Event Donors: From One Transaction to Major Engagement & Major Gifts."  I was thrilled to be selected to present again this year.  Last year was my first year as a Presenter and the experience was very gratifying.  It is also an opportunity for me to learn more, be reminded of best practices and to be with my peers.  Fundraisers understand fundraisers.  It's fun to meet fundraisers from a variety of great causes from all around the world!  Here's some information about the conference:

The 52nd AFP International Fundraising Conference will be in
Baltimore, MD, March 29-31, 2015.
Visit the official conference website - afpfc.com

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Report Card: The Effectiveness of Nonprofit Boards

2/2/2015

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According to leadingwithintent.org, every two years since 1994, BoardSource has been conducting a survey  that gathers "information from both chief executives and board chairs on their experiences in the nonprofit boardrooms of America."   They released their latest report last week.  

Here's a list of the Top 6 findings:

1.      Boards demonstrate room for improvement.

         The findings reveal that boards are generally better at technical tasks, such as financial oversight and compliance, than they are at adaptive work related to strategy and community outreach.

2.      Board members need to speak out more.

          Advocacy should be a Board priority and Board members need to serve as informed champions for their missions.

3.      Board diversity is increasing but gaps persist.

4.      Best-in-class boards pay attention to culture and dynamics.

          The real secret to board success — leadership culture — requires leading with intent: thoughtful planning, determined dedication, and collective commitment from chief executives, board chairs, and board members.

5.      Board members need to embrace their roles as fundraisers.

         Fundraising remains the great weakness of nonprofit boards.

6.      Finding financial stability amid constant change requires strategic leadership.

         In the wake of the economic downturn, nonprofits continue to find their funding declining and the demand for their services rising.  The political, economic, and demographic forces shaping our society are constantly changing, and organizations must do the same if they wish to remain vital and vibrant.

See all of their findings and download the report at: http://leadingwithintent.org.
I certainly encourage you to share the report with your Board(s).

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    Shiree Skinner

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