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How to kick start a career in event planning? Part 1

Eventzilla Team — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 20:06:22 +0000

Thinking about kick starting your career as an Event planner?

Here are some key skills required to become an event planner.

- Possess high energy and stamina
- Efficient and well-organized
- Creative and imaginative
- Self-motivated and driven
- Excellent people skills
- Manage and plan budgets
- Knows how to motivate people
- Ability to multi-task at once, and work to tight schedules

The demand for event and meeting planner has grown significiantly over the years.

According to a landmark study released this year, conducted by PwC US and spearheaded by an alliance of 14 meetings industry associations meetings and conventions meetings are a 263 billion industry and directly supports 1.7 million jobs.

If you are thinking of a career in meeting and event planning, there is a lucrative market awaiting you on many fronts

Key tasks:

- Determine client’s needs and expectations
- Plan and create the overall design of the event
- Develop timelines and production schedules
- Setup event website and sell tickets online
- Manage the operations team or support staff
- Coordinate and provide service to the clients and vendors as needed
- Oversee all aspects of the event execution
- Select and secure appropriate vendors to supply all components of the event
- Monitor and evaluate the event

Books to read:

1. The Ultimate Guide To Successful Meetings, Corporate Events, Fundraising Galas, Conferences, Conventions, Incentives and Other Special Events
http://amzn.to/sXZ4PU

2. Confessions of an Event Planner: Case Studies from the Real World of Events–How to Handle the Unexpected and How to Be a Master of Discretion
http://amzn.to/tCvAVE

3. The Business of Event Planning: Behind-the-Scenes Secrets of Successful Special Events
http://amzn.to/td4fyJ
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Event Planning Basics, Jobs and Checklists

Eventzilla Team — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:35:30 +0000

1. What is Event Planning?
The art of planning an event in line with budgeting, establishing dates, selecting venues, acquiring permits, and coordinating transportation and much much more. Event planning also includes tasks from A to Z (i.e from setting up a theme to the the final clean up.)

2. Where can I learn about Event Planning?
Here is a list of websites to learn about Event Planning

http://eventplanning.about.com/
http://www.eventplanning.com/
http://www.meetings-conventions.com/
http://www.meetingsnet.com/

3. How to find internships for Event Planning?
Internships for event planning can be found at

http://www.simplyhired.com/a/jobs/list/q-event+planning+internship

4. Where to find event planning jobs? (List of exclusive job sites if any)
These are a few sites which are basically designed for recruitment. Searching for jobs related to event planning is quite simple and easy on these sites.
These are a few sites which might help you find jobs:

http://www.indeed.com/q-Event-Planner-jobs.html
http://www.simplyhired.com/a/jobs/list/q-event+planner

5. Where can I find a event planning checklist?
Before planning an event, having a checklist is very important: And these are a few Url’s which might help you with some of the best checklists.

Checklist for Organizing Events and Conferences http://bit.ly/vrd4Av
An Event Planning Checklist http://bit.ly/tebvoI
An Event Planning checklist http://bit.ly/dPBcoQ

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How to : Accept Credit Card payments from buyers without PayPal accounts

Eventzilla Team — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 02:32:52 +0000

Recently we have been receiving questions from our customers (event organizers) concerned about their event attendees being asked by PayPal to create a PayPal account when they pay online using PayPal. The short answer is – “They do NOT have to”

This post explains, in a Q & A format, the steps you need to take to ensure that your attendees do not get asked to create a PayPal account:

Question: I am selling tickets on Eventzilla. My attendees are not able to purchase tickets using credit/debit card without creating a new PayPal account. Why is this happening and how can I start accepting credit card/ debit card payments to my PayPal account without my attendees being forced to create a new PayPal account?

Answer: It is most likely that you are using a “Personal” PayPal account for selling tickets. PayPal allows only sellers who either have a “Premier” or “Business” PayPal account, to get paid from buyers without PayPal accounts. The following steps describe, how you can easily upgrade to premier or business account.

Step 1: Login to your PayPal account
Step 2: Click on “Profile” link
Step 3: Click on “My settings”
Step 4: Click on “Upgrade my account” link next to account type.
Step 5: You will see a page explaining different features available for premier and business accounts. Click on “upgrade now” button at the bottom
Step 6: Select the type of account based on your requirements. (Premier account – do business under your name) and (Business account – do business under your company or group’s name)
Step 7: You will see a confirmation page.

You are all set to accept credit cards from your event attendees now. (Your attendees will not be required to create a new PayPal account when they make payments using their credit card)

If you have more questions – please send a note to our friendly customer support team at help@eventzilla.net and you will hear back shortly.

Thanks & have a great day!

Eventzilla Customer Support Team

Support articles:
http://www.eventzilla.net/support

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5 things to blog about your next event or conference

Eventzilla Team — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 19:50:56 +0000

1. Theme of your event(with details about who can attend the event)

2. Location(venue) and things to do nearby(interesting foodspots, places)

3. Speaker profiles or artist profiles ( names, profiles, twitter ID, #hashtags)

4. Number of people attending the event and available tickets (Will create an urgency among potential attendees)

5. Highlights, pictures, video from the event (You can upload pictures to Flickr and link them)

————————————————————

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Useful iPhone apps for managing events ( Part 2)

Eventzilla Team — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 19:28:32 +0000

AirMe is an iPhone and iPod Touch application that lets you upload screenshots and photos you’ve either taken with the built in camera or already have on your device to photo sharing sites such as Flickr and Photobucket. In a nutshell it helps you take pictures and share it with the world. It’s a fun application which can prove to be productive as well. You can also geotag your images, which is a remarkable option.

Personal assistant app is another must have app for the event planners. It gives you the tools to view all your online accounts in one location in an orderly fashion. After adding accounts through an assisted browsing process, you will be able to view the history of your banking transactions, stocks,events, portfolio, social commitments and friend status updates from a slew of social networks, email accounts, and shopping services like Netflix, Amazon, and eBay.

Zenbe lists – a simple , but a powerful app that lets you create lists on your iphone or your ipad and share them with anyone. Event organizers can easily add and track tasks for your event, set due dates and priority on tasks arrange lists, or sort alphabetically, by due date, or by priority.

Locly is an iPhone app that allows you to find your local attractions, cafes and shops near you, by making use of the built in GPS of your iPhone 3G. With Locly you can also look at local photos from Flickr, and pull up Twitter or Wikipedia entries that are close to where you are now. Locly is reported to work in many countries throughout the world.

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5 tips for marketing your next event and sell out tickets in minutes.

Eventzilla Team — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 18:51:46 +0000

1. You need to get people talking about your event. Reach out to influencers (group of fan base) with special offers.
2. Make it exclusive with invite only offers for a period of time.
3. Share interesting testimonials/pictures for the past.
4. Create a professional looking event registration page and make it easy to share.
5. Create a #hashtag and spread the word on Twitter and Facebook on a regular basis. Retweet, respond and thank people for spreading the word about your event.

Organizing an event? Sell tickets now in minutes with Eventzilla.

Event Liability Insurance Basics

Eventzilla Team — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 17:58:16 +0000

What is event liability insurance?
Event liability insurance protects you from possible exposure of bodily injury and property damage arising due to your negligence during your event.

What coverage is available in event liability insurance?
Bodily Injury, personal and advertising injury, product completion , property damage and medical (optional in some cases)

Event Cancellation Insurance Coverages
This policy reimburses you for your net loss — should the performance or event be necessarily cancelled, postponed or rescheduled due to any peril except what is excluded. We can usually offer you a premium quotation within minutes of a submission.

1. Non-Appearance Insurance:
If your event relies on the appearance of a person or group (performer, speaker, player, invited guest, team, etc.), this option will protect you from the non-appearance of that individual. Generally, including this option requires a medical exam of the specific individual.

2. Weather:
This concerns specific weather conditions such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, lightning, or any other life-threatening weather condition. These weather conditions must prevent the majority of the audience from reaching the venue where your event is taking place.

3. Travel:
Unavoidable travel delays (aircraft or other modes of transportation), equipment delays, mechanical breakdown, power failures.

4. Natural Disaster:
Fire, earthquake or other damage that causes your venue to be unusable.

Are Event Insurances Affordable?
Event insurance can be very affordable. For instance An Insurance Company offers an online option for single-day, invitation-style events with fewer than 200 attendees for a $100 – $150 premium . Check average insurance rates here

What are the types of events that are generally covered for an event insurance:
Private events and business events are generally covered. Private events generally include: Anniversary Party, Baby Shower, Baptism, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Birthday Party, Class reunion, Engagement Party, Family Reunion, Graduation Party, House Warming, memorial service, Private Achievement Celebration, Private Holiday Party, Wedding Shower. And business insurances generally cover: Business Dinner, Non-Profit Function, Corporate Private Party, Fundraising Dinner, and Conferences. This is a general event coverage, however you have to check with your event insurance about the areas they cover.

What does a “named insurance” mean?
The “Named Insured” is the person or business/organization in whose name the policy was purchased. Typically the Named Insured would be the same person or business / organization entity that signed the contract with the venue or for the event.

How do I collect my liability policy which is required for the event?
Most purchasers can download their policies and certificates right from the web site as soon as the purchase is complete; a copy will also be e-mailed to you. Few other insurance companies e-mail the Certificate of Liability directly to your venue if you have provided their e-mail address on your application.

Will my event be covered if it run’s past midnight?
Most of the times, The Special Event Liability Policy will afford coverage for the day of the event as well as the 24 hours prior to the event and 24 hours after the event for the set up and tear down.

Note: This article is for information purposes only. Please contact a qualified insurance agent for advice.

List of websites to get event insurance quotes

http://www.travelers.com/
http://www.rvnuccio.com/
http://www.privateeventinsurance.com/
http://www.theeventhelper.com/
http://www.insureaparty.com/

Organizing an event? Sell tickets online in minutes with Eventzilla ( http://www.eventzilla.net )

· Event Insurance At A Glance: Event Insurance is a comprehensive plan which is to be put in a appropriate place, since the proper insurance coverage reduces the risks inherited to the event, or organiser/client. Unfortunately, in today’s litigious society, not taking the time to determine the necessary insurance coverage to protect your business could be a very costly mistake.Often, event coverage can be purchased on a per-program basis, depending on the number of attendees and days, type of event, and identified risks for that event

· What is an event planner insurance?

In a nutshell, event planners should carry “professional” insurance coverage that protects the individual and their business from liability claims arising out of their operations. In addition, events should have liability and other coverages for claims brought against the event itself — for example, a slip and fall claim occurring at the event. In case of unforeseen circumstances, the event may want to purchase cancellation coverage.

· What are all the insurance must-have’s?

This is a small gist on all the must have insurance plans an event planner/an organiser should have. This will help them protect their event from any sort of risks.

A Health Insurance

A Venue Coverage

A Trip Insurance

A Safe Shipping

And Your Value

· Are Event Insurances Affordable?

Event insurance can be very affordable. For instance An Insurance Company offers an online option for single-day, invitation-style events with fewer than 200 attendees for a $100 premium .

· What are the types of events that are generally covered for an event insurance:

Private events and business events are generally covered. Private events generally include: Anniversary Party, Baby Shower, Baptism, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Birthday Party, Class reunion, Engagement Party, Family Reunion, Graduation Party, House Warming, memorial service, Private Achievement Celebration, Private Holiday Party, Wedding Shower. And business insurances generally cover: Business Dinner, Non-Profit Function, Corporate Private Party, Fundraising Dinner, and Business Meeting. This is a general event coverage, however you have to check with your event insurance about the areas they cover.

· What does a “named insurance” mean?

The “Named Insured” is the person or business/organization in whose name the policy was purchased. Typically the Named Insured would be the same person or business / organization entity that signed the contract with the venue or for the event.

· Is the Special Event Liability Policy primary insurance?

If the Named Insured is held to be solely at fault in a claim the Special Event Liability Policy is primary insurance for both the named insured and any additional insured listed on the policy

· I live in one place, and the event to be held is scheduled to another place. Where am I entitled to take the policy from?

Your policy should be taken only where you live, irrespective of the venue scheduled for the event.

· How do I collect my liability policy which is required for the event?

Most purchasers can download their policies and certificates right from the web site as soon as the purchase is complete; a copy will also be e-mailed to you. We can also e-mail the Certificate of Liability directly to your venue if you have provided their e-mail address on your application.

If you have entered special wording for your venue, we will review your wording before finalizing your purchase. In this case you will receive a certificate of liability insurance, via e-mail, within 1 business day of the completion of the application. If requested on the application form, the venue will also receive a certificate within the same time frame, via e-mail.

· Will my event be covered if it run’s past midnight?

Most of the times, The Special Event Liability Policy will afford coverage for the day of the event as well as the 24 hours prior to the event and 24 hours after the event for the set up and tear down.

How to broadcast your event live using Ustream for free?

Eventzilla Team — Tue, 24 May 2011 05:37:37 +0000

Hosting an event? Now you can use Ustream to broadcast event video LIVE to the world from a computer or iPhone in minutes.

Browser-based Web Broadcaster:

The easiest is the browser-based Web Broadcaster that uses Adobe’s Flash Player. For higher quality, use Ustream Producer (free), Ustream Producer Pro ($199), or Adobe’s Flash Media Live Encoder (free).

Broadcasting from your Mobile Device:

You may also broadcast from your mobile device, but those streams will be slower and lower quality, and not as robust as a wired connection. To start streaming using mobile phones – you can go to www.ustream.tv/mobile to reference currently supported handsets.

1. Creating an Ustream Account

Ustream accounts are free.
To sign up for an account visit: http://www.ustream.tv/
Click on the sign up link on the top right section of the page.

2. Creating a show

Click on the yellow “Create a show” button on the right side of the page. A box will appear in the middle of the page. Type the name of your event which you would like to host online, in the box provided to you. The name of the Event is recommended, so that it becomes easy for your event to be found and viewed easily. Once you have created a channel, you may not change the URL. Please note that changing the name of your show will not change the URL.

Now, click the yellow “Create” button.

Select what type of event to be broadcasted on the “Show Info” page. Type the key words related to the event — such as the event’s name, event organisers name, the genre of the event and key texts or themes related to the event — in the “Show Tags” box and add an overview of the event in the “About” box, so that your attendees can easily find your video on the website.

3. Sharing the Ustream Video Link

Now, you have to email the link of your event to your clients and audience prior to the event broadcast so that they can have access to it. The URL will be http://www.ustream.tv/channel/[your event title here].

4. Setting up Cameras

Built-in webcams or USB-connected webcams – Apple, Sony, Dell, HP, and most modern laptops have built-in webcams. Once you have chosen what camera you will use, there are Ustream offers several options for taking your camera feed, encoding it and sending it to Ustream.

5. Broadcasting Live Video and Audio

Plug in your audio device prior to opening the Ustream broadcaster window. Select the show you want to broadcast and click the “Broadcast Now” button on your “My Shows” page or on the homepage. Select the audio device from the Audio Sources drop down menu.

6. Optimizing Video Quality

Use a wired internet connection to broadcast the video.
Make sure you have GOOD lighting.
Make sure you have a GOOD camera.
Make sure you close all other programs on your computer.

7. How to Embed a Ustream Player?

Go to the channel page, for example: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/. There you will see a tab that says Embed. Click this to expose the embed codes.
The first line says “Embed the Live Video Anywhere!” Click the button next to this that says “Copy Embed”

Images: Ustream.com

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4 tips to increase ticket sales for your next event

Eventzilla Team — Sat, 21 May 2011 16:54:38 +0000

How to sell more tickets for your next event?

View more presentations from Eventzilla

How to accept credit card payments with your phone for your next event?

Eventzilla Team — Thu, 19 May 2011 05:01:35 +0000

Now you can swipe credit cards with your iPhone or Android Phone and all you need is a data connection, the mobile app and the credit card reader. You can start accepting payments for your events at the door easily.

Why accept payments using phone?

It’s convenient and easy to use, great for anyone hosting an event or conference and want to accept credit card payments at the venue.

How much does it cost?

In most cases – there are no set-up or monthly service fees at all, so it costs you nothing to keep it handy in case you ever need someone to pay you by card.

Square charges

Swiping credit cards: 2.75%
Manually enter credit card details : 3.5% + 15Cents per transcation

Intuit Go Payment

Swiping credit cards: 2.7%
Manually enter credit card details : 3.7%

1. Square ( https://www.squareup.com )

Square is supported on most of the popular Apple iOS and Google Android devices.

You will receive a free card swiper within a day or two after registering on Squareup.com.

You can send a receipt to the customer by phone or email.

There is a per swipe transaction fee of 2.75% and then the funds get automatically deposited into your bank account.

With the tax feature turned on, tax is automatically added to your transactions.

2. Intuit GoPayment ( http://www.gopayment.com )

It’s a free app and free credit card reader for smart phones and tablets that provides an easy, inexpensive way for anyone to get paid with a credit card.

It comes from the personal and business finance experts at Intuit, the makers of TurboTax, Mint, and QuickBooks, so you know it’s both reliable and safe.

The money from your transaction is generally deposited into your bank within two to three days of the transaction.

GoPayment has basic inventory management, but so does the iPad version of the Square app.