expert advice

Gain insight from a professional who increased room block bookings by 30 percent over three years. 

What's trending for the New Year? We ask area experts about what's coming in food, decor, technology and venues.

Let's Get #Viral

Security means different things to different people. For airport employees, it’s using metal detectors and bag searches. For data centers, it’s preventing cyber theft and hacking. For political figures and celebrities, it means hiring bodyguards and Secret Service. And for the average person, it can mean just about anything. 

Event planners in particular have to take all of these security measures and more into account because they are entrusted to keep every level of people, from your average Jane Doe to the President, safe and secure.

There's more to hashtags than the goal of trending. An effective event hashtag can boost publicity, word of mouth and attendee engagement. Kimberly Eberl, owner of Motion PR, offers insight into her favorite social media platforms with sound advice for hashtagging and the greater impact of these practices.

NJM+E: What should you look for when hiring a photographer?

Special events are different from other projects. An event is a one-time activity with fixed boundaries and there is little to no wiggle room. Once the date, time and location are set, you face a hard deadline. Ready or not, the show must go on!

According to Murphy, if something does go wrong, the client looks to the event planner—whatever the circumstances might be. This is why meticulous planning is paramount, and using templates will streamline the process.

TRAINS, PLANES, AUTOMOBILES-AND HOTELS (lots and lots of hotels). These places often become mobile offices for event planners, even as they’re developing itineraries for thousands of destination travelers year-round. Since travel can be such a large component to production, we spoke with Hanson Ansary, hospitality veteran and president and CEO of AlliedPRA Chicago, to map out some important key words for transportation and accommodations.

TECHNOLOGY CAN HAVE A TREMENDOUS IMPACT on event experiences, but sometimes, it's the little things that makethe biggest difference. Here are a few small tools that can be utilized on-site for successful events every time.

Print out this one-sheet and stash it in your back pocket for future reference.