By now you know my 7 Power Secrets to Successful Meetings series is designed to help you gain maximum results at your company's events and to make you look like a hero to your boss.  If you've missed Power Secrets 1 & 2 you can check them out by clicking here.

I have a client who came to me after using the floor plan for his event which had been provided by the venue.  He was told that it even included an audio system at no additional cost.  Unfortunately for him, the audio system was nothing more than an emergency public address system and the room layout was less than optimal.

Sadly, this is one area taken for granted time and again when organizing an event; yet it should be carefully considered if the event is going to be effective. Room layout sounds simple enough, but a poorly planned room can kill an otherwise good event.

Power Secret #3: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION - a great floor plan creates a fabulous event.

You may have a great venue, but if it isn't laid out correctly you may be wasting your money.   I often take on new clients who have been burned by a bad room design in the past.  Many had no idea that sticking the stage with the podium at one end of the room is not enough to make an event work.  Consideration must be made for the decor, lighting, audio system, stage orientation, video setup, and most importantly, how all of those elements work together from the various locations in the room.

Though this may seem daunting at first, it need not be.  You do not have to be an expert to create a great floor plan.  You simply have to know someone who is.  When preparing for your event, talk to your planner early on so he'll have time to scout out the hall in person and give you a detailed floor plan.  Armed with a good plan, nothing is left to chance. 

When selecting a planner, ask for a list of past clients and call them. 

• How did they feel about the audio and video setup?
• Was it difficult to listen to the speaker? 
• Did the room design enhance or detract from the event?
• Was the planner easy to work with? 

There is no substitute for a first-hand recommendation in selecting an event expert.  And there is no excuse for a poorly laid out event.  When I plan an event, I am doing more than making my client look good; I am building a relationship.  Look for that in your planner and you can't miss.

To learn more about making your event more effective, call me today at (209) 579-0580 x115.