| If you’ve learnt one thing about summer | | | | As event organisers we would be foolish to suggest |
| parties, what is it? | | | | that one should replace the other even if historically |
| You have to be very wary of the look and feel of | | | | we have tended to organise more summer parties |
| the Party. The client’s expectations and taste will | | | | than Christmas parties. Possibly a bit more positive |
| often differ from yours. You will need to generate | | | | spin by the media may encourage more spend and |
| numerous visuals so that the party’s look is right | | | | an early exit out of this current economic climate. |
| for the client and is achievable within the budget. | | | | More events please! |
| What are the key things organisers need to consider | | | | What themes and trends are proving most popular |
| when booking a summer party? | | | | for summer parties in 2009? |
| There are numerous considerations but importantly it | | | | Excluding private clients, where a competitive edge |
| is not always easy to recognise our summer season | | | | still exists (to host a better party than their friends |
| here in the UK! You must have contingencies in place | | | | had) corporate clients are shifting back to a more |
| that allow for natural elements which you cannot | | | | traditional look and feel. |
| control. Another key consideration is that guests will | | | | What is the best summer party you have seen that |
| normally arrive in daylight and will depart when it is | | | | was not your own? |
| dark. Bearing this in mind it is imperative that you | | | | The Berkeley Square End of Summer Ball |
| utilise a structure that not only looks fantastic during | | | | If you had an unlimited budget, what would you |
| the day but also when lit at night time. | | | | include in your dream summer party? |
| What are most challenging factors in creating summer | | | | Faithless playing on a elevated stage on Ipanema |
| parties? | | | | Beach in Rio with the Rolling Stones behind the bar |
| Utilising the right structure, making sure it is secure, | | | | mixing cocktails, Michael Jackson providing Magic |
| considering inclement weather & having | | | | Tricks and everyone dressed in white. All guests |
| contingencies in place, housing the caterers, creating | | | | seating would be on pontoons out in the sea & |
| the right look, keeping the event green within the | | | | the carbon footprint of the event would be fully |
| budget, the list is endless… | | | | offset. |
| How will the credit crunch change summer parties? | | | | Top five venues for summer parties |
| As with all events at the moment there may be | | | | Fulham Palace Walled Garden, The Groves |
| scrutiny over the clients spend. It is tough to justify | | | | “Beach”, The Gardens of Audley End House, |
| exuberant spend in time when large corporations are | | | | The Hurlingham Club & Kensington Palace |
| making staff redundant. We feel that corporate | | | | Gardens. |
| summer parties may take on a more Traditional look | | | | Top five suppliers for summer parties |
| and feel and in some cases sparkling wine may be | | | | Amazing Tents, Blistering BBQ’s, In-water Pea |
| served instead of champagne, BBQ’s may | | | | Green & Stage Electrics. |
| replace 3 & 4 course meals etc. | | | | Best clients for summer parties |
| How do summer events justify their slice of the | | | | Confidential corporate clients & numerous |
| event marketing budget? | | | | private clients! |
| Much in the same way that other events justify | | | | Recipe for a successful event: |
| spend but a slightly looser scale – analysing the | | | | Ensure that all elements refer back to the |
| objectives and hence investigating the return on | | | | client’s expectations, personality or culture (for |
| investment and attendee’s feedback. | | | | corporate clients) and budget. |
| What advice would you offer to clients working to a | | | | Please give your five key ingredients and suggest a |
| tight budget? Established and reputed event | | | | step-by-step method for producing a successful |
| organisers who own a lot of infrastructure, furniture | | | | summer event (no more than 100 words in bullet |
| & technical production equipment will be able to | | | | points). |
| offer greater discount and add value to the event. | | | | Five key ingredients |
| Organisers are often contacted by suppliers looking | | | | - Good on-site Manager |
| for business (especially in the current climate) so | | | | - Due Diligence, health & safety , contingency |
| there will always be an opportunity to negotiate | | | | management and risk assessment |
| better deals. Generate at least 3 quotes. Ask the | | | | - Flexible suppliers who will adapt to changing brief |
| client if you can source and book the venue so that | | | | and format |
| the commission offered by the successful venue can | | | | - Inspirational environment - walled garden, beach or |
| be added to the budget. Try to think out of the box, | | | | heritage site |
| there are often numerous solutions. As we all know | | | | - Colour - outdoor events are often held during the |
| creativity costs nothing and often acts as a catalyst | | | | day hence lighting is not as affective as with indoor |
| for better solutions that are more cost effective | | | | events to create the right atmosphere. You must |
| How important is it to measure the effectiveness of | | | | employ good use of materials & fabric |
| a summer party? | | | | Step-by-step method |
| It is important to measure the effectiveness of all | | | | Select a good venue |
| events depending on why the event is taking place. | | | | Arrange a site visit with all suppliers |
| The ‘why’ factor will often dictate whether | | | | Do a site plan |
| measuring & analysing is appropriate or not. | | | | Interpret brief and create a concept |
| In your opinion, is there room for both a summer and | | | | Produce visuals |
| Christmas party in the current economic climate? If | | | | Collate key supplier proposal/cost i.e. |
| not why? | | | | |