My topic today relates to a fundamental characteristic of an event manager and that is Trust.
Events management is the act of being entrusted with the mission of delivering a successful live act, where things have to work smoothly with usually no chance for a second trial.
To start off, as an event manager you have to gain the trust of your client; this is very critical. The product being sold here isn't one that you could return if it fails or ask for a replacement. This is a very challenging decision that will put on the client the challenge of choosing the right person for the job.
Since by their nature, events are highly visible within the client's organization and its stakeholders from investor, customers and the general public; going wrong could be expensive as going right could be very rewarding.
From this fundamental aspect, it is critical that as a client you choose the right organization to run your event and more importantly the right person/team.
On a personal level, you need to have synergy with the event manager.
So as an event manager how do you build that trust?
It is very important that you listen to your customer attentively down to the finest details. Understand his business; understand why he is doing this event. What does he want to achieve for his organization and for himself. A successful relationship is one where all the parties are in a win-win situation.
At the basics of it, you need to make the event a success and the client your star; this event is not about you or your event management company, never forget that.
The most rewarding events that provided me with repeated customers and long term returns where the ones that as event management company we were totally invisible in the events. Where people believed the whole event was the work of a single person, my client.
Trust between the client and the event manager is only one aspect of the equation. Equally important is the trust among your team members and your confidence in each member's capabilities and their ability to perform and deliver according to your plan. Recruit the best talents, retain them, and believe in them.
Last but not least is the trust relationship between you and your 3rd party suppliers. This is a critical factor to the success of your event. Find people that you are comfortable to work with, that have proven professional dedication and commitment to their work and build a long term relationship with them. Maintain friendships with their key team members.
Events are full of changes and last minute modifications and accommodations, you should have extreme trust in your suppliers that they will honor any such change request; this will determine the success or failure of the event and strengthen or weakens the trust with your client.
Before you chose a new supplier, make sure to accompany them to one or more of their events and watch them closely on the day of the event. It really helps as that is the place that matters the most. Most importantly watch their reactions to when things go wrong because that could be the difference between suppliers that will make or break your event. Don't leave anything for chance.
Events managers, you are in the Trust business.
What do you think?
