You are here: Home / Corporate Events

Your guide to public liability and events

October 30, 2011 By admin

Much has been made of the importance of public liability insurance in relation to events in recent years. A wave of litigation and expensive settlements means that H&S and insurance are two very hot topics for anyone putting on an event nowadays and there are stringent laws and guidelines covering both.

The important thing for event holders is to distinguish between what is essential and regulated by law in terms of liability insurance and events, what is good, safe practice and what is simply inaccurate hysteria, often fuelled by an indignant media!

The hard fact is that litigation and personal accident claims are a fact of modern life. Very recent parliamentary action is starting to curtail the personal accident claims and ‘ambulance chaser’ industry, but events organisers still need to be covered and protected.

Public liability insurance basically covers any damages that are awarded to a member of the public, in the instance of them sustaining an injury at your event. It also covers legal fees, which can be prohibitively expensive if going through the court system, as well as expenses and costs. In some circumstances, it will also cover hospital treatment, including any ambulance costs (which the NHS may otherwise claim to you).

Premiums are based on the nature of the event, the number of anticipated attendees and a range of other factors, including any high risk elements planned for the day such as sports, horse riding etc. Policies are very much tailored to the applicant and the situation, so it’s well worth speaking to a qualified insurance advisor to ensure you’re taking out the right product. Use an independent advisor if you want to know they are searching the whole of the market, rather than simply products they will be paid commission for. Alternatively, use a comparison site to construct a quote from an array of providers, such as Public liability insurance. It will show all the latest offers and allow you to build a comprehensive quote based on your individual circumstances. The site also has facts and guides about the different types of insurance and you can apply directly online with the provider you choose, or contact them to discuss your needs.

You will find that many customers like to see that PL insurance is in place when events are being promoted. It offers extra peace of mind, so the bonuses go beyond simple adherence to law and it will be one thing off your list too.

Filed Under: Event Insurance Tagged With: , ,

Unsecured Business Finance Is Provided For Smaller Amount Without Taking Any Security.

March 25, 2011 By admin

If you're a home business person then it is necessary for you the business does not ever lacks in funds or it may stop working any time. This guarantees the loan isn't a fiscal burden on small enterprise. Small enterprise finance is sliced out particularly for providing opportune finance to small company folks and the loan is authorized at competitive rate. You can meet all business costs like purchasing raw material, equipments, paying wages or clearing past dues etc thru the loan. Small company finance come in secured or unsecured options. An undertaking capitalist is almost the same as a business angel aside from they can supply higher amounts of finance and have a tendency to invest more in established companies where the chance of failure is reduced. Another example of equity finance comes as an undertaking capitalist.

Another example is visa cards, these are costly when talking of startup finance but they also are a fast way of raising finance. Some example of debt finance include, bank loans. For bigger loan amount, secured business finance is chosen for as you can borrow any amount dependent on cost of the property, offered as security. Also for reducing the monthly outgo towards the loan payments, you can decide to pay back the loan in bigger period of thirty years. Therefore one can say that secured business finance is burden less for the United Kingdom entrepreneurs while they use the loan.

Unsecured business finance is provided for smaller amount without taking any security. Cross-collateralization alludes to bank needs concerning private collateral like a home used as security for a business loan. Collateral prerequisites for business financing will rely on many factors like deposit, sort of business, credit ratings and the kind of financing required. A business outline isn't always needed for a corporate loan, but when one is needed this may add noticeably to the price and length of the loan process. An inflating problem for commercial borrowers looking for refinancing is an irrational limitation for getting money out of the new loan. That is right and also meant a business person had not got any idea what the true finance affairs were for their company. Even, if they went and did have some idea, frequently it didn't seem clever to them. No longer is accounting a concealed secret, not when you get and use accounting software. But that's changed now.

Filed Under: Event Planning Tagged With: , , ,

What Are My Business Finance Options?

March 18, 2011 By admin

Financing a home business can be most time consuming activity for an entrepreneur. It may be the most vital part of growing a business, but one must use caution not to permit it to consume the business. Develop a business outline and loan package that has got a well developed strategic plan, which in its turn is related to pragmatic and plausible financials. Manage each well and you'll have healthy finance mix for your business. Another example of equity finance comes as an undertaking capitalist. Some example of debt finance include, bank loans. When most folks think about start up business finance the 1st place that springs to mind is their bank although banks are awfully tired about handing out money to new businesses as there is fret that the monthly payments may not be kept up to date. Another example is mastercards, these are expensive when it comes to start-up finance but they also are a fast way of raising finance. Whereas home mortgage loans is probably going to involve only private taxation estimates, most business financing will include a commentary on business taxation statements too.

Secondary financing will frequently be a way of taking desired commercial loans. The utilising of seller financing or secondary financing is a cautious business financing methodology to reduce capital prerequisites for the borrower. A surprising requirement for many commercial loans involves sourcing and seasoning of funds. Secondary financing won't be accepted by all commercial lenders. Business finance can be availed in secured or unsecured options as suits to the business necessities. For larger loan amount, secured business finance is chosen for as you can borrow any amount dependent on cost of the property, offered as security. But the most significant advantage of secured business finance in the United Kingdom is that it comes at lower IR. Also for reducing the monthly outgo towards the loan payments, you can opt to pay back the loan in bigger period of thirty years.

Filed Under: Promoting Events Tagged With: , , , ,

Bextra And Vioxx Withdrawal Spawn Advertising Pause From Bristol Myers.

March 11, 2011 By admin
Advertising

Advertising

You are only reaching folk who particularly are looking for what you offer. If you run search advertising on Google, Yahoo, or other web sites, you know how limiting it can be to claim what you need to in just one hundred letters or less. How would they ever hear about it? If that’s the case consider the benefits of banner advertising, which gives you the liberty to point out what you need while driving clicks and sales to your internet site. To offer you some new concepts, here are 5 things you can try today with a banner ad : Announce a sale or special offer – Give your purchaser an excuse to click that ad now : announce a limited-time promotion in huge, bold letters on a colorful banner and have them arrive on a page with just the things on sale. Build your brand – Get your name out there in front of the folks that matter : your clients. Buy in large quantities – if you are buying advertising straight from a selected site, you’ll have more adaptability to request rebates.

One popular price cut is a volume discount : buy more advertising, perhaps over 1 or 2 months, and get a % off. Ask for the ‘agency discount’ – ad companies often get a 15% discount when they confirm an order on behalf of their clients ( so that the agency can mark it up and pass the price on ). Publishers need your business and could be prepared to arrange. You’ve got to understand that if you’re attempting to get folks to click your banner, you’ve got to ensure you are in places where your visitors are hanging out. Do not make the error of putting your ad on a site that gets unqualified visitors. It’s way better to be on smaller sites that get a higher click thru rate then to be on larger sites that get a lower click thru rate. That implies you’ve got to ensure you are on sites that precisely match your service or product. Have the background colour stick out from the net page – if you are placing your banner ad on a particular web page, note the background colour so your ad does not mix in. Is it front and center or is it buried ‘below the fold’ ( meaning folks need to scroll down to find it )? While bigger ads and more outstanding placements will possibly give you more clicks, smaller advertisements have their advantage too : they regularly cost less. Get a good spot – It sounds apparent, but ensure you know where on a net page or in an e-mail newsletter your banner ad will appear. Additionally, banners on sites that at random publicize multiple sites shouldn’t be predicted to perform well.

Here’s where you’ll get the finest click thru rates and related sales. For best efficacy with banners use them in your PPC ( Pay-per-click ) advertising. Banners can still be particularly effective if we follow easy rules and target potential customers properly.

Filed Under: Marketing an Event Tagged With: , , , , ,

What Tools Do You Need To Plan An Event?

February 12, 2011 By admin
Tools For Business Events

Tools For Business Events

What tools do you need to manage an event? Well, the main tool you need is an Event Organiser who is good at what they do, is well organised, works well with their events team and knows how to use all the resources at their disposal. As well as their personnel tools there are an increasing number of software packages that can be used as tools for planning events.

Good content management and customer relationship management systems can be invaluable event management tools when having a large number of repeat attendees or clients that need regular communications about upcoming events. Some event management tools and CRM systems will also include the ability to log all communications with delegates (for example, records of emails sent with confirmation details of the event booking) which is extremely useful to keep track of what delegates have been sent in advance and to re-issue information if delegates have mislaid details such as attendee reference numbers etc. 

There are a number of specific event planning tools available which can further aid event planning and enable clear record keeping, Event management software includes Online registration and delegate management, which could include online payment. This helps keep track of exactly how many attendees are expected.

Other useful software tools for planning events include packages for venue selection – databases which may be linked to large venue companies with details of locations, venue sizes etc. Software is also available for Exhibition Management and these packages can manage all aspects of planning, booking and billing – especially useful for event management companies regularly planning large and complex exhibitions. Further tools also aid on-site requirements for such large events, such as registration and badge production. 

Increasingly, event management tools are available as online resources, which enables staff working remotely to access them and can avoid limitations on the number of users and required licences. With the increase in use of laptops, smart phones etc, -these web-based tools for planning events can only make event planning easier – not just for the organisation planning the event but for attendees too, and anything which makes it easier for attendees and delegates to book and confirm attendance at an event can only be a good thing!

Filed Under: Event Planning, How To Do Business Tagged With: , ,

Choosing The Right Theme For Your Event/Party

February 9, 2011 By admin
Business Opportunity

Business Opportunity

So you’ve decided to hold an event, set the date and booked the venue – now, you need a theme!
This doesn’t necessarily mean all the attendees having to go in fancy dress but you may wish to make the event extra-special with a themed event, which will have the attendees raving about your company for years to come (and if it has external attendees, hopefully they will come forward with some new business for you to having had such a good time!).
When choosing your theme party, you will need to fully consider your company and attendees, and be sure that the theme you choose is appropriate and consistent – an Art Deco theme is no good if your catering is served by waiting staff in 1970s dress for example.
Also, is this just a thank-you for company staff or will external clients and others be there too – can people really have fun and let their hair down or will it be quite a conservative corporate event?
The sky’s the limit though in terms of a theme but once you’ve considered popular themes such as Las Vegas Casino, Hawaiian, Hollywood, 80s, Arabian Nights, ‘winter wonderland’, Moulin Rouge, Bollywood, Masked Ball, Black and White Ball, fire and ice and Harry Potter (yes, even for adults!) etc, you may wish to bring in a company whose speciality it is to manage themed parties. They might just make your ‘Winter Wonderland’ or ‘Moulin Rouge’ theme party a little more sophisticated and add touches that will make the theme party a little different from the norm. In addition, they will be able to make invaluable suggestions of successful themes if you just don’t have a clue what to go for!
The added value in working with an events company for such a themed event is in the level of detail they will consider. The décor and entertainment a hugely important if you are really going for a theme and an events company can ensure that everything from table settings to ice sculptures, fireworks to burlesque dancers all fit in with your required theme.
You will also want to ensure that catering and drinks all fit the mood too – special touches like a themed cocktail goes down well and interesting party food will keep attendees happy upon arrival and encourage them to stick around for further entertainment.

Filed Under: Business, Event Planning Tagged With: , , ,

Event Organiser, Is This The Job For You?

February 4, 2011 By admin

How do I become an event organiser? Firstly what do you know about organising events and have you had any exposure to being an event organiser?

You may be drawn to becoming an events planner, thinking it to be a glamorous and exciting job heading out every evening to champagne receptions. However, whilst you may well be in a very glamorous environment surrounded by people quaffing champagne, whilst you work you way up, you will most likely be running around trying to source more champagne as the supplier did not deliver enough, finding replacements for the 3 members of waiting staff who haven’t turned up and looking for the IT guy as the laptop and projector for the CEO’s speech in ten minutes time don’t seem to be working!

If you thrive on attention to detail, making lists and are extremely organised and can cope well under pressure then being an events planner may well be for you. It can be a hectic and stressful but rewarding environment, and you will learn to multi-task like never before.
Am event organiser will naturally be a team-player as they must be able to work well with and manage all people involved in the event. They must also be able to handle problems as and when they occur (and they always do!) but should be able to do this in a controlled and professional manner.
If you are managing numerous events in different countries then clear record keeping and ensuring your team know where essential documents such as venue hire contracts are kept is also crucial – again, communication skills are essential here. 

The individual tasks that an event organiser will have to undertake will come down to the specifics of the event and size of team but as a start, location, venue, housekeeping (furniture, facilities etc), sound and vision production, live entertainment and catering will be some of the initial considerations. For an entry position this may mean lots of telephone and web research.
For those interested in working in the field of events planning, if there is no way to move into this within a current role or organisation, the best way to see if its for you is to try and get an internship or placement or an entry position with an events management or PR company. Charities and community organisations also regularly require volunteers to help out with events and this could be invaluable experience.
Business-related degrees also often include event management modules and some degree will allow specialisation in this field. In addition there are a number of professional Event Management qualifications that can be obtained.

Filed Under: Event Planning Tagged With: , ,

Things To Consider When Organising An Event

February 1, 2011 By admin

When organising an event, there are a multitude of things to consider. Firstly – Why are you organising an event, what is its purpose, what do you want the event to be and who is it for?

These may seem like obvious questions but you need to be able to have clear aims and objectives for your event before you can plan further. Is this a half day, full day or evening event? Will it last over more than one day – if so, have you considered accommodation – will this be provided or will delegates/attendees have to arrange their own accommodation? Also, depending on the size and scale of the event, as well as considering what resources are available to you, you will want to consider when to hold it. Be sure to consider what other events may be on in the locale on that date, which may put pressure on for example, policing and travel resources. These could include football or other major sporting events, local fairs, other events of a similar type – do your research beforehand to try and avoid a clash.

When organising events, you then consider further your attendees – is this invite-only, is attendance free or is a paid ticket required (and if so, how are you going to manage collecting payment and ticket issue), is your venue space large enough or might it be too big? Will there be a dress code, should they bring anything with them (laptop etc)?

Another aspect of organising an event, which is easy to get very wrong, is catering. If you have used a reliable company in the past, stick with them, otherwise speak to a few different catering companies to check out their services, go and visit them too to find out what kind of people they employ. Their team will reflect either well or badly upon you and poor catering appears to be the one issue that is always complained about, regardless of the success of the rest of the event! Don’t always go for the cheapest catering or menu option – again, consider whom your attendees are. If this is an all-day corporate meeting, you’ll want a decent lunch as well as good refreshments at breaks. If it’s an evening party, then appropriate party food and drinks will be more important. 

Another common issue when organising events is signage and communication to reception and porters – particularly in an external hotel or conference space. Its very frustrating when you have travelled to a location, only to be told by reception staff that they haven’t heard of the event you are supposed to be attending and there are no signs anywhere to tell you where to go – as this is when people just want to turn around and go home!

Filed Under: Business, Event Planning Tagged With: , ,

The Importance Of Event Insurance?

January 27, 2011 By admin
Business Insurance

Business Insurance

Why do I need liabilities insurance? Well, every business requires liability insurance and events management is no exception in needing events insurance as there are potential risks involved in any kind of event, from a simple catered meeting to a large-scale live entertainment event. Every person at an event may potentially trip and fall and every piece of equipment used or brought onto site for the event runs the risk of getting damaged. If an unforeseen accident happens at your event, who pays?
As we all become increasingly aware of our legal rights, and with access to legal services become more widely available, more and more individuals and companies will resort to legal action to address any losses incurred either to property or as a result of personal injury. Such cases can be expensive so liability insurance is a practical necessity to anyone looking to hold an entertainment event.
Not only will event insurance cover the required Public Liability which is a requirement from either the local authority or venue (check first as they may have a specific minimum level of cover required) but also damage to property or equipment. This can become particularly essential if you become embroiled in action with a supplier for example and there are disputes over damage for expensive equipment.
Your liabilities insurance should also include Employers liability, which will cover any damages or claims incurred by staff employed for the event. Even if you are not paying anyone for helping out at the event, Employers Liability is a legal requirement as you have a responsibility to anyone working at such an event. Equally, there is also specific liability insurance available to non-profit organisations such as clubs and community groups who operate differently to commercial organisations.

Should you have to cancel or postpone your event, you may incur a number of irretrievable costs and liability insurance can cover you for this if the cancellation or postponement is due to reasons beyond your control (such as extreme weather conditions). This could run into thousands of pounds so good and comprehensive liability and events insurance will ensure your business is not damaged irreparably should you need to pay to cover any unfortunate events.

Filed Under: Event Insurance, How To Do Business, Setting Up A Business Tagged With: , ,

Find Solutions To Marketing/Promoting Your Event

January 24, 2011 By admin

Once you have decided to create and manage a live event, you will need to let people know it exists – marketing and event promotion is essential to actually get people there!
When considering an event initially, you should also be looking at marketing an event. This isn’t just about advertising and booking a few slots in the local newspaper but you will need to consider all aspects of the following: within the initial event proposal, you should include details of the strategy behind the event so any further promotion is clear (What is this event? Who is it for?). You may also wish to conduct any appropriate market research to help shape who your event is aimed at. Then you can consider sending invitations, budgeting for and buying any advertising and issuing press releases. You may also have to consider any merchandising and sales promotions, so discussions with suppliers will be essential at this point too.

There are PR and Event Management companies who specialise in promoting events and will be able to manage all aspects of the marketing and promotion of your event. If your event is expected to be large, or you are looking to make a particular kind of impression but aren’t quite sure how to get this across then using their expertise in promoting events may be worth the additional expenditure. This is particularly true when considering a PR strategy, looking at new methods of promotion such as online advertising, use of social networks, creation of artwork and content for promotion and so on.
If you have a very small budget for your event promotion however there are things you can do yourself that just require some preparation, research and possibly some legwork! Making use of free listings magazines, newspapers and websites as well as social networking sites is easy to do. As are basic flyers or leaflets, which can be handed, out or posted. You can also work with the Royal Mail to distribute to specific postcodes, which is relatively low-cost. You may wish to consider placing adverts in larger newspapers or magazines, but this can be expensive so choose your publications appropriate to your target audience. Additionally tube/underground/bus/taxi advertising is not as expensive as you may think but you will need some artwork and text already prepared. Outdoor poster and bus-shelter sites can also be useful for location-specific promotion (outside colleges and universities can be very successful for example) but this will push your costs up.

Whichever methods you choose, please don’t forget to include time, date and location and spell check, read and re-read (and get a second or third pair of eyes too!) – nothing worse than forgetting essential details or seeing a major spelling error in an advert or leaflet after it has gone out. Don’t expect the designer or printer to change it because they won’t!

Filed Under: How To Do Business, Marketing an Event, Promoting Events Tagged With: , ,
« Older Posts