5 Things to look for when choosing an Event Company
So, you're planning an event?
Whether it’s an AGM, Corporate Conference, Gala Dinner or Product Launch, the basic principles are the same.
All companies are not created equal and choosing the right one is arguably the single most important step you’ll take when planning your event. Choose the wrong one, and you could run into all sorts of problems.
Here at First Network we’ve put our heads together and created our definitive list of Top 5 things to look for when choosing an Event Company:
#1. EXPERIENCE
These days there is a growing trend for anyone who’s ever organised a school disco or helped with a friend’s wedding to call themselves an ‘Event Manager’. Add a slick looking website – which can be surprisingly cheap and easy to do - and you could easily be misled. We have stepped in on more than one occasion to rescue clients whose event went awry through lack of experienced management.
It pays to establish how experienced the company is.
Ask about the events they’ve worked on before. They should be able to give you solid examples of past projects.
#2. RELEVANT EXPERTISE
It's quite common for Event Management companies to specialise in certain areas.
It's less common for Event Management companies to be brilliant in all areas.
Look for a company with specific expertise in what you need.
If you're looking for someone to plan and manage your event, supply top of the range audio visual equipment, staging, and technical support, and with flawless production, talk to us.
If you're looking to plan the perfect wedding then there are probably companies more suited to doing that for you than we are.
#3. RECOMMENDATIONS
Any experienced company with a solid reputation should be able to direct you towards the glowing testimonials they’ve received from happy clients. If they’re not showing you their client feedback, don’t be shy about asking for it.
Ask to see comments and photos from recent events. It’s a good sign if a supplier has repeat business. If clients keep coming back, the chances are they’re doing something right.
At First Network Events we place a huge importance on cultivating great relationships with our clients. We LOVE it if a prospective new client asks for testimonials.
#4. EQUIPMENT
Many AV Production companies will hire in equipment as and when they need it. We believe that there’s a real benefit to choosing a company who supplies their own.
For a start, owning equipment allows your supplier to save on cost versus hiring it in. These savings will be passed on to you, ultimately making your budget go further.
More importantly, a Production Company will know their own gear inside out and can ensure its reliability.
#5. INSTINCT
There are times when you just need to go with your gut – and business is no exception.
It’s important that you feel comfortable with your chosen supplier and that you can trust them to deliver your event and meet your expectations
Arrange to meet them face-to-face so that you can get a feel for one another and whether you can work well together.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Look beyond the shiny website and sales speak.
Call them. Get a feel for the company and the way they work. Do you like them?
Ask for solid examples of work they’ve done before, and evidence of happy clients.
First Network produce hundreds events a year, of all shapes and sizes. If you are planning an event and need some guidance, we’d love to hear from you.
Alice Through the Looking Glass Press Launch
First Network delivered the UK Press Launch for Disney’s latest film Alice Through the Looking Glass on Sunday.
Attending celebrities included Johnny Depp (Mad Hatter), Sacha Baron Cohen (Time), Mia Wasikowska (Alice Kingsleigh), producers Tim Burton and Suzanne Todd and director James Bobin.
Conspiciously absent was British actor, Alan Rickman, who plays the blue caterpillar, Absolem. Rickman died in January so this was to be his last film.
The seating for the guest podium was arranged like a Mad Hatters tea party, complete with cupcakes and teapots.
First Network Events were delighted to play a part in such a high profile and exciting event. We can't wait to see the movie, which premieres tonight and is released in cinemas on 27 May.
More from the Captain America Press Launch
As Captain America approaches it's first weekend in the UK box office, we thought we'd share some more photos of Monday's press launch. It was fantastic to be working alongside some of the all star cast of the film, including Robert Downey Jr, Elizabeth Olsen, Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson and Paul Rudd.
If you get chance, take a look at the video link below for full cast interviews, featuring our fabulous audio system.
Captain America Press Launch
First Network delivered the UK Press Briefing for Marvel's new film, Captain America:Civil War yesterday at London's Cornithia Hotel. Our state of the art audio system ensured that the sound was crystal clear and every word could be heard by press and cast.
Captain America:Civil War has been hailed by critics as one of the best Marvel films yet.
Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, the third Captain America Film picks up where Avengers:Age of Ultron left off and features pretty much anyone who's ever been on the team. New recruits such as Spider-Man (Tom Holland) and Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) join the familiar faces of Chris Evans as the Captain, and Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man.
The film premieres in London today. We can't wait to see it!
The Force Is Strong at First Network's Star Wars Press Conference
First Network delivers Star Wars European Press Conference
We had the most exciting job in the galaxy this week as we delivered the European Press Conference for Star Wars:The Force Awakens. The venue was London's stunning Corinthia Hotel. Our crew were delighted to welcome original cast members Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamil, as well as Director J.J.Abrams and newcomer Daisy Ridley. Ridley's performance in lead role, Rey, opened to critical acclaim on Wednesday.
First Network's top of the range digital audio equipment included a Yamaha E8, QL1 digital desk and D&B audio sound system. The clear sound quality ensured that actors and journalists could communicate effortlessly. Our team loved working on such an exciting event, and were delighted to have the chance to meet the cast and crew.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens was released in British cinemas on Wednesday and smashed the UK's opening day record with takings of more than £10 million. We can't wait to see it - have you got your tickets yet?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwhufSHRYi4