TINGS


When budgets become tighter, planners need to be more resourceful and judicious in how they approach the plan- ning process. From site selection to making wise choices on everything from AV to décor to the menu and more.


Mid-Atlantic Events Magazineasked some planners to talk about their experiences when planning on a budget, what’s important to them in terms of site selection, if they have any “go to” destina- tions or venues that help them to save time and money, and other ways they keep costs down.


According to Lauren Curtolo, CMP, manager of meetings and events, topping her list of considerations when planning a meet- ing or event are budget, attendee experience and inventory.


“I’ve always stayed focused on the meeting or event budget,” explains Curtolo. “When I was with a non-profit and a program was being funded by a private donor or an awarded grant, I wanted to be sure we were being good stewards of the funding we received. What fees could this potential host city or venue present that I hadn’t had to consider before? Were there up- charges in banquet menus not included in the initial proposals?”


She also says she thinks a great deal about what the attendee experience will look like, including getting to the venue and after they arrive on-site. “Consider the process of arrivals, departures and the ease of navigating once everyone arrives in the host city. For some meetings, it might be important to offer the attendee


Mid-Atlantic­EvEnts Magazine 45


For meeting and event planners, seldom, if ever, is there the luxury of putting together a program for attendees that is without limits in terms of budget, space, time or even available resources.


There are always a wide range of challenges and consider- ations when planning any function, and meeting and event organizers are tasked with doing “more with less” more often than not.


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