How We Chose the Top Event Management Companies
To compile the list, we devised a custom evaluation methodology based on a multifactor analysis. Our assessment focused on aspects such as customer satisfaction, expertise, experience, and creativity. We also explored the types of services they offer and whether they focus on working with organizations of a specific size or niche.
Classification
Before the actual evaluation, we classify the event management firms, verifying if they specialize in a certain niche. Many of them excel at corporate meetings or conference planning, while others shine in social events and parties.
We also check if they work with businesses of a certain size. As with the business niche, some agencies prefer catering to small to medium-sized businesses or individuals, while others plan events exclusively for enterprises and big corporations.
Before diving in further, we should note that at this point we don’t rank the event management agencies but only classify them.
Experience
In an attempt to get a piece of the pie, almost anyone that has organized a friend’s party tends to call themselves an event manager. Our job is to weed out these and put together a list of the best industry professionals with the experience to back their claims. To establish a company’s experience, we look at its portfolio and assess the following:
How Well Does the Event Tell the Client’s Story?
Your event attendees need to feel your story in every element of the event. This means that the prospective event management firm should understand your brand, along with your goals and expectations to tell your story with the event they organize.
What Was Unique About the Event?
A successful event is a memorable event. And for an event to be memorable, it needs to be unique. That’s the next thing we look for when assessing an agency’s projects. How unique are they? How does that uniqueness align with the client’s brand and goals?
Do the Events Look Appealing?
Every successful event management company has a variety of photos and videos to showcase its portfolio. It’s important that the events look appealing because the visual stimulus is usually what determines the “feel” of the event. If your event is appealing, chances are it will positively influence your brand authority.
Did Attendees Get What They Needed?
Finally, we check whether the agency managed to successfully address the needs of the attendees. For example, we take note of how well the agency personalized the experience, whether they streamlined the check-in process, the event guide, networking rooms (if needed), etc.
Certifications & Accolades
We also consider any certifications that the event management agency has acquired over the years. They signify that the outfit knows the ins and outs of event planning and has the right experience. Some popular industry credentials are Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP), and Digital Event Strategist (DES).
Creativity
At this point, we have filtered the agencies based on their experience and client satisfaction. Those that have passed our initial evaluation stage are subjected to an in-depth examination that starts with assessing creativity. We evaluate that by considering their past work and reaching out to the event planner for an initial interview. The best event management agencies will have a creative team that generates ideas and is ready to bring the client’s vision to life. Creativity also helps with problem-solving which can influence the successful outcome of the event.
Client Satisfaction
While assessing the abovementioned points based on the past work of the event companies, there is also the other side — the clients. We look beyond the testimonials on the agency’s site, and check reviews on third-party directories, social media, and Google to verify their reputation.
Client reviews suggest whether the agency excels in particular areas, what problems (if any) the clients faced, whether the issues were resolved, and more. If needed, we reach out to clients and talk about what they liked or didn’t like when working with the specific agency, how satisfied they were, and whether they would recommend the outfit.
Project Management
Any top event management company would know the importance of having a project manager on board. This role is essential in the organization phase since the agency will need to take care of different tasks including negotiation with rental vendors, meeting prospective guest speakers, exploring entertainment options, organizing catering, selecting and booking a venue, etc. This is just for a single event so if the company handles multiple orders, we want to make sure they have the ability to multitask, and, if need be, to prioritize and focus on specific tasks.
With some events taking more than six months to organize, the best event planning companies will have a dedicated project manager to stay on top of things. Organizational tools or workflow software platforms can help with this.
Services Offered
Verifying the expertise, project management capability, creativity, and customer satisfaction of the agencies shortens the list of the potential best event management companies. To define the rankings, we explore the services offered by each agency.
Research
Research is fundamental for successful event planning, as it reduces risk, especially for larger events. Surveys, focus groups, or interviews will assure the event planner there is demand for the product. Research can also indicate whether the event will be beneficial to prospective attendees. Conducting research is also helpful with the target group’s preferences, informing the planner of their likes and dislikes.
Design
Design is another thing professional event planning agencies should take care of. Even if they don’t have a dedicated in-house decorator and instead outsource this service, they should still be involved in the design phase of the project. Their role will be to outline the overall look and feel of the event by applying the insights from the research process.
Branding
Branding is a good service in an event planner’s catalog. While you can potentially hire one of the leading branding companies out there, why not have everything done under one roof? The event planner can help you choose the theme most likely to set you apart from the competition and draw attention. They can also assist you with the choice of a memorable name, tagline, and logo.
Proposal
Following the research process and design outline, the event organizer company should have enough data for a proposal. Producing a proper proposal with sketches and photographs can be expensive and time-consuming and although this service sometimes comes at a separate fee, we do not appreciate agencies that don’t offer it at all.
Organization & Coordination
This is the time for decision-making. At this stage, the agency will hire vendors, select and book a venue, hire a caterer — in short, they will have to tick all the boxes in the event checklist. Once this is done, they should focus on each of the activities and ensure everyone is on the same page. Good communication, quick thinking, and good decision-making are crucial capabilities here. Vendors should be coordinated and informed of what’s expected of them and when.
Marketing Promotion
Event planning firms with advertising experts that offer marketing promotion services get a ranking boost. They should employ the best marketing practices to reach the target clients, craft promotion plans for all outlets including traditional advertising and digital marketing, create robust pre-event and day-to-day strategies, and more.
Evaluation
Evaluation is essential for corporate event management companies. Specifically, the agency should gather attendee feedback, collect press media mentions, and track social media engagement. Further analysis will provide insight into the event’s effectiveness, whether it met the client’s goals and objectives, how the client compared to their competition, and measure the ROI. This data will help clients enhance their strategy and make a few tweaks to improve the next event.
How to Choose the Top Event Management Company for You
Knowing the best event managers in the industry doesn’t mean you’ll magically find the perfect fit. To help you with your choice, we have outlined four actionable tips to guide you through the shortlisting process, helping you ultimately find the right agency for your needs.
Establish Your Goals
Prior to searching for the best event management firm, you should establish your goals and objectives. Think about the purpose of your event — why you organize it in the first place, your goals, the main things you want your attendees to remember, and so on.
Once you define these, you will get a clearer idea about the theme and message of your event. When establishing your goals, consider how they fit in your overall marketing strategy and the mission statement of your brand. Bonus tip: make your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-based).
Services You Need
Event management blends many parts that function together. Make sure to weed out the event management companies that can’t address your needs. Do you want to source speakers yourself or do you need a company to take care of this? Will you organize the catering or do you plan on enlisting the agency’s help on that? These are just a few of the questions you’ll have to ask yourself if you want to further narrow down the choice of the best event management companies for you.
Define a Budget
Next, you need to set up a realistic budget. With the top events companies, there usually isn’t a one-size-fits-all option. This means that the final price will be determined based on what you need from the agency. Do you want them to find a venue, take care of the catering, and provide you with an end-to-end marketing service? You’ll have to pay a fee for all of these.
Meet In Person
Following this short guide should leave you with up to three event management companies. To make the final choice, consider meeting each supplier face to face to assess whether the agency is a good cultural fit.
FAQs
What type of event planner makes the most money? ›
...
With That Said…
- Luxury wedding/event planning.
- Destination wedding/event planning.
- Wedding planning.
- Virtual event planning.
- Corporate event planning.
There are comprehensive profiles of 84 companies. These include major conferencing venues such as the Cape Town International Convention Centre, suppliers to the industry such as Bidvest Services, Prosound and Scan Display Solutions, tourism groups such as Tourvest and concert organisers such as Big Concerts.
What are the current challenges facing the event management companies? ›- Challenge: Over Spending. ...
- Challenge: Thinking that You Have a Lot of Time. ...
- Challenge: Losing Attention of Guests. ...
- Challenge: Bad Weather. ...
- Challenge: Too Many Guests. ...
- Challenge: Not Paying Attention to Little Things. ...
- Challenge: Attracting Guests During Winter.
- Wizcraft. Wizcraft is among the most popular and well-established event management companies in India. ...
- Percept. ...
- Cineyug. ...
- Pegasus. ...
- George P Johnson. ...
- Geometry Encompass (now VMLY&R) ...
- DNA Entertainment Network. ...
- E-Factor.
There are so many jobs in event management. Some examples include: event planner, wedding planner, venue manager, sponsorship coordinator, catering manager, social media manager, staff coordinator, marketing manager, and more! Is event management a good career? Absolutely!
Can event planners make a lot of money? ›Event planners earn an average yearly salary of $60,360. Wages typically start from $35,870 and go up to $109,240.
Is event planning a high paying job? ›The national average salary for a Event Planner is ₹29,521 in India.
Are event planners in demand? ›Employment of meeting, event, and convention planners is expected to grow 18% over the 2020-30 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
How do I start my own event planning business in South Africa? ›- Listen to your client. ...
- Always be a step ahead. ...
- Brainstorm for ideas. ...
- Create memorable, immersive experiences. ...
- Be authentic. ...
- Don't be scared to share your ideas and to collaborate. ...
- Use social media to stand out. ...
- Create a website and show-stopping portfolio.
- Step 1: Create a Business Plan. ...
- Step 2: Choose a Name for your Entertainment Business. ...
- Step 3: Register Your Entertainment Business As a Legal Entity. ...
- Step 4: Obtain Business Licenses and Permits to Start Your Entertainment Company. ...
- Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account.
What is considered a corporate event? ›
A corporate event is an event sponsored by a company and focuses on either its employees or clients. There are many reasons for organizing a corporate event, including: To educate staff or members of the public regarding various concepts promoted by the organization.
What makes an event successful? ›It's often been said that the success of anything stems from good planning. So, if you're wondering what makes an event successful, then the best way to start is by making sure it is planned meticulously, comprehensively and accurately. And that means getting things moving well in advance.
Which is the most challenging phase of the event management process? ›Budgeting is the number one most challenging aspect of event planning, according to experienced event professionals in this recent survey.
What can go wrong in event planning? ›- Weather.
- Run out of food.
- Speaker gets stuck in traffic.
- Attendees don't show up.
- Not enough event space available.
- Bar tab goes over budget.
- Not enough seats.
- Too hot/cold.
Go through the credentials, case studies, clientele, and testimonials. You would get an idea if they have similar events experience. Analyze the background of the Directors of the Event Management Organisation.
What event management companies do? ›An event management company can take care of all the organisation and tasks to deliver a successful event, allowing you to focus on the day and your guests. The true quality of the service will show if there is a problem. A good event management company will have contingencies in case plan A or B doesn't work.
Who uses event planners? ›Hotels, restaurants or other venue operators may have event planners as a part of their staff. In these cases, it is common for the event planners to meet with prospective clients in a sales or public relations capacity to promote use of their employer's venue and arrange event details.
How stressful is event planning? ›For the sixth year running, event planning has been ranked as one of the most stressful jobs on Earth. This year, CareerCast has pegged “event coordinator” at #5 on their list of stressful jobs—just slightly less stressful than running into burning buildings. Yikes.
Why is event planning so hard? ›Event planning involves a constant onslaught of time-sensitive deadlines that you have to meet. What makes it even harder is that many of the hold-ups and delays that plague an event are out of your control. You can expect early mornings, late nights and missed lunch breaks.
What is the difference between event planner and event manager? ›While an event planner focuses on planning the larger scope of an event, an event manager focuses on the gathering's finer details. For example, an event planner may choose the event's color scheme, budget, menu, hosting venue and entertainment.
How much should I charge to host an event? ›
On average, event planners should charge between 15-20% of the total cost of an event as part of their fee. Depending on the complexity of the program and the amount of time it takes to plan and execute an event, sometimes this is enough to cover a planner's entire cost and source of profit.
Do event managers make good money? ›Employees as Event Manager earn an average of ₹15lakhs, mostly ranging from ₹7lakhs per year to ₹28lakhs per year based on 14 profiles. The top 10% of employees earn more than ₹17lakhs per year.
Who is the target market for event planners? ›Broadly speaking, there are two primary markets for event planning services: corporate and social. The term corporate includes not only companies but also charities and nonprofit organizations. All these entities use special events to reach their target markets and to increase their visibility in the community.
How do event planners make money? ›Most event planners price their fees-for-service (the total cost to the client) using a "cost plus" method. They contract out the labor, supplies and materials involved in producing an event and charge their clients anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of the total cost of the event, with 15 percent being a rough average.
How many hours does an event manager work? ›Most meeting, convention, and event planners work full time, and many work more than 40 hours per week. They often work additional hours to finalize preparations as major events approach.
How profitable is event planning business? ›According to Goldblatt's research, profits in this industry continue to rise. Just a few years ago, Goldblatt says, the average profit margin for an event planning entrepreneur was around 15 percent. His most recent studies, however, show profit margins can be as much as 40 percent.
How do you write an event proposal? ›- Start with a story. One way to start the proposal is with a story or a brief description of the event. ...
- Set clear goals. Next, it's helpful to set clear goals and list these goals within the proposal. ...
- Name your team. ...
- Communicate your expertise. ...
- List your price. ...
- Use an appealing design.
How much money is required to open a event management company in South Africa? How much does it cost to start an event planning business? You should plan to set aside at least $15,000 to $25,000 to start a small event planning business.
Is owning an event venue profitable? ›The short answer to this is yes, absolutely, as long as they are managed correctly and have a good strategic plan in place. Any business will need a solid business plan in place before opening.
How early do we need to start planning an event? ›It's never too soon to start! The time to plan events varies from a few weeks to years. If your event is small, you can probably put it together in a month or two. A good rule of thumb for any major event, from weddings to a company holiday party, is six months.
Can I register my company myself? ›
If you intend to register a new company in India, you must submit an application to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). You make the application online at the MCA portal remotely too. For registration, you'll need a Digital Signature Certificate(DSC), and Director Identity Number(DIN), among other things.
How do I start a small entertainment business? ›- Step 1: Create a Business Plan. ...
- Step 2: Choose a Name for your Entertainment Business. ...
- Step 3: Register Your Entertainment Business As a Legal Entity. ...
- Step 4: Obtain Business Licenses and Permits to Start Your Entertainment Company.
Typically, when people think of private events they just think of parties and celebrations; receptions, dinners, birthdays, bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings, and anniversaries.
What is event checklist? ›Here is where an event checklist comes in. It is your guide to staying organized and on -- or ahead -- of schedule when juggling the myriad of responsibilities and assorted details in planning a successful event. And it is particularly useful when managing multiple events.
What are the 7 elements of event planning? ›Event management has 7 key elements: event infrastructure, audience, attendees, organizers, venue, and media. Your event software should be able to manage all of these elements.
What are the 7 stages of event planning? ›- Define your objectives. Always ask yourself beforehand 'What are you hoping to achieve from this event? ...
- Choose your location. Make sure that your location aligns with your objectives. ...
- Set a date. ...
- Create a plan. ...
- Issuing invitations. ...
- The day of the event. ...
- Evaluate.
- Set a goal with objectives and a budget. Before you even begin to fantasize about a theme for the event, you need to set goals, objectives, and more importantly, a budget that encompasses all parameters of the event. ...
- Locate a venue and establish vendor contracts. ...
- Branding.
- Challenge: Over Spending. ...
- Challenge: Thinking that You Have a Lot of Time. ...
- Challenge: Losing Attention of Guests. ...
- Challenge: Bad Weather. ...
- Challenge: Too Many Guests. ...
- Challenge: Not Paying Attention to Little Things. ...
- Challenge: Attracting Guests During Winter.
- Set ROI-Driven Event Goals and Objectives. The event's over, and you deem it a success. ...
- Create a Solid Event Budget. ...
- Design and Plan a Memorable Event. ...
- Coordinate the Day of the Event. ...
- Evaluate Your Event's Performance and Power Future Events.
- Conference centre manager.
- Event manager.
- Hotel manager.
- Outdoor activities/education manager.
- Public house manager.
- Restaurant manager.
What is included in an event budget? ›
- Catering ~ 20%
- Contingency ~ 25%
- Decor ~ 10 %
- Entertainment ~ 15%
- Marketing ~ 7 %
- Transportation ~ 3%
- Venue & Equipment ~ 20%
- The Number of Tickets Sold and Check-Ins. ...
- Post-Event Surveys. ...
- Social Media Engagement. ...
- Revenue Generated. ...
- Sponsors Satisfaction Surveys. ...
- Post-event Sales. ...
- Volunteer Management.
For instance, the Kardashians' famous party planner, Mindy Weiss, posted an Instagram video compilation from Kris Jenners' Easter celebration that showed off the details of the party, including the chocolate eggs and flower arrangements.
Who is the worlds best wedding planner? ›1. colin cowie: based in new york city, los angeles and san francisco. Over the past 30 years Colin Cowie has become a major force in designing and producing events around the globe. The firm can handle everything from intimate gatherings of 50 to grand-scale productions for more than 5,000.
Who is the most successful wedding planner? ›David Tutera
David Tutera is a wedding planner, mentor, and international event expert with over 30 years of experience. Honored by Life & Style Magazine as “best celebrity wedding planner,” he has been involved in weddings or events for clients like Elton John, Matthew McConaughey, Zendaya, Star Jones, and more.
Vandana Mohan, the founder of The Wedding Design Company and the star planner behind Ranveer-Deepika's Italy wedding, began producing events in 1989. She looks back on her journey as an entrepreneur and explorer.
Are wedding planners rich? ›Wedding planners who have been working regularly for at least 5 years and have been building their client base report pulling in anywhere from 70 to 90 thousand dollars a year, while those who have been working for 10 years regularly gross $100,000 annually.
Who planned Kim Kardashian's wedding? ›Rumor also has it that Kanye to sign 15-page confidentiality agreements. As far as wedding preparations go, party planner Sharon Sacks, who coordinated the festivities surrounding Kim's 2011 wedding, is reportedly planning this weekend's celebration.
What event planners do the Kardashians use? ›Of course the Kardashians and Jenners (unsurprisingly) tend to have a hand in the creative stages of party planning inside of the palatial halls of their respective Calabasas homes, but event planner extraordinaire Mindy Weiss is the woman they call to bring it all together.
Who designs an event? ›An event designer or event design team is the person or company that is actively developing or creating the aesthetic design and vision for the wedding.
What does an event designer do? ›
Event Designer Job Duties
Planning an event's theme, setting, and overall design, including decorations and entertainment. Overseeing the event's budget and making sure it stays within the predetermined limits. Meeting with clients to discuss their needs and preferences.
Event Stylists are the ones responsible in setting up the mood or vibe of your event. Their aim is for your event to be visually stunning, with a display of aesthetic details that are Instagram-worthy. They also create a personal brand for your event to stand-out and will set it apart from the others.
How can I be an event planner? ›To become an event planner, you will typically need a Bachelor's Degree in Business, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or Hospitality Management. Individuals without a degree may qualify for an entry-level position, but they should have at least one to two years of experience in the field.
How do I become a wedding planner with no experience? ›- Get formal training. In order to learn the intricacies of wedding planning, professionals can complete a diploma program. ...
- Obtain hands-on experience. ...
- Choose a niche. ...
- Find a mentor. ...
- Earn a professional certification. ...
- Latest Posts.
Purujit Singh India's Youngest Entrepreneur & Event Organizer.
Which is the first event management company in India? ›Touchwood Entertainment Limited – India's first Listed event management company.