At Meritage Events we are a part of many industry organizations and associations. We feel that it is a great way to network with fellow event professionals, keep a finger on new happenings in our respective cities, expend our knowledge and also get our name out there. Well, for the ISES (International Special Events Society) Austin Chapter I will be beginning a new blog series for the chapter’s website and very successful blog. I will be asking a panel of fellow event professionals, all members of ISES, the most sought after questions that “YOU†want to know. These are the Frequently Asked Questions that many of us [vendors, clients, others interested in the event industry] have and always want to ask others.
Our esteemed panel will answer a proposed question and will be open to comments or further questions. I will also be taking your questions that you would like to see answered in the future, after all this is all about the event community. Here’s to the start of a great conversation!
Cheers,
~Tacy Infante
This week’s FAQ:
Should you give a new client ideas or designs before they sign a contract?
“Yes, I am open to sharing some new design ideas with prospective clients. However, I do have a clause that is included with all proposals that state that this proposal is done complimentary & in good faith that they are using these ideas to help make their decision on which firm they would like to work with. If they choose to work with another firm, we expect them to destroy our proposal. If they wish to implement our ideas without our involvement, they can pay for our time in putting the proposal together so all parties are doing what is most ethical for each others’ business.â€
Cindy Y. Lo
Red Velvet Events, Inc.
www.RedVelvetEvents.com
“There’s a fine line, in my view, between “giving away†your expertise and demonstrating your abilities to new or potential clients. The new or potential client deserves, I think, to see what you’ve done for other events and what you might do for theirs . . . the discussion of ideas and possibilities gets them excited about what you and what you / your team can bring to the table. But “designs†are more than ideas or possibilities . . . they represent intellectual property and a significant investment of time and energy. I know that some planning firms impose a “design fee†if the customer chooses another planner . . . and waives that fee if the customer follows through. Perhaps some version of that approach is the ultimate answer.â€
Delores Crum
Premiere Party Central / Premiere Tents & Events
www.premierepartycentral.com
www.premieretentsandevents.com
“Marquee is asked by all parties for quotes and CADs. Several times I have seen our CADs used by others as a party is being set. The cost of doing business! We must limit our design time with a new client until there is a commitment. We can tell if someone is fishing or shopping for a low price but requesting our design advice. Tough decision.â€
Damon W. Holditch, CSEP, CERP
Marquee Event Group
www.MarqueeEventGroup.com
“As a caterer, I am not sure that we have an option of withholding ideas until there is a signed contract, since we send out themed and customized menus. It is often the tool used to intrigue a potential client. “
Kristin Stephens
Austin Catering
www.austin-catering.com
If you’d like to see a question answered in this series, please contact us at tacy.infante@meritageevents.com.
