Practice what you Preach

As a PEP I am extremely surprised when individuals who wish to become involved within this particular career path do not demonstrate the etiquette required for such a valuable role.  I have written notations for meetings and parties that require R.S.V.P's for both clients and my own business and it is always great to get a reply whether it be positive or negative.


Remember when requesting an R.S.V.P. to put a return date, the week before this due date drop a notation with a reminder.  I understand circumstances prevail where individuals are unable to attend but it does not take a minute or two to acknowledge that you have receive the invite and whether you are able to attend or not.  If catering is involved within this function, how can you accurately assess the food requirements?

As a PEP you must practice what you preach, if you are requesting a client to get back with information then you must also be able to reciprocate in the same manner.


Whether the individual you are dealing with is client or not PLEASE always leave an impression that you are efficient and care because you truly never know where any type of communication with this person can lead - it might be the next big client.

Time Management & Budgets

It is important for a PEP to have good computer skills, (Word and Excel) this will facilitate assistance when organizing time-lines for yourself and client plus developing budgets.  The only way you can ascertain your fee is to make a time-line and calculate how many hours this event will require.

When you are quoting your service fees not only do you want to ensure that you are going to make some form of profit but you want to itemize for the client where their monies are being spent too.

Your client wants efficiency and to feel confident that a PEP knows their trade.  After you have gathered an outline of the event from your potential new client on that initial first call, start formulating how much time it will take, what are the requirements, what are the roles of responsibilities for both you and the client, creating a clear and precise paperwork trail that can be presented at that valuable first face-to-face appointment. 
  
Then when you meet the client, all this pre-work will demonstrate that they have chosen the right professional to help them with their event.  It is important when giving your outline to the client to illustrate in as much detail as possible (but simplistically) the services you will be providing and the stress you can take off their shoulders.

Smart Serve Certification

Once you have decided that you wish to proceed as a Professional Event Planner, there are many attributes and skills required to ensure that any event you coordinate/organize will give the client confidence that they have chosen the right PEP to fulfil their event/function requirement.

One of these important components is Smart Serve Certification.  There are many great organizations who offer this training.  I personally utilized the on-line Smart Serve Ontario training to acquire mine - here is their link and organizational information:

https://smartserve.org/

Smart Serve Ontario is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and delivering a responsible service training program to all individuals who serve alcohol beverages or work where alcoholic beverages are served in the Province of Ontario.

Smart Serve Ontario is recognized by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario as the official delivery agent of the Smart Serve Responsible Alcohol Beverage Service Training Program in the Province of Ontario.  Developed originally for the licensee, the Smart Serve program has proven beneficial for all individuals engaged in the sale and service of alcohol beverages.
 
Smart Serve Ontario is a division of the Hospitality Industry Training Organization of Ontario (HITOO)

DID YOU KNOW?

In Ontario the legal age to drink alcohol is 19 years old.  The legal age to serve alcohol in a licensed establishment is 18 years old.  "Serving alcohol" includes taking drink orders, taking payment for alcoholic beverages, stocking the refrigerator or bar area, and bartending.

What are the acceptable forms for Age Identification?

The only acceptable forms of age identification include:

• an Ontario driver's licence with a photo
• a Canadian passport with a photo
• a Canadian citizenship card with a photo
• Canadian armed forces card with a photo
• an LCBO BYID photo card

Importance of Venue Research

As a PEP you never know when that next potential client will call and what type of function/event they will require to be organized.  I have an M.O.  to constantly add to my list of venues and locations, which can accomodate a variety of functions. 

First step; make an appointment to drop in and view the venue, ask about their costs, and research what type of menu selections they offer, are they equipped with a/v, take a checklist and acquire as much information as possible - start building relationships. 

It is imperative that you continually expand this major component of being a PEP, your portfolio must contain venues that will accommodate a vast spectrum such as:

- Weddings

- Receptions

- Parties (Adults & Children)

- Retreats

- Corporate Meetings

Good Luck – Start building TODAY.