Is it summer yet??!!?? We know you all have been very busy, as have we in Special Events & Protocol; therefore, our blog has taken a short hiatus until summer. However, I would be remiss if I didn't highlight a wonderful example of customer service and attention to detail I witnessed a few weeks ago. At the Dean Griffin Day Luncheon, each guest was greeted to an individually wrapped goodie, adorned with a handwritten thank you from the Student Ambassadors.
As we begin to near the spring events season, when stress levels can be at an all-time high, how can we effectively manage the stress our job places upon us?
In my previous post, I focused on the various table options available and provided suggestions on where to rent from. In today’s post, the focus continues on table setup, with a look at the table’s complementary companion—linen.
Typically, I’ve found in cases where I’ve had to rent equipment that the caterers or third-party vendors are able to order the tables and linens once they understand the event details. However, to maintain control of what’s fiscally prudent and to ensure that the equipment will complement the venue and the occasion, it is helpful to have a working knowledge of the various options.
Do you ever feel like you’re holding a meeting to schedule another meeting to discuss a meeting you previously met about? Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed by all the meetings I attend, yet I know—if properly managed—meetings are an effective way to delegate tasks and monitor their progress to ensure project success.
At Georgia Tech, we are always focused on effectively promoting our events. One way of spreading the word that is sometimes overlooked is plasma screen promotion. The list below indicates the areas where you can post event information, along with the corresponding specifications for each.
I’ve always been confused as to whether or not raffles can be conducted on campus. Some colleagues have cautioned that they shouldn’t be—per Institute policy—while others seem to raffle off items at all their events. So, if raffles are allowed, how do we obtain approval?
Isaac Asimov said, “The only constant is change, continuing change, inevitable change” — and I couldn’t agree more. This year has brought about numerous changes in Special Events & Protocol, from a reorganization within our department to the various ways we coordinate our annual events. I enjoy change — it keeps me on my toes and often enables creativity and innovation; however, I’ve definitely learned some important lessons while navigating change along the way.
In the few weeks since the Event Coordinators’ Network’s workshop, I have spoken to several colleagues who are interested in finding more event opportunities across campus. They are passionate about event planning but might not have many opportunities to dedicate time and energy toward the task in their current positions and wonder how they might fit more into their daily lives. I offer a few ideas in hopes that colleagues might be able to find some ways to bring event planning into their lives.
Throughout the course of this upcoming academic year, you will most likely plan a myriad of events for various target audiences, where Institute leaders will be invited. Even if you interact with the leaders on a regular basis, it's sometimes confusing to determine how you should refer to them in printed programs, on nametags, or within your seating charts. These questions and many others prompted Special Events & Protocol to develop a forms of address document that can be used as a point of reference for campus event planners.
