If there is one thing I know about events, it’s that you can’t rely on luck. Flukes will work in the opposite way that you hope for and you will be left flailing in purgatory if you are ill prepared. Thus, the BIG clipboard.

Have you ever noticed event planners floating around events with their enormous clipboard, complete with every bit of information they may need in order to resolve the umpteen number of issues that may arise on event day? Well, if you do run across one you can be assured that the event will run smoothly (barring any unforeseen human or natural tragedies of course).  A good event planner always has the details at his/her finger tips – just in case.

Event day, however, should not be filled with excessive phone calls and issues. Those should all have been worked out prior to event ‘blast off’. Any event planner worth their weight in gold (which of late has quite the value) is aware of the pre-planning aspect of event planning.

But event day issues do happen. Especially when the scope of the event is incredulous and/or your vendor support is not appropriately responsive.  So, on event day, be spry, prepared, aware and have every single detail at your finger tips if the need arises.

At a recent, rather ENORMOUS event, with far reaching scope, there were an inordinate amount of early day chaotic calls, misunderstood tech riders (of which I had copies), entertainment individuals seeking payment (who had been paid) and a plethora of other details that would not make for exciting storytelling. But, due to the ENORMITY of my clipboard, all issues were resolved without incident.

Do yourself a favour: If you are an event planner, invest is the BIGGEST clipboard you can possibly find. And if you are a client, source an event planner whose clipboard arsenal is enormous – so neither of you will be disappointed!

NOTE: For all those iPad and iPhone users out there, a clipboard can be electronic too!