Ward to the Wise

Looking for strategic special event counsel that’s a good fit for your company? Here are some tips to guide you through the process of selecting a firm that’s right for you. Identify the services you need   In addition to strategic special event planning, what other services might PR counsel provide for your special event? Do you need someone who can coordinate with your community partners? Do you need copywriting for invitation, promotional or collateral materials? Do you need…

Depending on the nature of your corporate special event, you may or may not need outside strategic and creative counsel. Many large companies have internal departments that are experienced in planning and implementing large corporate events. Routine meetings such sales conferences, training classes, departmental meetings, shareholder meetings, technical sessions, trade shows, etc., usually don’t require strategic public relations counsel.  Special events are a different animal. The launch of a new product, introduction of a new service line, a…

From ordinary to EXTRAORDINARY  We’ve all been there. The invitation arrives, it looks interesting.  We reply “yes.” We’re excited and looking forward to attending.  Then, we get there.  Valet parking is backed up, the check-in line is long, the bars are packed.  Not a good start.  Things proceed to deteriorate.  You can’t hear the speakers and worse, the speeches are long and drawn out.  What started as a promising event turns out to be a disaster.  Not going…

A Hospital System Merger   After months of working to merge two hospital systems to create a large regional healthcare network, system executives wanted to host a special event for the medical staff and their spouses. The goal was two-fold: celebrate the newly-created entity and bolster physician retention and recruitment. A Holiday Gala Getting the attention of busy doctors is never easy. Appealing to this hard-to-reach audience would take a special event that would provide high-end entertainment value. It…

A New Corporate Campus Inauguration One of the world’s largest oilfield services companies relocated operations to a central corporate campus. While an exciting event, it also had been a complicated process.  The company wanted to recognize and thank employees for their help during the transition, as well as to unveil the newly-consolidated campus. To show their appreciation and showcase the campus, a series of special events was planned to welcome employees who had been relocated to the campus,…

Special events are minefields when it comes to corporate protocol. Who sits where on the stage? In what order do executives speak? Who introduces whom?  All of these sensitive issues and more must be addressed.  Unlike many corporate events, which may only involve one executive, special events usually include multiple executives, elected officials, board members, community VIPs, etc.  So, being knowledgeable and prepared to properly coordinate their involvement in your event is critical. Early Contact is Key   Identify…

Given the time and expense of strategic special events, getting the most bang for your buck is a top priority. It requires a keen focus on what you can do to make the experience stand out from routine business activities and engage your guests.  Following these tactics can make your special event not only strategic but also one that leaves a lasting impression. The Theme is the Thing  Just like the theme song in a film, the theme of…

Regardless of what industry – energy, healthcare, architecture, banking, petrochemical, professional services, etc., a special event can be a great way to connect with your clients and prospects – if done strategically. Special events deliver numerous benefits and some business milestones are best-suited for special events. Key Benefits  Let’s face it, everyone likes to feel special. A well planned and executed event can create goodwill among your customers, potential customers, employees, the community, etc. – when it is…

Q. A significant number of articles in the Houston Business Journal are real estate related and the real estate beat is the only one with two reporters. Why is that? A. Real estate is the bread and butter of the Houston Business Journal. It ties into all industries and touches everyone, both commercial and residential development. Regardless of whether it’s a law firm, an oil and gas company or a healthcare clinic, all businesses need properties to house…

One of the most critical roles in any real estate organization, whether it’s a commercial office building, an apartment complex or a retail center, is that of the property manager. Not only do they have responsibility for handling onsite operations, they also interact on a daily basis with tenants, customers and, on occasion, the media. To many, these professionals are the public face of the organization. And, when it comes to media, they are the company representative most…