by Ed Camp

Have you ever thought that we often take something very basic and overanalyze it to death, adding layer upon layer of good intentions?  This concept certainly applies to event planning.  

The underlying purpose of most events is for the guests to be happy they came and wanting to come back for more.  During my nearly 25 years in shopping marketing, boiling my role into one sentence was pretty easy when I removed all the over-analytical reasoning.  My role was to entice people to come shopping, to leave happy that they came and wanting to come back for more. 

Getting back to events, I've come to realize over the years that there are some very basic tips to remember.  Here they are . . . in very simple terms.

• Never tell anyone what you planned.  If something goes wrong, remember not to admit what was supposed to happen.
• Acknowledge your consultants.  Everyone who attends an event has an opinion of how it could be better.  Use your best "bobble head doll" approach when you hear their comments.  Thank each "consultant" for their insight.
• Remember to think impression.  In other words, create your plan with three positive impressions you want your guests to have when they leave.  It can be as simple as, "the food was unique."   Think strategy here and try to write three simple impressions.
• Be a duck.  One thing I always try to do is make it look easy.  That's what professionals do.  Just make sure you smile, maintain composure and glide on top of the water while your feet are "paddling" as fast as they can! 

All your planning flows from these very basic tips.  When all else fails always remember not very many people die when something goes wrong at a special event and it is supposed to be fun.