It All Comes Back to the Experience

By Penny C. Reeh, CFEE

Today I was reading a research-based article in eMarketer which showed that an old-fashioned, face-to-face recommendation was still the most powerful tool to motivate a potential customer to start an online search for a product or service.

The article made me smile. Maybe the art of personal, in-the-flesh communication is not losing ground entirely. Don't get me wrong. I love social media and all of its associated opportunities and applications. And I fervently believe that the festival community must get on-board or be left behind.

However, we must never forget the power of a personal recommendation and always remember that the single most effective way to garner that precious recommendation is the delivery of an outstanding customer experience.

We must ask, "What can I do at my event that makes an unforgettable connection with the customer?" Then we must replicate the answer to that question and embroider it into everything we do. It all comes back to taking a customer-centric approach to event planning.

Who knows what the next new communication gadget will be? But rest assured it is still people who drive our business.

Finding the Best Tent Company for Your Festival

Tents are an important element of the infrastructure of most festivals. The following tips will help you select a tent supplier that can best meet your needs.

1. Experience. This speaks for itself. When planning your event, does your Tent Rental Company have the experience to truly understand your needs? Have you seen pictures of tents they have installed? Do they have a web presence that shows their work? Do they have references to substantiate their experience with your type of event? This can make a tremendous difference.

2. Can they tell you when your tent will be set up? Do they have the GPS tracking device to assure you the status of your tent setup? Having the peace of mind to know that your setup will be done on time will enable you to take care of the important details and not delay your event!

3. Do they have the knowledge and experience to design the type tent and other related equipment it will entail including dealing with environmental conditions, and knowledge of local permitting issues to insure your event will be comfortable and safe for your guests.

4. Can they provide the tent(s) you need within your budget? An experienced company will assist you with the correct tent for your event staying within the guidelines you require.

5. Can the Tent Company be creative and accommodate special needs for your event? Are you planning a Corporate Fundraiser needing a runway with a dance floor or do you want something to simulate a tropical island setting? Do you have a wedding planned in a chapel in the mountains? The tent company you choose should be creative with your ideas! Keep the cost reasonable and setup your event on time!

6. Do you think you want to plan something for next week or next year? Being capable of providing the tent and related equipment you need in the time frame allotted is very important. Get started early with your planning.

Source: PartyPop