BUDGETING
It's been said before and can never be stressed enough, a sound budget most of the times ensures a successful event.
A structured budget helps in monitoring costs, understanding what you can afford, reporting to management and most of all keeping things under control.
* Determine which expenses will be assumed by the meeting or event sponsor and by the attendees.
* Create a balance sheet listing expenses for all functional areas of your meeting or event, such as staff time, marketing expenses, air and ground transportation, accommodations, food and beverage, entertainment and recreation, taxes and gratuities, service charges, audiovisual equipment and production costs.
* Build in a contingency fund for unanticipated, last-minute expenses.
* Don't forget expenses for licenses (music, written materials) and insurance (liquor and general liability, business cancellation and interruption).
* Check budgets from similar meetings or events to gauge costs.
* Make sure funds are allocated to pay all suppliers. Establish a holding account for accrued program expenses.
* Consult with your company's accounting office or financial officer on formatting the budget so it's compatible with internal accounting systems.
* Secure the signature of a financial officer or other person with fiscal responsibility in your company, for any expenditures above what you have budgeted.
WHERE DO I START?
* Negotiation Techniques [PDF] 
THE ABC's OF EVENT PLANNING:
Created as a Step–By–Step to Special Event Planning over fifteen years the ABC's of Event Planning is a wealth of information for planning a Legendary event. Everything you’ll need – including event planning timelines, other event planning guides and banquet planning services – all at your disposal.
* Booking
* Preparing for Unexpected Situations
* Post-Meeting/Follow-Up
Whether you are planning a cocktail reception, a corporate function or an elegant sit-down dinner, the Legends Banquet & Special Event Center makes the planning easy. We excel in accommodating the unique needs of each and every client, from a small business meeting to a banquet serving up to 500+ people. Request For Proposal Form or click this link to request more information on our variety of services.
