This bestselling all-in-one guide to the event planning business is back and better than ever, fully updated and revised to reflect the very latest trends and best practices in the industry. This handy, comprehensive guide includes forms, checklists, and tips for managing events, as well as examples and case studies of both successful and unsuccessful events.Judy Allen (Toronto, ON, Canada) is founder and President of Judy Allen Productions, a full-service event planning production company.

Preface xvAcknowledgments xxvChapter 1: The First Steps: Initial Planning & Budgeting 1Determining Your Event Objectives 4How Much Can You Spend? 5Event Vision 7Event Vision Q&A 17Design Objectives of the Event Experience 24Initial Planning 33Visualization 38Monitoring the Budget 41Event Design Principles Checklist 45Event Experience Design Objectives 45Chapter 2: Organization and Timing 47Critical Path 47Function Sheets 52Timing 58Date Selection 67Critical Path Checklist 73Charting Your Critical Path 74Chapter 3: Location, Location, Location 80Site Selection 81Location Requirements 90Hotels and Convention Centers 93Restaurants, Private Venues, Catering 98Theaters 99Tents 101Gala Openings in New Venues 107Contracts 108Location Q&A 110Move In Requirement Checklist 126Event Suppliers' Setup Logistics Checklist 128Event Suppliers' Teardown Checklist 131Chapter 4: Transportation 133By Air 136By Land 140Transportation Q&A 148Transportation Checklist 164Chapter 5: Guest Arrival 166Guest Arrival Q&A 169Fanfare 182Fanfare Q&A 184Registration: Guest Pass Security and Ticket Pickup 193Registration Q&A 194Guest Arrival Checklist 201Chapter 6: Venue Requirements 202Room Requirements 203Room Requirements Q&A 203Staging, Audiovisual, Lighting 208Staging, Audiovisual, Lighting Q&A 213Lighting-Specific Q&A 221Venue and Event Supplier Checklist: Room, Venue and Supplier Requirements, and Contract Terms and Conditions 222Chapter 7: Who's It All For? 226Know Your Guest Demographics 226The Guest List 230Invitations 234Media 240Media Q&A 241Children at Your Event 242E-vites, CD and DVD Invitations 244Event Websites and Event RSVP Websites 246Chapter 8: Food and Beverage 247Examples of Texas Theme Parties with Different Energy 248Food and Beverage Considerations 251Menu Planning 255Staffing 294Charitable Donations 297Chapter 9: Other Considerations 299Entertainment 299Entertainment Q&A 301Photographers and Videographers 308Photographer Q&A 311Themes and Programs 317Final Touches 327Staff, Supplier and Entertainment Work Permits 330Event Risk Assessment 335Conclusion 340It's a Wrap! 340Applause! Applause! 349Your Next Event 350Appendix A: Sample Cost Sheets 352Appendix B: Sample Payment Schedules 376Appendix C: Sample Function Sheets 384Index 403