12/03/2010 4:25:21 PM
David Addison
Posts: 5
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I believe the future of the PCO for corporate events depends on the mindset of the company decision maker. many treat the PCO / event agency as a secretariat. Education is important but we as event agency directors need to present to the decision makers and not the PA's.
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10/12/2009 10:00:46 AM
bfoster
Administrator
Posts: 56
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sydney-magician,
You have been given liberties on this forum up to this point, however, as one of the administrators your comments are now trying my patience. This site is not for arguing and lambasting, it is for discussing specific topics as they are posted. Arguments of opinions may result, however, that should be all. Anonymity is a key to this forum and an individual's decision to remain anonymous is their perogative. Please play nice and stay on track. Merry Christmas.
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10/12/2009 7:46:55 AM
PCO
Posts: 8
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With regards to your comments about perception
I continue to get mixed messages with all of your postings.
For instance you state in the post below that you have spent 12 years working Corporate Events only.
But in a previous posting you said you perform @ children's parties and do balloon twisting as well.
So your credibility is somewhat shakey and I now start to question all of your comments.
Like being an Author? Is that Published? Self Published? Please explain?
You're right. It is all about perception
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8/12/2009 9:34:10 AM
lp
Posts: 3
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Sydney Magician,
In response to your post below, i cannot speak for everyone of course, but i can say with confidence as a PCO that neither myself, nor any of my colleagues would ever reccommend a 'cheaper entertainment option at the expense of the event'.
Our aim is to work closely with our clients to get the very best, most successful event we possibly can for all involved. Yes, we have budgets to work within, but we would certainly never make any decisions or reccommendations that may put the quality of what we were producing in jeopardy.
As for the old DIY essentially saving money and allowing the inclusion of 'quality products and services that an organiser might side step'- personally, i am offended by your comment. Our clients pay for a service when they engage us and we work mighty hard at ensuring that we always deliver a quality service- that's what keeps us in business. We work with suppliers who have proven to us in the past that they have the same passion for quality as we do.
I have to ask- are you a Magician or an event organiser?
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9/10/2009 5:36:52 PM
melanietk
Posts: 55
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I use the service infrequently, but when I do it's under two circumstances: Set-and-forget and omg-I-need-something-right-now. The former, usually due to a much larger lead time, means we can give a set of requirements and desired outcomes and have the work done by someone else, and where a quick turn around is not always required (although, the time it takes should still be within reason).
The latter is when all else has failed, there is not enough hours in the day, everything is crashing down around us and the last thing we have time to do is spend a good chunk of time (and increased stress) negotiating with hotels or doing the specifics of function catering, when there are people who are dedicated to doing exactly that.
In both circumstances, the service is exceptionally useful. I have experienced times when venues/hotels don't respond to the 'finder' promptly, but in those cases the proposal were deemed 'too late' and thus not considered. Their loss, not ours, but then again the feeling might have been mutual.
As for improving relationship with clients... Hmm good question. Depends on whether there are fees involved. I would be hesitant to ask a free finder service of anything that is too complicated or took too much time as I think that it can be a little arrogant to make such requests of free services. If we are paying clients, depending on scale, I would expect not so much volume or promptness of replies, but rather that the proposals are 'complete', that the agreed upon terms have been met as close as possible, and that all we have to do is say 'I want that one' and be done with it.
In both circumstances, communication is essential and finders should never shy away from asking for as much detail on a client's requirements as possible, never make assumptions unless you're familiar with the client, and give updates as much (or as little) as the client requests, even if all you're doing is waiting for responses. At least then the client knows you're still working on it, rather than just shoving them to the bottom of the pile.
I hope that helps. Kind of vague, I know! I'm going through this right now and after a long week, this is my dream list of Event Op/Venue Finder relationships 
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8pod Internet Business Centre || MTK Promotions || A bit of everything (blog)
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1/10/2009 5:53:35 PM
venuefinder
Posts: 2
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What is the general consensus from corporate Australia and hotel, caterers and day venues regarding the services provided by venue finding companies?
Are they viewed as providing a useful service and how can they improve overall relations with these entities?
As a venue finder, i work hard promoting the complimentary service to clients but sometimes feel like my hands are tied behind my back through delayed response times from hotels, catering companies and day venues for quotes and answers to questions.
Any feedback or thoughts????
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18/09/2009 3:58:48 PM
RHH
Posts: 1
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I've worked on both sides of the fence and am currently employed as an in-house event manager. I am lucky to have a manager who appreciates the high level of detail required for events, and if anything, because I am in-house and have a more intimate knowledge of the business,the expectations on me to deliver 100% perfect events is even greater. Having been out of the PCO world for a while I much prefer in-house. I'm fortunate that my skills and expertise are recognised and appreciated. Unfortunately some poor administrators are lumped with a role of event organising, however I think events are these days recognised as a key marketing activity by many organisations who want to 'own' the events they create. That said support staff and resources in-house are limited as event management is not the core of the business.
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11/09/2009 3:51:56 PM
ICE
Posts: 1
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More like why are LESS company's hiring PCO's. It's a matter of perception with corporates i.e. hire an administrator full time and overload them with the detail while their regular work is compromised then scream at them when the special meals are not catered for, the lighting and sound isn't what was ordered or the arrangements weren't cross checked with all the stake holders. Some corporates find these small details 'dispensible'. However it's a learning curve but unfortunately for PCO's while the corporate administrators learn by their mistakes, they are gaining experience for the next time around until eventually they will be as qualified as you. At least that's the theory.
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31/07/2009 11:22:55 AM
bfoster
Administrator
Posts: 56
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Why aren't more companies engaging professional conference organisers? Are in-house meeting planners taking over the domain of the PCO? And if so why? Is the future of the PCO in doubt?
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