Choosing the right vendor

By Stacy Stern, CSEP

Choosing the right vendor can be a challenge, especially if you’re new to the event business. Following are some tips for making an informed decision.

• Know the vendor’s inventory. Does the company own its own equipment and have its own warehouse?
• Consider the vendor’s proximity to the site.
• Make sure the vendor is insured to the right level for the venue and client. Then get listed as an additional insured on the event insurance.
• Get recommendations. Use companies you know, or use one that is known personally by someone you know.
• Know a vendor’s schedule. How many events is the vendor doing that day? What will the company have available in terms of trucks and drivers in case of emergency?

Stacy Stern is a certified, award-winning event producer for The Special Events Group in Boca Raton, Fla. She can be contacted at stacy@thespecialeventsgroup.com.