Insider Tips - 26

The Ten Commandments Of Good Special Events

I. Recognize the limitations of the situation and build on the strengths.

II. Always generate a scalable site drawing or ground plan.

III. Remember the KISS Rule and Murphy's Law.

IV. Talk to the people who will be executing the function, not just the sales person.

V. Make lots of lists.

VI. Hire people and suppliers who are trustworthy rather than inexpensive.

VII. Create detailed (minute-by-minute) schedules.

VIII. Do not assign yourself any job on the day of the event.

IX. Over-staff the first day or at least, the first few hours.

X. No matter what happens, remain calm.

Maurice McTernan is one of the best-known and sought-after special events producers in the city, if not the country.

McTernan, a Key Player in Davidson Communications, contributes his "Ten Commandments" as this episode of Insider Tips. McTernan has worked on many high profile projects including: Major League Baseball All Star Fan Fest; Super Bowl XXX Street Spectacular; First Night Toronto New Year's Eve Celebration; Toronto Life's 25th Anniversary Party; Mulroney/Bush Baseball Summit; The Juno Awards, and in concert, Les Miserables; Elton John; and David Bowie, among many others.

Click to Key Players to read his full bio as well as to check out our other invaluable contributors.

Contact Davidson Communications for public relations solutions.