Six questions you were too afraid to ask your events agency.

If you’re working on an upcoming event, it’s a surefire bet that you’re short on time, resources or both. You probably need to move fast and you’re thanking your lucky stars that your agency is driving your program forward. Even if your focus is onward and upward, don’t be afraid to stop and ask questions. Taking a moment to challenge an approach or resolve a nagging concern can save time and complications down the road. To get you started, we came up with the top six questions you should always ask your agency.

1. “Well, what would you suggest?”

A good full service agency should be able to provide personalized, thoughtful advice. You might have an idea of what you want but it never hurts to consider other options. Asking this question could lower costs, result in a better-fitting destination or offer more flexibility. Consider your agency as a trusted advisor that can draw on a wealth of collective knowledge.

BOTTOM LINE: If your event partner is only “taking orders” and not offering additional creativity, you’re not getting your money’s worth. A full service agency can draw on firsthand expertise for nearly any region so you can get real, practical advice.

2. “Should I worry about [insert latest travel concern here]?”

Global health crises and terrorism have become a major part of the conversation – and for good reason. Depending on the region, these concerns may play a role in how the trip is designed. An experienced team should already be keenly aware of any potential threats and actively working to mitigate them.

BOTTOM LINE: A full service agency should be tapped into the ebb and flow of these issues as they change on a daily basis; knowledge is power. If an issue escalates, your team should be able to leverage a network of relationships and resources to make necessary adjustments on the fly.

3. “Can I give you some background?”

All too often, the discussion begins with what or where instead of why the program exists. The best way to get what you need is to provide detailed background. This often means painting a nuanced picture of your company’s cultural climate, upcoming changes and other contextual information.

BOTTOM LINE: Every single project should start with a discovery session,
starring you and your needs. If you find yourself in a pitch before you’ve
had a chance to get everyone up to speed, pump the brakes