Preparation & Planning
When you are in the event industry preparation and planning are your bylaws. You have to think of things that others don’t and you have to be ready for anything. We jokingly call it Plan C, D, E & F. Meaning that you plan and prepare beyond a Plan B.
No matter what part of the event industry you are in, you will have your own particular set of preparation steps that are required. For us, as corporate event and project managers we carry around an event kit. It’s basically our Mary Poppins magical bag. We can pull out just about anything for any situation as long as we keep the bag stocked.
It’s a great idea to create one that is specific to what you do. (Even working in an office, you can have a magical drawer where you keep those crazy items that you surprisingly need now and again). Here is what we keep in our event kits:
- Nail polish remover/cotton balls
- Ear plugs
- Pills for ill guests: Advil, tylenol, tums, immodium
- Hand lotion or body spray
- Scissors
- Nail clippers
- Unscented bug spray (for outdoor events)
- Baby wipes
- Spray deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Feminine hygiene products
- Granola bars and water
- Travel sewing kit
- Hair Goods: hairspray, bobby pins, hair ties, brush or comb
- Safety Pins, double-sided tape
- Charger with different charging tips
- Lint Roller
- Tide Sticks or Clorox bleach pen
- Tissues
- Hand sanitizer
- Mints or gum
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and mouth wash
- Small first aid kit
- Screwdriver, pliers, wire cutters
- Blades or pocket knife
- Different types of tape: scotch, electrical, masking, gaffers tape and double sided tape
- Paper clips, binder clips
- Power strip, extension cords, converters
- Twist ties, fishing line, zip ties
- Sharpies in all colors
- Pens
- Measuring tape
- Adhesive hooks and tape
- Floral tape
- Windex
- Paper Towels
- Flash drive
- Flash light
- Velcro
- Batteries
- Ziploc Bags
- Notepad
- Thumbtacks, Push pins, Rubber bands
Believe me….no matter what event it is, I always need something from this kit. It is a necessity of event life. As a side tip: we use a rolling hard shell toolbox to carry everything in. One with lots of little compartments helps you keep things organized too.
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