The benefits of building relationships with event vendors and why it’s important
Are you planning an event and looking for the best vendors to work with? Believe it or not, forming strong relationships with your vendors can actually be pretty important – here's why.
Team ELE has had the pleasure of working with some amazing vendors over the years, and we’ve seen first-hand how these relationships can benefit both parties. For vendors, partnering with a reputable event management company can help them to secure more bookings and grow their business. For event planners, working with trusted vendors can make a world of difference when it comes to the success of an event. When you have a good rapport with your vendors, you know that they will go above and beyond to deliver on your vision. From florists to caterers, sound technicians to lighting designers, building strong relationships with event vendors is an essential part of ensuring a successful event!
The benefits of developing a rapport with vendors and suppliers
Event vendors can provide a wealth of knowledge and advice when it comes to planning your event. They've likely supported hundreds of events and know what works (and what doesn't). This insight can make the planning process much smoother and less stressful. In addition, vendors would also want to maintain good relationships with clients and fellow vendors. And if you return the favor by being friendly and easy to work with, you can get better deals and service. If both parties are happy with each other’s work, they'll be more likely to share great referrals for future events.
How to build stronger relationships with event vendors
Now that you understand how relationships with your event vendors are essential to ensuring successful events, here are a few tips for building stronger ties with your vendors:
Make sure to communicate what you expect from your vendors and be clear about deadlines. This will help them understand your expectations and ensure that they are able to meet your needs.
Be respectful of their time. We all know that time is money. When you respect your vendor's time, it shows that you value their business and their craft.
Pay them on time. This one is pretty self-explanatory but often overlooked. Ensure you have their invoices ready to go so you can pay them as soon as possible after the event.
Keep in touch with your vendors during the event planning process and after the event is over. This will help them feel valued and appreciated and allow you to stay up-to-date on their latest offerings.
Thank your vendors for their hard work, and let them know how much you appreciate them. One example is by giving them a shout-out on social media, in your newsletter, or anywhere else you can think of. A little appreciation can go a long way in building strong relationships with your vendors!
Vendor relationships are essential to the success of any event. By establishing trust and a mutual understanding of what is expected, both parties can work together more harmoniously to put on a great show. If you need help in finding and connecting with qualified vendors for your next event, let Team ELE do the legwork for you. With years of experience in the industry and strong connections with some of the best vendors around, we can make sure that your events run like well-oiled machines. Contact us today to get started! You can email us at hello@erinleonardevents.com or follow us on social media, where you can see more tips, best practices, and industry updates!
