11/01/2025
Venue managers. Most event venues employ a manager or coordinator who liaises between the venue and the event team. They typically work with the planner leading up to the event, at which point the on-site event coordinator takes over assisting clients and their guests.
Event rental companies. Many venues provide tables, chairs, cutlery, and other event inventory but may not have everything you need. Eliminate the need to place numerous orders by consolidating equipment rental and setup with one vendor.
Decorators. An event decorator takes a client’s event concept and turns it into reality. They work with the event planner or organizing team to formulate a clear understanding of their vision. Then, the event decorator sets upon finding the right color palette, lighting design, props, and event decorations to transform the event venue into their client’s dream space.
Stage designers. Event stage design involves incorporating production elements into an event or presentation space to amplify the venue’s aesthetics and enhance the attendees’ experience. Event stage designers work with lighting, sound, and stage design to build an immersive space and improve the overall atmosphere of an event.
Ticketing services. Ticketing vendors, like online ticketing platforms, can streamline pre-event planning, speed up registration, and sell more event tickets through automation. In addition to offering online ticketing tools, onsite registration vendors help make event arrival a smooth, seamless, and satisfactory experience for attendees.
Licensers. Planning events often requires obtaining permission from “the powers that be” (i.e., city or county regulators). Confirm event policies for your desired host location, as they may require obtaining a license or permit for certain activities, such as serving alcohol, installing temporary lighting, playing live music, or booking performance artists.
Food & and beverage suppliers. Food and beverage (F&B) suppliers play a significant role in most events. Many venues that offer in-house dining or catering services require you to use them, while some allow clients to work with outside vendors. Reduce day-of-event stress by finding an experienced catering company with a reputation for flexibility and positivity. Look for F&B vendors who can adjust to any kitchen setup and bust out a smooth dining service, no matter how many guests attend.
Bartenders. For events with alcohol, hiring bar staff takes a lot of the day-off service work off your hands. Although many catering businesses offer bartending services or employ a barkeep, that’s not always the case. If not, hire a group of bartenders to mix up delicious cocktails or impress event attendees with a world-class mixologist.
Entertainers. If you’ve ever hired a band or DJ, you’ve worked with an event vendor. Magicians, acrobats, and other performers are also entertainment vendors, with mixologists walking the line between bartending and entertaining. Spice up your next event with unexpected vendor entertainment.
Lodging partners. You may need secure lodging for out-of-town events or events with non-resident guests. Hotels, B&Bs, and corporate apartments are popular event accommodation partners. Contact nearby hotels for room block quotes and rate proposals.
Transportation vendors. The layout of an event venue plays a prominent role in the transportation vendors required to accommodate attendees. If moving from one part of the event to another requires a long walk, offer guests rides in golf carts, rickshaws, or town cars. Consider offering airport transportation or providing hotel shuttles for out-of-town events.
Audiovisual (AV) suppliers. AV companies provide several forms of audio and visual equipment for private parties, corporate meetings, and other events. They design and install equipment that provides the high-tech event experience their clients envision. AV suppliers work with an array of event technology, including conference calling equipment, high-def video screens, speaker setups, lighting design, and more.
Florists. Most of the stunning floral arrangements you see at weddings, banquets, and other events are the product of a florist or floral designer. These artists use shape, color, and texture to create gorgeous, fragrant arrangements like centerpieces and bouquets. Florists operate differently than many other event vendors, as they arrive before the event starts to arrange their decorations and leave before attendees arrive.
Photographers. Instead of running around the event to capture snapshots of the most memorable moments, hire an event photographer. Photographers are responsible for anticipating and capturing the event’s most memorable moments, benefiting both the planner and the client.