Matt Woodburn and Sarah Neukom
Matt Woodburn and Sarah Neukom are co-founders of ESP Presents, a boutique, purpose-driven event company based in Chicago. Learn more at esppresents.com
5 Tips for Working Better With Vendors
November 1, 2019
Event production is an incredibly diverse and creative field, bringing together many moving parts, each with their own requirements and needs. From efficiency and organization to keeping a cool head under pressure and expertly managing time, the list of skills needed to produce a seamless event — no matter how big or small — is long. At the core, it’s all about respect, Here are some of our top tips on how to work smarter with vendors to deliver the best events possible.
Be kind to everyone.
This one is pretty self explanatory, but something that is so important. Treat others the way you’d expect to be treated, no questions asked.
Understand their job.
When you are working with multiple vendors on an event, it’s important to take the time to ask important questions and understand what each of them needs to be successful. Offer support wherever it’s needed so everyone feels like they are set up for success.
Go the extra mile.
It’s the small things and details that matter most. It goes a long way to treat vendors as part of your team. For example, we make sure everyone is fed — AV techs don’t often get a break, so making sure they get lunch is important. We aim to leave the venue cleaner than we found it. Being in the business of hospitality, we should all extend courtesy not only to event attendees, but also the people working hard behind the scenes.
Overcommunicate.
Things move very fast in our industry and, with so many moving parts, items can fall through the cracks. Overcommunicate with vendors and make sure they have detailed event briefs in advance of the event. This ensures everyone feels confident, knowledgeable and has their game face on come event time.
Say thank you.
This might be the most important one. Verbally thanking people throughout the day is so important, but we’ve also made it a tradition in our company that after every event, we send handwritten thank-you notes from our entire team to each vendor. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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