13 The Local Touch (e) Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs) are companies who specialise in planning and running contarences. They also recegnise and respond to all the finer dctais; which is espacially valuabla with biggor conferences. PCOs have « wealth of knowledge when sourcing venues and negotiating with suppliers, mearing a beter value proposition. Running events interstate of overseas makes choosing a PCO more complex. You'te not only choosing between PCOs in your area; you have PCOs who are local to your evant location to consider. With evans, i's important to maka the most of your location and consider who your attendoas are and what they expect. Knowing the ins and outs of the place where your holding your event can make a world of difference and that Is in te domain of local PCOs. Choosing venues Have you ever had the horror holiday experience of discovering that your luxury room looks nothing ike it did In tha pletures and thinking that you should've asked your friend for a recommandation? Using a lacal PCO Is like consulting that frond Local PCOs have seen the venues in the area or can easily ask around and scope them out Venues need to have the space and facilities, be easily accessible and be within the budget: but you also want them to have a good almosphere. For this, you really need to go to the venue. Having a local PCO removes this burden. ‘Supplier networks Experienced PCOs get to know the local suppliers and what they offer. They know who's reputable and who Isnt who offars tha est qualty; who offers the bast value for money. Local PCOs will have the most in depth knowledge. Thay'l also have more establishad supplier networks and relationships Some local PCOs may be on a first name besis with suppliers and be able to provide a different offeringiprice. Local knowledge “Timing with events is ertical and choasing the wrong date can spell disaster Different araas have different holidays and thor may bo other events on that youll need to concider. “Traffic can often be overlooked but itis 2 major considoration to ensure events run smocthly. This is whore beeing a local is useful. You need to know the busy periods and plan for this. If things go wrong, knowledge of local roads is extremely helpful to inform contingency plans. Attendees who are travelling for the event may want to see and experience the area. It's easy to do the ‘genavic, clichéd touristy activities but is a lot harcer to get a ganune local expariance that's unlike everyone ‘lce’s. Having a local PCO can bo great for encuring that people gat a unique experioncs and learn about tho local culture and people. Using a local PCO provides many benefits that wil lead to more successful event. Its not just about efficiency and cost savings. it's about having that touch that only locals can offer. Whitten by Keycee Meads TAGooge +1 stumbleupon FElciog aldelicious (6) Twiter [facebook