Based out of the Greater Toronto Area, Simply Great Planning (SGP) produces quality conferences and events locally, nationally and internationally. The SGP team works hard to realize each client’s vision in a manner that reflects who they are and what they want to accomplish.

The company is built on the foundation of Susan Phillips’ 25 year conference and event planning career. Founder of SGP, Susan is committed to providing clients with dynamic, memorable, stress-free events. Having developed longstanding relationships with a network of suppliers, from audio visual companies to tourism bureaus, she is knowledgeable about every aspect of event production.

Susan has extensive experience organizing events for participants with varied special needs, from accessibility issues to personal care requirements. Whether she’s planning an event for an association, company, non-profit or private individual, she ensures that all participants feel included and can participate fully.

Selecting an External Planner

Don’t have an in-house professional event planner or team of planners solely focused on executing your conference or event? Well, you’re not alone. More and more companies and associations are leaving the planning to industry experts who can come in and run the show from conception to post-event de-briefing. When selecting your planner there are 5 things you need to keep in mind:

*There are different types of event planners.  A wedding or “party” planner won’t have the same extensive contacts with the venues, vendors and keynote speakers that you’ll need if you’re planning a large conference.

*The matter of experience. When you interview potential planners to execute your upcoming conference or event, be sure to find out what experience they bring to the table.

*Certification Counts. Is your event planner “certified”? Holding a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) or Certified Meeting Manager (CMM) certification is an asset, but make sure that your planner of choice has more than just textbook knowledge. Experience is key in enabling planners to trouble shoot problems as they occur.

Giving Back. Take a look at your prospective event planner’s professional bio. When they’re not on the clock, are they actively involved in their community? A planner that gives freely of their time is likely to go the extra mile to execute your event or conference to perfection.

A Team Effort. Does your event planning prospect have a great team behind them? Does your quote include just one planner or will you have access to multiple planners, marketing experts, web and social media specialists as well as administrative support? Without a team in place, when your head event planner isn’t available, nothing gets done.

The Whole Truth: When searching for the perfect event planner, remember to ask for references. A person may deliver a shining proposal, but until you speak with someone who they’ve worked for in the past, you can’t get a real idea of how well they perform.

Whether you’re interested in planning your first event or a large-scale conference, contact Susan Phillips today. Under her leadership, the SGP Conferences and Events team will show you that your event can be executed seamlessly, on budget and without unnecessary headaches.