What types of events do you specialize in?

We provide comprehensive event management services tailored to associations and corporate clients. Our expertise spans a variety of event types, including conferences, incentive travel programs, galas, golf tournaments, product launches, rebranding events, and other social functions. Whether you're hosting a large-scale conference or an intimate gathering, we’re committed to creating unforgettable experiences that align with your goals.

Can you manage both in-person and virtual events?

Yes, we specialize in managing in-person events with the option to incorporate virtual components when needed. While we are capable of offering virtual experiences, our passion lies in creating live, in-person events that foster genuine connections and memorable experiences. Therefore, we do not take on fully virtual events. However, we are happy to collaborate with our trusted partners to live-stream portions of your event or produce recorded content to enhance the experience for remote attendees.

Do you have experience working with specific industries (e.g., healthcare, education)?

Yes, we have experience working with a variety of industries, including healthcare, education, and more. However, we believe that specializing in a particular industry isn't necessary to deliver a successful event. Our true expertise lies in event management, ensuring that every detail is handled seamlessly, regardless of the industry. Our focus is on making sure your event runs smoothly and creates a lasting impact.

How do you charge for your services?

We charge a project fee tailored to the scope of work we agree upon. This fee is based on the specific requirements of your event, ensuring that you receive a customized plan and support that aligns with your needs.

Do you work on commission with vendors, and how does that impact the budget?

At ITM Events, we are committed to full transparency in our billing practices. To ensure clarity, we distinguish between commissions or discounts that directly benefit the client and those that compensate us for our industry expertise.

  • Client-Related Commissions or Discounts: These include any savings we negotiate for your event, such as venue discounts, supplier rebates, or reduced costs for services like A/V or catering. We pass these savings directly on to you, without inflating prices or adding any markups. Our goal is to ensure you get the best possible value for your event.

  • Planner-Related Commissions or Discounts: These are commissions provided to ITM Events for our industry relationships and expertise, separate from your event. For example, tourism boards may offer financial incentives to third party planners who bring events to their city. These commissions are a form of compensation for our efforts in promoting destinations and building long-term partnerships. In such cases, ITM Events retains these commissions, and they will be fully disclosed to you.

The commissions we receive are reinvested into our company to enhance the quality of service we provide. Specifically, this money may be used for staff training, attendance fees at industry events, bonuses for our team, and staff retreats. All of these initiatives help us build a stronger, more knowledgeable team and foster valuable relationships within the industry. In turn, this investment increases the value we can offer to our clients, ensuring that you receive the highest level of expertise and service for your event.

Our focus is on securing the best rates for your event while maintaining a transparent and straightforward approach to billing.

Are there any hidden fees or costs I should be aware of?

At ITM Events, we believe in clear, upfront communication about all fees. Our contract covers any costs that may arise, and there are no hidden charges. In addition to the project planning fee, you may incur expenses such as travel fees (accommodations, transportation, meals, and incidentals) if we are required to travel during the planning process.

Additionally, if we are required to make payments on your behalf—such as paying a venue deposit or covering upfront costs for services like printing—there is a 10% administration fee. This fee helps support the efficient management of these transactions and covers the following:

  • Comprehensive Management: The 10% administration fee reflects the time and resources our team dedicates to handling payments outside our regular scope of work. This includes managing invoices, ensuring timely payments, and maintaining accurate financial records.

  • Financial Responsibility: By covering costs upfront on your behalf, we assume a level of financial responsibility, which temporarily ties up our cash flow. The administration fee helps mitigate the risk of extending this credit, allowing us to continue delivering top-tier service without compromising our operations.

  • Timely Invoicing: Once a purchase is made, we will promptly issue an invoice, including the 10% administration fee. Payment is expected within 14 days, ensuring we can secure services for your event without delays.

If you prefer to handle payments directly with suppliers, you can avoid the administration fee altogether. In that case, you'll pay only the actual costs charged by the suppliers, including any discounts we negotiate on your behalf.

This transparent approach ensures that all fees are clear from the start, allowing you to budget accurately and avoid surprises.

Do you have preferred vendors you work with?

While we have vendors we enjoy working with, we don’t rely on a fixed preferred vendor list. Instead, we believe in sourcing the best vendors to meet the unique needs of your event. This approach allows us to tailor our recommendations to ensure you get the best fit in terms of quality, service, and value for your specific requirements.

Can you help us find a venue that meets our needs?

Absolutely! We specialize in helping you find the perfect venue for your event. Leveraging our strong relationships within the industry and with our partners, we conduct a comprehensive RFP (Request for Proposal) process to identify the best options available. Once we gather potential venues, we perform site visits to ensure each location aligns perfectly with your event’s flow and requirements. Our goal is to ensure that you have a variety of excellent choices that fit your vision.

Do you get special rates with vendors or venues?

Yes, we often have access to special rates with various vendors and venues due to our established relationships in the industry. While we may receive commissions for these arrangements, our commitment is to pass on any savings directly to you. We negotiate on your behalf to secure the best pricing and value for your event, ensuring that any discounts we obtain are reflected in your overall costs. Our transparent approach means you can trust that you are getting the best possible rates while we manage the details seamlessly.

How far in advance should we book your services?

We excel in managing events with tight timelines and enjoy stepping in to assist when things feel overwhelming. Our goal is to demonstrate our value in high-pressure situations, showing you how effectively we can deliver under time constraints. Ideally, we encourage booking our services as early as possible to maximize the impact we can have on your event. By working together long-term, we can help you achieve your organization’s ultimate goals and create truly memorable experiences.

How do you handle last-minute changes or emergencies?

Ah, the ever-present reality of event management! No matter how meticulously we plan, last-minute changes and emergencies are simply part of the job. Think of it as our version of an adrenaline rush!

When unexpected situations arise, our team is quick to adapt and find solutions, ensuring that your event continues to run smoothly. We thrive in dynamic environments and are well-equipped to handle any curveballs that come our way. Our goal is to keep everything on track, allowing you to focus on enjoying your event without the stress. So, when life throws us a surprise, we’ve got it covered—just consider us your event superheroes!

How big is your team, and who will be handling our event?

Our team is dynamic and adapts based on the specific needs of each event. To remain flexible and effective, we primarily work with contractors, bringing in additional expertise as required.

Our core team consists of four dedicated professionals:

  • Julia, President: Our visionary leader who ensures everything runs smoothly.
  • Tina, Julia's VA: The right hand who keeps the wheels turning behind the scenes.
  • Mekayla: Manages HR and oversees a portion of our finances, ensuring we stay on track.
  • Jessica: Our systems guru, optimizing our operations for maximum efficiency.

Depending on your project, we’ll enhance our team with specialized event experts to ensure your event receives the attention and expertise it deserves. Rest assured, you're in capable hands!

Do you have experience managing large events with over 400 attendees?

Absolutely! We have a wealth of experience managing events ranging from intimate gatherings of just 10 people to large-scale festivals hosting up to 12,000 attendees. Our extensive background in event management equips us to handle the unique challenges and logistics of both small and large events with confidence and expertise. No matter the size, we’re dedicated to ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for all participants.

How do you prioritize inclusivity and accessibility at events?

At ITM Events, inclusivity and accessibility are integral to our event planning process. We believe that every attendee should feel welcomed and valued, regardless of their background or abilities.

To prioritize these aspects, we take several key steps:

  1. Comprehensive Venue Selection: We ensure that venues are wheelchair accessible and equipped with necessary facilities, including gender-neutral bathrooms.

  2. Diverse Programming: Our programming reflects diverse perspectives and experiences, featuring speakers and sessions that resonate with a broad audience.

  3. Clear Communication: We provide information in multiple formats and languages, ensuring that all attendees can easily access event details.

  4. Attendee Support: Our team is trained to address any specific accessibility needs and is available to assist attendees before and during the event.

  5. Feedback Mechanisms: We actively seek feedback from participants to continuously improve our approach to inclusivity and accessibility in future events.

By embedding these practices into our planning, we strive to create an environment where everyone can participate fully and enjoy a meaningful experience.

Do you practice sustainable event planning?

Yes, sustainability is a core principle at ITM Events, and we are committed to minimizing our environmental impact while maximizing the positive outcomes of our events. Here’s how we incorporate sustainable practices into our planning:

  1. Eco-Friendly Venues: We prioritize venues that have sustainable certifications and practices in place, such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and responsible sourcing.

  2. Sustainable Sourcing: We work with vendors who share our commitment to sustainability, choosing local suppliers and environmentally friendly products whenever possible.

  3. Digital Solutions: By utilizing digital tools for event materials and communications, we reduce paper waste and enhance efficiency.

  4. Waste Management: We implement comprehensive waste management strategies, including recycling and composting options, to minimize waste generated during events.

  5. Carbon Offset Programs: We encourage clients to consider carbon offsetting for their events, contributing to environmental initiatives that help counterbalance carbon emissions.

  6. Education and Engagement: We aim to raise awareness about sustainability among attendees, promoting eco-friendly practices and encouraging them to be mindful of their environmental footprint.

By integrating these sustainable practices into our event planning process, we strive to create memorable experiences that also contribute positively to our planet.

What is your cancellation policy?

At ITM Events, we understand that circumstances can change, and we aim to be transparent about our cancellation policy. Below are the key points from our contract regarding cancellations:

  1. Cancellation by the Client:
    If the client decides to cancel the agreement for any reason, any payments made up to that point will be forfeited. Additionally, the client will need to reimburse ITM Events for any outstanding hours worked at the agreed-upon hourly rate for the project, as well as any out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the client, including cancellation fees for booked services.

  2. Cancellation by the Provider:
    In the unlikely event that ITM Events needs to cancel, we will make every effort to find comparable replacement event planning services at the agreed-upon fees. If we cannot procure a replacement, the client will receive a full refund of any fees paid that exceed the actual hours worked on the project. Please note that our liability is limited to the fees paid, and we are not liable for any indirect or consequential damages.

  3. Termination for Force Majeure:
    Either party may terminate the agreement if performance is prevented by acts of God, civil unrest, or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, we will assess payments received to determine any refunds based on the actual hours worked, calculated at the agreed-upon hourly rate. We will have 60 days to repay any overpayments or issue a final invoice for additional hours worked.

  4. Payment Management:
    We are committed to clear communication and prompt invoicing to ensure a seamless experience, even in cancellation situations.

We appreciate your understanding of our policies, which are designed to protect both parties and ensure a fair and transparent process.

Do you offer refunds or rescheduling options?

At ITM Events, we understand that plans can change, and we strive to accommodate our clients' needs as best as we can. Here’s how we handle refunds and rescheduling:

  1. Refunds:
    If a cancellation occurs, any payments made up to that point will be forfeited. Additionally, clients will need to reimburse ITM Events for any outstanding hours worked at the agreed-upon hourly rate, as well as any out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the client, including cancellation fees for booked services.

  2. Rescheduling Options:
    We can assist with rescheduling events; however, please note that there will be fees for the additional work required to adjust any bookings made. While we will do our best to accommodate your new date request, we cannot guarantee availability based on our existing workload. It's important to communicate any rescheduling needs as soon as possible so we can explore available options together.

  3. Additional Considerations:
    In the event of rescheduling due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., force majeure), we will work with you to assess payments received and manage any outstanding fees accordingly.

Our goal is to provide clarity and support throughout the process, and we appreciate your understanding of our policies. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any specific questions or concerns regarding your event.

How much involvement do I need to have during the planning process?

At ITM Events, we believe in empowering our clients to choose the level of involvement they are comfortable with during the planning process. We are here to handle the details, ensuring a seamless experience for you. However, we kindly ask that our clients refrain from micromanaging.

Trust is a cornerstone of our partnerships, and we value the confidence you place in us to execute your vision. We understand that building this trust takes time, and it’s important to recognize that trust is a two-way street. If a collaborative approach does not align with your expectations, we will not hesitate to reevaluate our partnership.

Ultimately, our goal is to work together in a way that feels comfortable for you while allowing us to effectively deliver exceptional event planning services. Feel free to share your preferences, and we can tailor our communication and involvement accordingly!

Can you handle everything if I want a hands-off approach?

Absolutely! We are more than happy to take the reins and manage all aspects of your event, provided we have established a strong event strategy and vision together. Our collaborative approach ensures that we understand your goals and expectations clearly.

While we will take care of the planning, we will need your financial approvals along the way to ensure everything aligns with your budget. Beyond that, you can feel confident stepping back and allowing us to execute the details while you focus on what matters most to you. We’re here to make your vision a reality with minimal stress on your end!