Jordan Walker
Jordan's never done "ordinary." With 15 years in hospitality including managing the floor at Manchester Arena, he's now the Director at ConnectIn Events, where he rips up the rulebook to create events people actually remember.
Choosing an event management company comes down to one thing: can you hand them your vision and trust them to deliver it without the stress landing back on your desk? The right partner runs everything from the first idea to the last light going down. The wrong one leaves you chasing suppliers at 11pm the night before. This guide walks you through exactly how to tell them apart.
We have planned and produced events for 15 years from our base in Manchester, so we have seen what separates a brilliant agency from a risky one. Here is what to look for.
What does an event management company actually do?
A good event management company takes the whole event off your plate. That means concept and theming, budgeting, venue finding, production, suppliers, run sheets and full on-the-day coordination, all handled by one team with one point of contact. You bring the goal. They bring everything else.
The key word is “everything”. Some agencies only handle the creative and leave you to wrangle the technical side. Others book a venue and call it a day. Before you commit, get crystal clear on what is actually included, because the gaps are where the stress lives.
The questions to ask before you hire
Five questions cut through the sales talk fast:
- What is included, and what costs extra? A confident agency gives you a straight answer. Watch for vague packages that balloon later.
- Who is my point of contact on the day? You want one named person running the show, not a relay of email addresses.
- Can I see similar events you have delivered? Relevant, recent examples matter more than a logo wall.
- What happens if something goes wrong? Ask about wet-weather plans, supplier backups and contingency. The good ones have answers ready.
- How do you handle the budget? You want transparent pricing with no hidden extras, and a team that works to your number from the first call.
If the answers are clear, specific and calm, that is a good sign. If they are woolly, keep looking.
Red flags to watch for
A few warning signs are worth taking seriously. Be cautious of any agency that will not put pricing in writing, that cannot name a single comparable event, or that goes quiet between your enquiry and the quote. Responsiveness now is a preview of responsiveness on the day. Vague contracts, mystery “service fees” and a reluctance to talk contingency are all reasons to slow down.
In-house team or agency: which is right for you?
If you run events constantly and have the staff, an in-house team can work. For most businesses, though, an agency wins on three counts: you only pay for it when you need it, you tap into supplier relationships and buying power you do not have internally, and you get a team that has solved every problem your event can throw up because they do it every week. The best agencies feel like an extension of your own team for the weeks that matter, then step back.
How much does it cost to hire an event management company?
Costs vary with the event, but as a rough guide: a small team event or party can start in the low thousands, a mid-size conference or awards night typically runs into five figures, and a large, fully produced event can reach six figures. Guest numbers, venue, production and how much you want the agency to run all move the number. The right partner scopes it to your budget and shows you exactly where the money goes, with no surprises on the invoice.
How ConnectIn does it differently
We are a full-service event management company built for businesses that want big ideas and zero stress. One team handles the lot: venue finding, event production, event design, conferences, awards ceremonies, live events and more. Born in Manchester, we deliver right across the UK and into Europe, with the same team and the same standards wherever your event lands.
If you would rather spend the run-up excited than exhausted, that is exactly what we are here for.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I choose an event management company?
For a large conference or awards night, 6 to 9 months gives you the best venue and supplier availability. Smaller events can come together in weeks. The earlier you start, the more choice you have, but a good agency can still move fast when the date is tight.
Do event management companies only work in their local area?
The best ones do not. We are Manchester based but deliver events nationwide and into Europe, bringing the same team and standards wherever you need us.
What is the difference between event management and event production?
Event management is the whole picture: planning, budgeting, suppliers and coordination. Event production is the technical and creative build: staging, lighting, sound and AV. A full-service agency handles both under one roof.
Should I choose an agency or build an in-house team?
For most businesses an agency is more cost-effective, because you only pay when you need it and you get specialist experience and supplier buying power you would struggle to build internally.
Planning something big?
Let’s connect. Tell us your vision and we’ll tell you what’s possible. Get in touch with ConnectIn Events.
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