I Volunteer as Tribute! (For All Your Event Needs)

Welcome, friends, fellow event enthusiasts, and anyone who has ever tried to plan a birthday party and ended up just ordering a pizza! My name is Ilan and I have just launched my company The Melbourne Event Company, and I am thrilled to officially step into the world of making your event dreams a reality. 

You see, I’ve spent over two decades in this magnificent, slightly chaotic industry. I’ve seen it all: from the perfectly executed corporate gala where every detail was a masterpiece, to the time a speaker emailed me 15 minutes before their session asking what day they were due to talk. (They made it just in time and delivered an incredible, impromptu presentation!) 

On this blog, you can expect to find insights from the frontline, stories from behind the scenes, and practical tips to help you navigate your own event planning journey. We’ll be sharing everything from budgeting hacks to the latest event trends, all with a dash of humour. 

My mission is simple: to transform your imagination into a truly unforgettable creation, whether it’s a high-impact corporate event, a heartwarming fundraiser, or the social gathering of a lifetime. So, let’s get this party started! 

Now, for a couple of quick housekeeping notes:

Disclaimer #1: The Event Planner's Confessional For my friends, family, and former colleagues who might be reading this and thinking, "Is he talking about that time we tried to pack 500 conference satchels in a single hour?"... the answer is, possibly! While some of my anecdotes might feel eerily familiar, they are drawn from my entire career and represent experiences I’ve had with many different people over the years. You're definitely not alone and I am grateful to have shared part of my career journey with you, if I’m sharing a story here, it’s because I learned something there.   

Disclaimer #2: The Perpetual Student Whilst it certainly feels like I've seen it all, that doesn’t mean the learning has stopped! The world of events is constantly evolving, with new technologies, trends, and techniques emerging all the time. I'm constantly expanding my expertise, ensuring my skills remain sharp and market-relevant. This means that my insights on a topic today might be updated tomorrow. When that happens, I promise to circle back, reference my original post, and give you the latest and greatest scoop. After all, you deserve the best! 

Your Quick-Start Event Checklist 

Ready to get the ball rolling on your own event? Here’s a quick checklist to help you get started on the right foot. 

• Identify Your Audience: Who are you speaking to? Knowing your attendees' demographics, interests, and needs will shape every decision you make. 

• Pinpoint Your Purpose: Before you book a venue or pick a colour scheme, ask yourself: what is the ultimate goal of this event? Is it to celebrate a milestone, raise funds, educate an audience, or simply bring people together? Your purpose is your guide. 

• Establish a Tentative Guest List: Knowing your approximate guest count will inform almost every decision, from your budget to your venue size. 

• Set a Flexible Budget: Have a clear, realistic number in mind, but always build in a buffer for unexpected costs. It’s the secret to a stress-free event. 

Thanks for joining me on this adventure. Let’s create something amazing together!