Event Planning 101
Tiffany Renee Balmer
Founder and CEO
Events By TRB
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@EventsByTRB
Forest OF The Rain Productions: What is an event? And what does it take to make an event truly an EVENT?

​Tiffany: An event is anything that needs a venue, a timeline and vendors. To make something truly an event all you need is a person/client that has a wish list. Events can be large or intimate, no matter the size it is important to plan ahead so everything goes as planned. 
Forest Of  The Rain Productions: What are some of the key elements of event planning beyond the always present budget element

Tiffany: Knowing your audience is key to a successful event. Understanding why they are coming and what they are expecting to receive while they’re there. Think through every element of how your guest will perceive you and your event and make decisions based around those facts. 
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Forest Of The Rain Productions: What are the most challenging events to plan?

Tiffany: When the client has ideas and visions that are outside of their budget and they aren’t willing to edit those visions at all.

Forest Of The Rain Productions: How do weddings rank compared to other events?

Tiffany: Weddings are like any other event, the main and most important different is the ceremony. This is not to be viewed as just an event but this is the joining of two souls and should be respected as such. The reception part of a wedding is very similar to other events. 
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Forest Of The Rain Productions: Is there a difference between planning events for a non-profit client versus a corporate client?

Tiffany: Budget is usually the difference. With most nonprofits, you want to be more cost effective and with some corporations they want the best of the best and expenses aren’t a factor. With all clients, it’s important to ask their budget, their audience and their wants from the beginning. 
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Forest Of The Rain Productions: What are the most common mistakes people make when planning their events?



Tiffany: Thinking they can do it themselves. At every event, there is someone running around working, that can either be you the host or it can be someone you hire.

Forest Of The Rain Productions: And what suggestions can you offer without giving away your trade secrets to make their event whatever the size or budget a wonderful experience?

Tiffany: People that are being paid work harder and more accurately than those who aren’t. Even if it’s a family friend who organizes things all the time. If you ask them help you on a free basis I’m sure they will and when they see their friends at the party they will stop and enjoy them. If they are paid they will stop and speak to them and keep working. This is just what I’ve observed over the years, it varies from person to person. Lastly always think about the worst thing that can happen and then set a plan for it. 
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Forest Of The Rain Productions: Can you share some of the types of events you have planned in the last year?

Tiffany: Fundraisers, weddings, reunions, summits, retreats and social events.  

Forest Of The Rain Productions: Where can people go to connect with you via Social Media?

Tiffany: Facebook: Events By TRB
Instagram: @eventsbytrb
www.TheDCEventPlanner.com
BIO
Tiffany Renee Balmer Originally from Weldon, NC Tiffany has lived in Washington,DC for over 6 years when she decided to move her Charlotte, NC based business up to the Nations Capital.  She is a proud Graduate of North Carolina A&T State University. She has furthered her education at George Washington University and Convention Industry Council for Certified Event Planners. She is currently the Owner of www.TheDCEventPlanner.com