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Planning can be a complex network of ideas and challenges or it can be as simple as writing down a to do list. Whatever the case, companies face challenges that need to be planned and controlled. In this paper there will be a definition of what it is that planning does, how is it important in today business world. Planning events is just like planning a business plan, what is important is what gets done.
Keywords: Event planning, managers, preparation, organization
INTRODUCTION
This paper provides an overview of the concept of planning as it applies to the conduct of events. It begins by discussing the centrality of planning to the overall success of an event and then moves on to describing the strategic event planning process. This process is identified as comprising a number of sequential and interrelated steps, each of which is briefly described here. Additionally, this papaer examines the range of organizational structures from which an event manager must select to support and implement their planning efforts.
1. THE PLANNING PROCESS AND ITS IMPORTANCE
In its simplest form, the planning process consists of establishing where an organization is at present, where it is best advised to go in the future, and the strategies or tactics needed to achieve that position. In other words, the planning process is concerned with end results and the means to achieve those results.
Perhaps the value of planning is best summed up by the words of the famous American general, Douglas MacArthur, who observed: 'Without a plan you're just a tourist'. MacArthur's comments allude to the value of planning in focusing an organization (such as an event organizing committee) on particular objectives and in the creation of defined pathways by which these objectives can be achieved. Central to the establishment of such pathways is an understanding of internal (for example, available resources) and external (for example, current economic conditions) factors that will condition any decisions that are made. Other benefits associated with strategic planning include its capacity to: identify and resolve problems, generate a range of potential alternative strategies for consideration, employees gain a better understanding of the organization's strategies and may become more committed to achieving them, it clarifies roles and responsibilities and it reduces...