Small Event Specialists

In these difficult times, many small organisations are having to rethink their approach to holding their annual conference, trade show, or industry event. Until now, there have basically been two approaches: do it yourself, or hire a Professional Conference Organiser (PCO). In the current economic climate, many small organisations and industry associations are finding it hard to absorb the costs associated with hiring a PCO but lack the resources, time and infrastructure required to organise these events themselves. At Small Talk Events, we are able to offer you a third alternative. As our name implies, we specialise in organising events for up to 500 participants. Typically we arrange meetings, workshops, seminars and conferences for professional organisations, industry associations, charities, government departments, businesses and societies at locations throughout Australia and New Zealand. Our in-house systems have been designed from the ground up to meet the needs of small organisations, and our services are tailored to meet the specific requirements of each individual conference. The key benefits of working with us are as follows:

Systems Designed for Smaller Events

All of our systems have been built by us based on our experience in managing small events. We do not use large third-party systems to handle registrations or abstract submissions, for example. Every aspect of the event management process can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each client, from registration options through to delegate security. Furthermore, these processes are continually monitored and refined to ensure that delegates have a smooth and enjoyable experience both before and during the event.

Complete Flexibility

We will manage as much or as little of your event as you require, and of course this is reflected in our fee structure. At one end of the scale, we can provide a complete solution encompassing every aspect from website design through to the menu for the dinner, and everything in between. At the other end of the spectrum we can offer just one element of the process, such as a dedicated portal for online credit card registration payment. The beauty of this approach of course, is that you only pay for the services you use.

Transparency

Any commissions and discounts we receieve are passed on to our clients. We will arrange competitive quotes and whilst we are often asked to provide advice, the final decision rests with our client. We provide copies of subcontractors' invoices to our clients - there are no hidden deals. Whilst we have our own network of suppliers and subcontractors who we know can be relied on to provide an excellent service, our clients are always able to use their own providers should they so wish.

Feedback

We gather detailed feedback from delegates, sponsors and exhibitors and provide a detailed analysis to our clients. We recommend means by which significant issues identified in this process might be addressed in subsequent meetings.

A Personal Touch

We are a small company, and we understand the importance of continuity to our clients. The managers assigned to look after your event will be involved in every step of the process, from the initial contract through to producing the final report. They will work with your organising committee to develop an understanding of your specific requirements and aims for the event. They will implement your vision and ensure that your expectations are met. In short, they will be an integral part of the event team, working alongside you to bring your vision to reality.

A Long Term Relationship

We are particularly interested in developing long-term relationships with our clients and are happy to develop contracts on this basis. This approach improves efficiency by avoiding the need to re-invent the wheel, and builds on the mutual trust and confidence built up during previous conferences.

Our Approach

In essence, we are a small, nimble, flexible and responsive company which offers simple, practical advice and solutions. Whilst we have developed our own network of reliable suppliers and subcontractors, we never operate on a commission basis so any cost savings are passed directly on to our clients. This offers complete transparency at every stage and also gives you the opportunity to use your own preferred suppliers for any aspect of the event. Our aim is to help you deliver inspirational events which will be fondly remembered not only for the excellence of their content but also for their warmth, engagement and spirit of camaraderie. Let us work with you to make your next meeting a truly memorable event.