Beware of dubious operators

When entertaining goes wrong!

Any industry has it's share of shonky operators. The kinds of companies that like to cut corners or operate outside the rules. Corporate Hospitality is no exception. In the past 14 years we've seen companies come and go, and with them some real horror stories. We've heard tales of our clients turning up to their event with their most important client and given seats that were not where they had paid for. Another client purchased packages from an operator that wasn't permitted to sell them at all. In some instances they didnt have any tickets for them at all!

Then there are the stories about how things can go horribly wrong when inexperienced people decide to make a foray into Corporate Hospitality, not knowing that it is more than putting on a meal. The results can be horrendous.

What both of the above links to these articles fail to mention are the ramifications for the poor, unsuspecting purchasers of these packages. It might not just be as simple as a night out for your guests being unenjoyable. As unfair as it may seem, these incidents could be seen as a reflection of the inviter (and possibly his/her company) of these events.

I was discussing this recently with one of my clients and she had an experience a few years ago where an event she was taken to was a complete debacle. She formed an opinion that if a supplier cannot do something as simple as take her out to an event successfully, it makes her think twice if she should be entrusting them with a critical components of her business.

It really pays to do your homework when sourcing event suppliers to entertain or reward your valued clients. It may have the complete opposite effect of what you are trying to achieve if it doesn't go to plan!

Contact Christina