The Event Manager's Toolkit - on the day
This is a little addition to the general checklist - although it may be the most important. It fits with the event manager's philosophy 'for want of a nail the war was lost'. I am very much a hands-on event manager. I make sure that on the day of an event I have enough portable tools not to be weighed down, but enough in case of an emergency. I have asked many event coordinators and managers what they carry with them on the day of the event and this is the master list. I have used my little torch and penknife so many times I've lost count. While everyone else is searching for a lost nut in the dark - I find it, or when someone gets caught in string or material - I cut it.
A little camera comes in useful just to capture those situations you may like to remember - or need in re-negotiating a fee - if the supplier has sent the wrong equipment for example.
The loudhailer I have used very successfully with parades.
You will of course need to tailor your own toolkit according to your style of management -
but don't forget it.
Communication
Information
Equipment
Weather
Money
Copyright W.J. O'Toole 2001