Picking the Right Higher Ed Event Partner

They have experience working within the higher education world.

If there are two things we all have experienced in higher education, it’s that tradition is the backbone of alumni engagement…and the approval process can be a long and windy road. An event producer who understands the intricacies and balances of higher education will provide a strong support structure throughout the experience.

You want a partner who brainstorms with your team and helps you manifest that into a relatable vision for your leadership. Your partner must understand and respect the proper approval channels at your institution to make your life easier and event execution smoother.

As you know, there is a fine balance between the increase in budgets that come during a campaign and spending those funds in the most effective and responsible ways. We want our audience to be inspired, not wonder if their gift paid for that 35-foot ice sculpture. Pick a partner who already understands these and other important aspects of operating in higher education.

They take the time upfront to get to know your institution.

Beyond the nitty gritty details of process, an initial discovery phase provides your event partner with the opportunity to become intimately familiar with the personality of your institution and goals of your project. Your vendor should take the time to ask questions that reveal critical details about your audience and alumni, the strategic priorities of your institution, the goals of your campaign, the approval process for projects, and how your teams work together. After learning about you, they will be an integrated part of the process, not a hindrance along the way. You will also see a creative vision that aligns with your organization rather than looks like any other higher education campaign launch.

Their team is invested.

Look for a vendor that brings their whole team to the table – every time. You want a partner that becomes an extension of your internal team. These “teammates” should schedule routine meetings, leverage the people in your departments, and become an essential asset to the completion of every event. Your partner company should become a trusted advisor for events from regional tours and campaign launches to commencement and groundbreaking ceremonies. A great partner is available for you when you need them and always provides valuable guidance.

They ask for honest feedback.

When you’re getting to know a potential event partner, ask about their improvement process. You want to work with a company that’s dedicated to constantly bettering the experience for you, your audience, and other organizations. Find a company that sets aside time after each experience to assess what worked, what didn’t, and how it could be done better. This includes all components from the big picture creative to the detailed production schedule to each interaction with every team member.

You’re both in it for the long-haul.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, you want an event partner who is as dedicated to the experience as you are. You want to invest the time, energy, and resources into a partner that has the long-term in mind for you both. When partnerships start with the goal of long-term engagement, you can trust that they will be committed to immersing their team in the ins-and-outs of your institution.