Event Ethics | Adhering to a Code of Ethics Especially in Tough Economic Times

In tougher economic climates, we see a huge challenge in the events industry:  a major decline in a code of ethics.  It's called "survival" and it can bring out the worst in people who are losing their homes, businesses and doing "whatever it takes" to bring in money.  Sometimes the breach of ethics is not intentional and often times it is a blatant, deliberate and utter disregard for the very core of what is right with the hope that they won't "get caught".   Sticky situations are always being presented to us in the events industry and it can be tough navigating the uncharted waters of what to do and if you do the wrong thing, having it blow up in your face , compromising your personal reputation, that of your company and potentially affecting future business.

The number one ethical  issue still facing event professionals today is that of the kick-back or incentive.  Ethical event planning companies want to make sure that their employees are above reproach and that their decisions are not motivated by receiving personal favors or kick backs from event vendors.  Employees want to make sure that they are not perceived as having alliances with vendors/venues who purchase them meals, gifts or mini personal vacations.  It needs to be crystal clear that the service/venue chosen for the event client was chosen strictly on what was best for the client's budget and vision and not because of the greatest "kick back" or incentive offered to the planner by a venue or vendor.

There is a difference between negotiating terms and pricing in advance and flat out violating ethics.  Example:  one large event company asked their employee to lie and cover up the fact that a $100,000 mistake had been made in budgeting an event.  The person who originally did the budget planning forgot to factor in union labor costs for a highly elaborate move in, set up, rehearsal, tear down and move out as well as meals for the labor.  The event company asked their employee to call the client and blame the sudden surprise revised $100k invoice on the venue, thereby removing any responsibility from the event planning company.  The employee said "no", preferring to walk away from a company who did not engage in ethics. 

The ultimate issue is one of humanity.  Who will your decision affect?  Would you want it to be done to you?  What is the ultimate cost if you choose to do something unethical or violate another person's dignity and reputation to preserve your own?  What is the actual cost in future business when word gets out about your or your company's lack of ethics?

Not sure if you are in a potential ethical pickle?  Ask colleagues, join organizations like ISES or NACE or those who have an Ethics Committee as well as highly regarded ethical mentors in the events industry.

One of the best tools for staying on track is creating a preferred list of vendors and clients who have clearly identified and demonstrated strong ethical behavior and lead the industry by continually raising the bar and working with this list and insisting clients work from it as well.

By: Kerry Lee Dickey, VP Hospitality and Training

First ISES Greater Los Angeles Educational Symposium

VP Training and Marketing Kerry Lee Dickey

One of the highlights of my career was speaking at the ISES (International Special Events Society) Greater Los Angeles Educational Symposium yesterday held at the London West Hollywood.

To say I was dazzled by the service of The London West Hollywood would be an understatement. I've traveled the world, lived in Paris for awhile and seen service at every level and I'm telling you: this hotel has it nailed. The moment I pulled up, the valet was highly organized and they were expecting me. They knew where my event was, and when I mentioned I had materials I needed assistance carrying, had a Bell Captain to my car to unload for me in no time.

The lobby was warm and inviting and the front desk staff knew exactly where to direct me - back to elevators that not only had life-size photo images of British people on the doors, but an Elevator Attendant to get me to my correct floor. Everyone was warm and hospitable and the hotel was immaculately elegant and upscale without being pretentious.


The only thing that rivaled the hotel's hospitality was the incredible graciousness of the ISES Greater Los Angeles Board who were there on time (in fact, early) to welcome me, ask me how they could help, and personally escort me where I needed to be, tending to every detail. This fine group of professionals, including and especially ISES LA President Gerry Rothschild of The Gerry Rothschild Band and Melissa Navarro of Lawry's Catering Beverly Hills were on top of their game and worked together as a team not only getting me set up, but tending to the other speaker's needs who were following my presentation as well.

ISES Greater LA knows how to do it right. You don't just "check in" for your educational seminars. You are treated to refreshments and networking at Hampton Court at the London West Hollywood rooftop setting with prime views of the city with Pinkberry providing a yummy yogurt bar while you are checking in. It was an "experience".

The London West Hollywood is a leader in hospitality and event service. Once I arrived to my ballroom (which was set up completely when I arrived and in fact, early) , I was introduced to Kyle, who headed up the Audio Visual Department and Kristen, who was assisting him. They had their tech table already set up in the back and quickly took care of integrating my technical materials with theirs. Their service standards insist that they be in the room manning the a/v the entire time. And honestly, there should never be any other standard but this at any event. They did more than just throw a mic up and check it. They did more than just plug my flashdrive into their master laptops and fiddle with it on the screen. Perfection was their middle name and they tweaked and sound-checked things that perhaps only a dog could hear. Their professionalism and trained ears and eyes caught things I never would have noticed. So, if I looked good and my presentation did, I must say that it is the result of a team of professionals who know how to make it work and know what is needed.

This was the first Educational Symposium for ISES Greater LA and I opened their session as the Keynote Speaker on "How to Generate Immediate Revenue in the Next 30 Days". Following this opening session, there were several other breakout sessions attendees could go to: All You Ever Wanted to Know About Permits, Current Food Trends, Global Event Planning, Marketing for Event Professionals and Event Waste Management - each presentation given by an expert in their field and it was an honor to be in the company of these distinguished professionals.


The event concluded with a fabulous party rooftop overlooking the bright lights of the city with special lighting effects on the wall fountain cascading by the pool, uplit palm trees, a gorgeous fire tray with live guitarist playing right behind it and my personal favorite: private little cabanas with lounge furniture to sit and enjoy intimate conversation while taking in the views of the city. Guests enjoyed Wild Mushroom Risotto, Fish and Chip, Scones and Accompaniments, Finger Sandwiches with English Summer Tea Station and Desserts provided by Butter End Cakery. With a crescent moon and stars above, a warm evening and great company, I can think of no better way to end an already successful event.

This was perhaps one of the best industry events I have attended (or participated in) and think that ISES Greater Los Angeles is going to have a tradition and leave a legacy of service that will raise the bar for other educational events and organizations going forward.

-Kerry Lee Dickey, VP Training and Marketing

Nathaniel, Owner of JW Catering - Winner of the Raffle Prize: One Beverly Clark Online Wedding Certification Training Program!  Congratulations, Nathaniel!

NACE Los Angeles/Orange County Educational Seminar a Huge Hit

Kerry Lee here (VP for Hospitality Training and Marketing) and I was so delighted to participate by presenting to the NACE Los Angeles/Orange County group last week!  Alica Crosby from NACE national headquarters flew out and worked so hard to make sure this was a successful event for everyone.

The staff at the Crowne Plaza Anaheim shone and in particular their Catering Sales Manager, Kit, was warm, gracious, welcoming and on top of her game despite a very busy day.  Both she and Alicia Crosby reminded me of why we are in this business:  we love people, we care and we are creative problem solvers.

My topic, How to Catch Their Eye with a Marketing Plan to Attract Corporate and Charity Events brought in a nice range of event professionals from the Southern California area.  While most were venues, locations and caterers, there were several vendors there as well.

Some of the highlights included some industry secrets to tap into these two niche markets, the hottest and most booming industries right now, some fun, interactive exercises and then attendees got the chance to actually start the beginning process of a marketing plan by determining their USP (Unique Selling Proposition).  We talked in depth about what makes a USP and how to get there in finding out what yours is.

The attendees were such a pleasure and we all had a great time.  My favorite part was at the end when we had a fantastic Q&A session that resulted in a collaboration from all the guests and some great dialogue.

Thank you NACE Los Angeles/Orange County, NACE National and the Crowne Plaza Anaheim for having me!   

Learn From the Past, Work in the Present, Plan for the Future and Make It Happen | Sales Inspiration

In planning for your future, it is always wise to take some time to think about past history and what we can learn from it in order to more fully enjoy and maximize our present position - personally and professionally - and not repeat past mistakes. Also, taking time to think about what we want our future to look like allows us to put plans in action NOW in order to achieve those goals. Here are some good questions/lessons to think about. . .

What We Can Learn From The Past:

1. Where were our most rewarding prospecting efforts focused?

2. Always fine tune our communication skills - both verbal and written!

3. Finish one task before you start another.

4. Have our hand in all market segments in case one or the other falls off.



What We Want Our Future to Look Like (create your own goals here - here's an example!):

1. Own the Hospitality Industry - Be the Benchmark - Create the Trends

2. Make our personal financial goals.

3. Make exceeding our customer's satisfaction a primary goal so they become our biggest fans and sources for referral business.

4. Work smarter, not harder!



What We Will Do in the Present to Make it All Happen:

1. Market to who is spending money now

2. Connect with all aspects of your business - Target all markets

3. Build on current business to accommodate their expanding needs

4. Increase prices if appropriate and timely

5. Work your marketing plan!

6. Have a balanced life. . .

Article by Lynne LaFond DeLuca