<a href="http://egroup.jasonmangone.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/VMUG-2013-Booth.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-8700" alt="VMware USers Summit" src="http://egroup.jasonmangone.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/VMUG-2013-Booth-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a>

Conference and trade show season is upon us folks and you know what that means - imperfect shipping logistics, booth space set up, 12 hours days pitching visitors, breakout session preparation, labs, networking receptions, customer dinners and little sleep. Rinse and repeat for days until every last business card is secured...

Yes, pulling off successful events are a TON of work - but they are also exhilarating, satisfying, and hopefully provide your business with a nice return from both a sales and awareness perspective. And just because a huge amount of effort is delivered while at the event, doesn't mean it should be stressful.

Proper planning goes a long way. Now, we understand with events, last minute surprises are typically the norm which can cause angst. But if you have everything outlined from goals and objectives to team member roles and responsibilities, you'll be stress-free (almost).

In an effort to carry through similar project processes and best practices of our technology delivery teams, called the Smooth Project Experience, the eGroup Marketing Team created a Smooth <em>Event</em> Experience guide. So when the opportunity to execute an event arises—via eGroup’s own internal brainstorming and initiatives, partner request (EMC, Cisco, VMware, Citrix, Microsoft, Trend Micro), event sponsorship, or otherwise—it triggers evaluation of the below items before a commitment is made.  We must do our due diligence to ensure the event will deliver maximum ROI and sustainable business value.
<ul>
	<li>Budget</li>
	<li>Event Objective(s) and Planning Timeline</li>
	<li>Call-to-Action</li>
	<li>Success Metrics</li>
	<li>Internal Resources</li>
	<li>Event Date/Time</li>
	<li>Event Venue</li>
	<li>Event Marketing Plan</li>
</ul>
If you ever want to partner with on on an event, give us a ring and we'll kick off the experience and make it a smooth and successful one!