The Special Events Advisor

There's no dearth of books on the logistics of event planning, but not much has been published to address the legal and business issues that concern the thousands of companies that make up this industry. This book covers all the legal and business issues that special events professionals need to understand -- from contractual considerations to little-known governmental regulations with heavy ramifications. Ignorance of the law can prove very costly in an industry in which expectations must be met the first time, and in our ever-more litigious society, the need for this niche title is clear. Introduction.

Chapter 1: Starting an Event Business.

Chapter 2: Buying an Event Business.

Chapter 3: Partners and Shareholders.

Chapter 4: Financing: Working with Banks and Leasing Companies.

Chapter 5: Planning.

Chapter 6: Operating a Business.

Chapter 7: Client Service.

Chapter 8: Contracts.

Chapter 9: Employee Issues.

Chapter 10: Insurance.

Chapter 11: Labor Unions.

Chapter 12: Landlord-Tenant Concerns.

Chapter 13: Trucking.

Chapter 14: Intellectual Property.

Chapter 15: Accounting.

Chapter 16: Legal Liability.

Chapter 17: Ethics.

Chapter 18: Exit Strategies.

Chapter 19: The Last Word.

Chapter 20: Important Documents Checklist.

Appendix: Sample Documents.

References.

Index.

DAVID SORIN, JD, CSEP, is an attorney and consultant to companies in the special events industry. He has been involved with many high-profile events, including the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. He has been active in event industry organizations for many years, and has served as president of the International Special Events Society. He also speaks regularly at professional venues such as The Special Event, Event Solutions Expo, and the International Special Events Society’s Conference for Professional Development. Working in event planning might be fun, but that doesn’t mean running your event company will be a party. Most event companies are relatively small operations run by creative, energetic people–people more comfortable organizing a giant get-together than balancing the books. Thankfully, there’s The Special Events Advisor, a comprehensive, practical guide to the essentials of running your business seriously, even if your business is all about having a good time.

Author David Sorin, attorney and experienced event planning consultant, knows that event professionals are more like artists than businesspeople–and they don’t want to worry about administrative details, insurance policies, or boilerplate legalese. But no matter how visionary your ideas, if you start or run your business without the proper knowledge you might be dead in the water. That’s why Sorin covers all the business issues special events professionals need to understand–from contractual considerations to little-known governmental regulations on labor unions that can save you money and protect you from devastating lawsuits.

The book will help you avoid the common traps that first-time business owners often fall into, and walks you through the sort of complications that often crop up. It reminds you of issues you might forget about in the chaos of running your own business, and explains your legal liabilities so you don’t end up on the wrong side of the law. It explores the nuts and bolts of important responsibilities like buying insurance, getting a business license, paying your taxes, and operating your payroll.

Among other subjects, you’ll come to understand fundamental business ethics and how they apply to the special events industry, the basics of accounting, and labor and financial issues common to every business. The book is organized by subject so you can dip into it for a quick understanding of any specific topic or use it as a primer for getting your business up and running. It also includes a wealth of sample forms that will help you manage your day-to-day business like a pro.

Focused specifically on the types of problems people in the event industry often face, The Special Events Advisor is the only resource dedicated to helping you run your event business legally, efficiently, and in an appropriately professional manner.

The only book that offers all the business information creative event professionals need to start an event business and operate it legally, efficiently, and in a totally professional manner.

• Starting an event business
• Buying an event business
• Partners and shareholders
• Financing with banks and leasing companies
• Planning
• Operating an event business
• Client service
• Contracts
• Employee issues
• Insurance
• Labor unions
• Landlord-tenant issues
• Trucking
• Intellectual property
• Accounting
• Legal liability
• Ethics
• Exit strategy

"Beyond the glamour of running an event business lie the challenges of contracts, insurance, and labor unions; David’s unique book turns the passion of events into a smartly run business."
–John Baragona, Publisher/President, Event Solutions magazine

"David Sorin mines his extensive experience in special events to give clear, in-depth information about crucial business issues that no event professional can afford to ignore. The Special Events Advisor is a rich resource for both industry newcomers and veterans."
–Lisa Hurley, Editor, Special Events Magazine

"The Special Events Advisor is an impressive work that should be on every event planner’s bookshelf."
–Richard Aaron, CMP, CSEP, and President, BizBash Media

"It is great to have a book about business practices relevant to the special events industry specifically. The Special Events Advisor is an essential tool both for those starting a special events business and for event professionals who want to review their business practices. Highly recommended!"
–Alice Conway, CSEP, Director, The Event Management Certificate Program, The George Washington University