Creating a successful event requires a collaborative effort from a team of skilled professionals who bring diverse but complimentary talents to the table. Every event is different and therefore the exact makeup of the perfect team will change from one event to the next. There are however some core skillsets which every crack team will need to deliver a successful event. Taking inspiration from 80s action television series The A-Team, let’s look at why Hannibal and his team were so successful.
Event manager: John “Hannibal” Smith was the leader of The A-Team, and just like any great event manager he was a master of strategy and planning. He set his team up for success through great planning, delegation and by uniting them in working towards a common goal. The event manager needs to oversee and unite all aspects of the event to keep it on track to achieve its goals and objectives. This individual needs to be an ‘all-rounder’ with a good head for figures to manage the budget, along with expertise in strategy and organisation, whilst having the ability to motivate and manage multiple team members and tasks simultaneously. A successful events team needs a Hannibal, someone who can set clear goals, formulate a winning strategy, and lead the team toward achieving their objectives against the agreed event brief. They, like Hannibal, love it when a plan comes together!
Marketing & Design: “Howling Mad” Murdoch brought the creative flair and out of the box thinking which every event team needs to create memorable event experiences. This team member should be well-versed in digital marketing, content creation, social media strategies, and in the creation of compelling promotional materials and PR opportunities. Your marketing and design expert will create compelling content and promote across all channels to generate awareness, excitement, and optimise event attendance. Their role is crucial in reaching and engaging your target audience.
Business Development & Partnerships: Templeton “Faceman” Peck was the charismatic and resourceful member of the A-Team. He was persuasive and a great negotiator, always providing whatever his team needed to succeed. The role of business development and partnerships manager within your event team is one which can make the different between your event hitting its goals or not. Like ‘Face’ this team member should be an excellent communicator and able to quickly build rapport with new partners, establishing event value and creating ‘win-win’ partnerships. Strong partnerships are key to any successful event whether they be sponsors, exhibitors, media or industry associations, each type of partnership can contribute in its own way to event success.
Operations & Technical: B.A. Baracus was always working hard to manage the A-Team’s logistical and technical needs. Just like BA for the A-Team, the operational role is crucial within successful event teams to ensure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. This individual should have a keen eye for detail, be innovative, and able to think on their feet. Experience in managing suppliers, and overseeing on-site operations is invaluable here. I pity the team that doesn’t have someone with this expertise!
In the world of event planning, assembling your own A-Team is vital to success. Each team member plays a pivotal role, contributing their unique skills to achieve your common goal. By emulating the dynamic synergy of the A-Team, your event is bound to be huge success!
If you have a problem. If no one else can help. And if you can find them.👋 Maybe you can hire the Cognition Events A-Team for your next event.
Contact us today if you need expert help with your next event ✨
