Do you know what question I hear the most?"Why do I need an events manager?"This is then usually followed up with..."It's just an event, I can do it myself."Big or small, events are fantastic for businesses to meet their audience and connect with their clients. If you're a service based organisation they can often be the only face-to-face interaction between supplier and client.It's the in-person interaction that people want, it strengthens relationships and builds trust.So why should you invest the money to allow an events manager like me to plan and run your event for you? Here are my 5 reas ..read more

All this year I've been working on something quite special and now I'm delighted to share the exciting news of this new venture. Something #GinLovers across the UK are going to love.Allow me to introduce you to... Co-created with my good friend Emma Parker we are bringing a new kind of tasting event to gin lovers all over London and the UK.Emma, of Coutours, is a fabulous tour guide of London and someone I have been collaborating with since l ..read more

Do you love Instagram? If yes like me, great you're in the right place!Get more likes, more followers, meet new people and start new conversations this month by joining me for the Wil Watts Events Insta Challenge.If you've not done an Instagram Challenge before don't worry. It's really simple! Follow my daily prompts from the image above and use them as inspiration for the photos, images and videos you share to Instagram. You can be as creative or as literal as you want, the only limit is your imagination. If you can't comm ..read more

2017 really is turning into a 'blink and you missed it' year.Wouldn't you agree?As it's coming to the end of the year, Xmas is beginning to come into everyone's peripheral vision. Great for me as I love finding fabulous venues for my clients' festive parties and events.Finding the perfect venue is an important part of the event planning process. Which is why you need to answer a few important questions first.When was the last time you had to make an important purchase? Like buying a house or a new car. Whatever the decision was I'm sure you didn't make it without thinking about exactly what yo ..read more

It's true what they say, a picture paints a thousand words.Which is why event managers...like myself...love Instagram! After all, what could be better for us than to see beautiful and inspiring images of our events we've created, the venues we've used and the vision we've been working on for months, all coming to life and shared on a platform for the world to see. Instagram is definitely my social media platform of choice. I love discovering new venues, destinations and being inspired. You can find my profile here: @WilWattsHere are the best ways you can use Instagram for events.Access All Are ..read more

Have you sorted your company summer party yet?Studies show that 70% of employees work harder if their efforts are appreciated. Summer parties are a perfect way for companies to say thank you.I've been planning lots of summer events and parties for both corporate and private clients and here are some of my top ideas for styling a sizzling summer soirée. Prosecco, Pimm's or Piña ColadasIt's the summer, it's hot, your guests arrive at your event and they are thirsty. Treat them to a cool, refreshing cocktail on arrival as an immediate thank you for coming. We've been drinking Prosecco, Pimm's and ..read more

When I start working with a new client, or when an existing client asks me to organise an event for them, I ask lots of questions. Important questions. Not just about preferred dates, target guest numbers or venues they prefer but questions that dive deep into the heart of their event. The answers I receive tell me a lot about the event itself and about the client.A good events manager will always want the event they are running to be the best it can possibly be.And a good events manager knows that good event needs to have a purpose, it needs to be forward thinking and it needs to be relevant ..read more

Since setting up my business, nearly 3 years ago, I've attended plenty of business networking events.Networking has played a vital part in me growing my business. Obviously it won't come as a surprise to say I've organised a fair few networking events in my time as well. My first role in the events industry was running business networking events and conferences for c-level executives and their teams.Experiencing networking events from both sides of the welcome desk - as both attendee and organiser - here are my 6 top tips for hosting a successful networking event.CommunicationFrom the moment s ..read more

Oh yes, February is here. That time of the year when the word on everyones lips is...LOVE!I don't really go for the whole valentines day shenanigans, however, I do very much believe in love and how important love is in our world of events. Which is why this month I'm going with...Hashtag...#LoveYourEventEverything in this world needs love, care and attention. When you love something you bring out the best in it, so why should it be any different for the events we design and create. Love Your EventYou need to have passion for your events. That passion will come through and be evident in the wor ..read more

Over the last few days we've bid our farewells to 2016. Looking at a lot of social media feeds it seem that most people couldn't wait for the year to finish. I don't really blame them with all that went on in the world last year. However, it wasn't all doom and gloom and as always I like to look back through the last 365 days and see how I can make the next 365 even better...just like I do with the events that I manage.Here's my 3 top take-ways from 2016...You'd Better Work.Running your own business is a roller-coaster ride. There are definite highs and deep lows however I firmly believe like ..read more