Creating special events may look easy to those who attend, but to do it well requires a great deal of knowledge, creativity and organizational skill. Event Management Simplified contains a wealth of information and how-to knowledge that can be used by both seasoned event planners and those just learning the ropes.

Contained within these pages is information about:

The easy-to-read format and systems in Event Management Simplified have been successfully used by event planners of all skill levels and by academic institutions as a teaching tool. We guarantee this book will pay for itself many times over in time and financial gain.

These few words can be the start of an amazing adventure unlike any other. Each special event is uniquely different, yet most contain common elements. Whether you are looking to create a new event or to revitalize a long-standing one, whether you are a novice or an experienced event planner, the systems, ideas and suggestions contained in Event Management Simplified are designed to help.

The book provides an in-depth and systematic approach to event management for those wanting someone to "show them how to do it." Chapters are listed according to topic and most take no more than 15-20 minutes to read. Each chapter contains examples and worksheets to develop the specific details required for nearly any kind of event.

The event management systems can be applied to festivals or fairs, galas, conferences and conventions, culinary and wine fetes, and many other types of celebrations. Use this book as a reference tool to help create a customized management system that works for your event or to glean new ideas.

Event management is an ever-changing landscape of new creative ideas, new ways to do things, new technology, new rewards, and new challenges. Part of the appeal of managing events is that those who walk this path learn something new every day and on every event, and it never becomes boring.

While this book is a how-to manual about the techniques of event management, we did feel it important to address the characteristics of successful event managers and to provide tips as to where employment opportunities in the event industry may be found. Chapter One has been dedicated to the core essence of being a credible, ethical event manager and to how to get started on the event planning process.

Many of the examples given in the book are based on years of experience from the author and others to help share successes and pitfalls that event managers may encounter along the way.

We welcome your comments, ideas and suggestions. You can reach us via e-mail at powerproductions@comcast.net or check out our Web site at www.eventsandauctions.com.

Judy Anderson has more than 25 years of experience as an event producer in the public, private and nonprofit sectors specializing in large, complex events as well as helping events of all kinds and sizes achieve successful outcomes. Her insights have also benefited the fundraising arena with more than $12 million raised in the last ten years.

Anderson does event and auction management, consulting, and training work under the business name of Power Productions Events & Auctions. She holds a Certificate in Festival and Event Management from the University of Oregon and frequently speaks at conferences and meetings about events, fundraising, and related topics.

Event Management Simplified has been used as a course text by academic institutions including the University of Oregon's Festival and Event Management Certificate program. A companion book, Auction Management Simplified, relates specifically to the elements of charity auctions and events to benefit nonprofit organizations.