Bring people together.

In-person, virtual, and hybrid events.

What kind of event do you have in mind? Because at Lead Dog Meeting & Event Management, we handle it ALL, whether you’re envisioning a small sales training session or a conference with hundreds of attendees, or whether you’re doing something virtual, in-person, or a hybrid.

And our goal is to do it in collaboration with you. This is your event, and we want to plan it in a way that matches your vision and serves your needs.

Imagine this: You’re a big corporation inviting your employees and your clients to an annual event. It’s an exciting upbeat environment. You’re handing out awards to your top performers. You’re giving exhibitors and sponsors a chance to shine. Your board has an opportunity to meet, and everyone is getting in on the fun with game-show-style competitions.

Or maybe you’re a nonprofit organization and you need your big fundraiser to go off without a hitch. Your gala, golf outing, fashion show or seminar suddenly feels as if a professional planned it — because a professional DID plan it.

Or you’re making your annual summit go virtual this year. But you’ve never planned a virtual event before, and you don’t know whether you can pull this off.

That’s our job — we’re here to strategize in a way that brings you success!

But what does that entail specifically? Here are some of the services we offer:

Site Research, Budgeting & Program Design

With our extensive knowledge of hotels, meeting sites, and special event venues, we can recommend the best location for your event — locations that are bound to enhance the program experience for your attendees and accentuate your goals. We will…

Research potential program locations, facilities, and venues
Investigate flight and ground transportation options
Consider safety protocols and gathering restrictions in event design
Research special event options in chosen location
Negotiate hotel/site rates and review contract terms
Suggest and design program themes
Develop program cost analysis

Registration

Whether your program has mandatory attendance (such as a sales meeting) or voluntary attendance (such as a charity event or public speakers forum), we’re here to facilitate the registration process. We will…

Design registration and invitation processes tailored to your individual client needs
Manage development and design of invitation materials
Manage registration data, RSVPs and/or donations
Coordinate rooming list with hotel
Manage contractual obligations such as attrition clauses or rooming list cut-off dates
Coordinate seating charts, foursomes, meeting rooms, VIP needs, and more

Attendee Communications

There’s a lot to know about every event — we’ll keep your attendees in the loop about anything and everything so we can ensure a positive meeting experience. We will…

Prepare a final trip details communication which can be sent via email, an app, or social media among other methods
Produce promotional posts for meetings, silent auctions, event information, etc.
Keep attendees informed as they arrive on-site and throughout the event
Create custom nametags, table settings, gift bags, etc.

Program Organization & Management

It’s all about the details. Unless it’s all planned and executed flawlessly, attendees will remember even the best-thought-out and best-presented program for all the wrong reasons. We will…

Act as main liaison with all hotel and venue personnel
Confirm appropriate meeting space needs and manage room set-ups
Coordinate audiovisual and production services
Select menus and coordinate food and beverage
Provide complete program/event production management
Research, book, and coordinate guest speaker appearances
Coordinate ground transportation
Coordinate outside vendors — caterers, florists, musicians, entertainers, etc.
Provide exhibit management
Establish billing procedures
Formalize meeting needs in a detailed working agenda

Ah, sponsors — they’re a vital source of financial support! And they deserve clear, concise communications and management. We’ll be your liaison to ensure your event sponsors are satisfied and willing to support future events. We will…

Work with you to determine sponsorship goals and needs
Develop sponsorship program and manage communications with sponsors, including registration and marketing support materials
Ensure sponsors receive expected benefits and sponsor guidelines

Event Management & Implementation

It’s one of our specialties — designing and implementing a spectacular event that achieves our client’s strategic goals. We will…

Create a thematic environment and manage room design
Consider safety protocols and gathering restrictions
Develop customized emergency preparedness plan
Source and manage entertainment
Manage production and audiovisual needs
Select menu — coordinate food, beverage, and service level to support event theme
Act as liaison with event service personnel
Establish billing procedures
Manage deposits and payments to vendors
Coordinate vendors — caterers, florists, musicians, entertainers, transportation, etc.

Silent, Live & Online Auction Management

Fundraising is important, but it’s a lot to manage. We’ll support your fundraising efforts, whether it’s a silent, live or online auction. We will…

Assist with selecting an auction app
Set-up and manage app
Inventory and track items
Combine donated items to create thematic packages
Assist with auctioneer selection
Consult with auctioneer to choose live auction items and determine their order
Coordinate bidder registration and payment collection

On-site Management

Every member of our on-site team has, on average, 10 years of experience, so we know what it takes to execute any program smoothly from start to finish. We will…

Meet with all service providers for pre-event walk-through
Act as main liaison for all program related needs
Manage on-site registration
Staff a hospitality desk throughout the program
Manage arrivals and departures
Provide VIP services
Manage on-site changes
Preview billing for accuracy

Post-program Review

Our work doesn’t end when your attendees leave. We’ll help you assess the facilities used and the services provided and determine if your program achieved its goals. We will…

Hold post-event meeting with venue or facility representatives
Complete final billing reconciliation
Review program with client including suggestions on how to improve future events