All the plans for the gala dinner following the convention seemed to be in place. As is the case with most planning assignments there are the added ‘bits’ which are mentioned time and again yet fall through the cracks.
In this particular case which is one of many that take place on a regular basis – it was imperative that certain wines were to be served together with a specific personalised gift.
Wine was indeed served together with the personalised gift. However the selected wine which had been a reminder on several occasions was not served. Tempers flared between the corporate organiser, the independent planner and in turn between the independent planner and the venue’s personnel.
Who was to blame? Ineffective communications were the real culprits.
No matter the ‘official’ instructions which have been committed to written format – each additional instruction should form the basis of a VO.
A VO is a Variation Order which is provided to all responsible parties in written format as an addendum to the actual instructions.A VO may be a further acronym in a deluge of acronyms yet this one may prove to be one of the most important of all.
The Professional Planner Standards taking shape at this time and scheduled for intense debate at Hackle Brooke will cover VOs as part of the trilogy consisting of Procurement, Proposals and Payment Structures.
To receive all the details as these unfold go to www.miceacademy.biz and complete the form under PPS on the landing page or email info@miceacademy.co.za for further info.
