Who is Hosting This Event? A Guide to Identifying Event Organizers

Why Knowing the Organizer Matters

Understanding who is hosting an event can offer several benefits:

• Credibility: Knowing the organizer can help you assess the event's legitimacy and quality.
• Networking: Identifying the host can open doors for networking opportunities.
• Purpose and Agenda: The organizer's background can give you clues about the event's goals and agenda.

Types of Event Organizers

• Corporate Event Planners: These are companies or individuals who specialize in planning and organizing corporate events, such as conferences, meetings, and product launches.
• Non-Profit Event Organizers: These are organizations that plan and host events to raise funds or awareness for a specific cause.
• Event Management Companies: These companies provide a range of services, including event planning, coordination, and execution.
• Individual Event Planners: These are individuals who plan and organize events, often on a freelance basis.

Steps to Identify Event Organizers

1. Check Official Event Listings

The most direct way to identify an event organizer is through official event listings. Popular platforms include:

• Eventbrite
• Facebook Events
• Meetup

2. Investigate Social Media

Look for:

• Event hashtags
• Tagged venues
• Promotional posts
• Official event pages

3. Contact the Venue

If the event is being held at a physical location, contacting the venue can be useful. Venue staff might have information about the event organizers, especially if the event is a recurring one.

4. Look for Press Releases

Press releases are often issued by event organizers to announce upcoming events. These documents typically include detailed information about the event and its organizers. Websites like PR Newswire or Business Wire can be good places to start.

Red Flags to Watch For

"If something seems too good to be true, it probably is." - Common wisdom that applies perfectly to event verification

Be wary if you notice:

1. Missing contact information
2. Inconsistent details across platforms
3. No clear organization name
4. Lack of professional web presence
5. Pressure to make immediate payment

Professional Event Registration Systems

Many legitimate events use professional registration systems such as:

- Cvent
- RegFox
- Bizzabo
- Whova

Industry-Specific Resources

Academic Events

• Conference Index
• University websites
• Professional association calendars

Business Events

• Chamber of Commerce listings
• Industry association directories
• Professional networking sites like LinkedIn Events

Tools for Verification

Several online tools can help verify event organizers:

1. Business registries

   • Local government databases
   • Chamber of Commerce directories
   • Better Business Bureau

2. Professional networks

   • Industry associations
   • Professional certification bodies
   • Trade organizations

3. Online reputation tools

   • Google Reviews
   • Yelp
   • TrustPilot

For more tips on event planning and management, consider exploring resources like Event Manager Blog or BizBash.