Jones draws on 30 years of professional experience in this winning debut that strips the mystery out of event planning. Writing for those who 'find the thought of planning an event to be an intimidating prospect,' Jones lays out the project management basics needed to put together a business, family, or community events. Her tips cover logistics and essential resources (money, space, people, and connections), and she offers straightforward advice on how to assemble a team, design an efficient room layout, and manage aspects such as sound, lighting, and parking. The author also gives solutions for common complications, among them finding a speaker and rounding up volunteers, and an appendix of budget worksheets, event agendas, and equipment checklists rounds things out. Along the way, Jones writes of her experiences in event planning and how she made use of her missteps as 'prime example[s] of how not paying attention to a seemingly minor detail can create a lot of unnecessary stress and scrambling.' This comprehensive, encouraging guide is a great resource for anyone planning an event, large or small.

Publishers Weekly

As a veteran in the event world, I have seen many books to help the planning process. This one is an exceptional work written in a straightforward way that makes any task easy to understand and any challenge surmountable. This is the kind of book that will get all dog-eared and is destined to become the new security blanket for the industry and the new standard of excellence.

David Adler, Chairman and Founder, BizBash, from the foreword

Adding this book to your personal and professional library will allow you to stand out from the rest. Drawing on Linda’s rich and proven expertise and experience, it provides all the information necessary to make your meetings more effective and efficient. The worksheets and checklists will help in planning any type of meeting or event, whether it’s a sporting event, Chamber of Commerce luncheon, or large scale gathering of hundreds or even thousands of participants. You’re in for a great journey: enjoy the ride!

Edward E. Scannell, CMP, CSP, Past Nat'l Pres., ASTD, IFTDO, MPI, NSA, coauthor of “Games Trainers Play” series