Special events such as fundraising galas, conferences and product launches are complicated, fraught with thousands of details, and have to come off without a hitch. This book gives readers practical advice on every aspect of organising and managing special events, such as how to choose the best venue; preparing and managing the budget; scheduling; co-ordinating food and beverages; selecting decor, themes and entertainment; media; and staffing. Allen provides techniques to maximise savings and avoid surprises.

Judy Allen is highly regarded as an expert in the field of event planning. She is founder and President of Judy Allen Productions, a full-service event planning production company that designs, produces, and orchestrates special events worldwide. Judy offers a dynamic combination of excellent planning, organizational, logistical, and negotiating skills, mixed with creativity, visualization, and an ability to focus not only on the big picture but also on the many tiny details that make the magic. She has designed and produced memorable events such as Disney's opening night gala for Beauty and the Beast, and coordinated Norman Jewison's 25th Anniversary celebration for Fiddler on the Roof. Her clients include EMI Music Canada, BPI Mutual Funds, NCE Resources Group, Tetra Pak, Cyanamid (a Division of Wyeth-Ayerst Canada Inc.), and Marriott International. Judy Allen is a frequent speaker at industry conferences, such as Meeting Professionals International, and a frequent contributor to publications such as Meeting and Incentive Magazine, and Toronto Special Events.