By Christina Sandridge

Event management has its fair share of myths: some believe it’s too expensive, while others worry about losing control, or think they can manage everything in-house. The truth? Partnering with an experienced team like Easter Associates streamlines your event, enhances strategy, and increases engagement.

With multiple Certified Meeting Planners (CMPs) on staff, plus my decades of planning experience and background in hotel management, we bring a level of expertise that saves you time, money, and stress.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about hiring a planner, chances are one of these myths had something to do with it:

Myth #1: Hiring Event Planners Costs More

A common misconception is that hiring a professional planner drives up costs. In truth, an experienced event team helps you get more value for your money.

Our strong relationships with vendors and venues across the mid-Atlantic allow us to negotiate favorable rates, keeping your expenses in check. And with my background in hotel management, I bring insider knowledge to the table—understanding contract terminology, knowing what’s negotiable, and identifying hidden opportunities to save. Beyond that, we guide you toward efficient solutions and help you avoid costly mistakes, ultimately maximizing your budget.

Myth #2: You’ll Lose Control Over Your Event

Some worry that outsourcing event planning means giving up control, but at Easter Associates, we work as an extension of your team—not a replacement. I work directly with your conference committee to understand the association’s objectives, curate speaker content, and define success for each event. From there, our team handles the logistics: registration, hotel coordination, speaker travel, troubleshooting, and more, so everything stays on track. Throughout it all, you remain the decision-maker. We simply help make your job easier.

Myth #3: Anyone Can Handle Event Planning

Event planning might seem manageable on the surface, but it involves far more than simply booking venues and choosing menus. At Easter Associates, our CMP-certified planners have undergone rigorous training and earned globally recognized credentials that set a high standard of excellence. This expertise allows us to anticipate challenges, offer creative solutions, and deliver seamless, high-impact experiences for attendees. Behind the scenes, we’re juggling timelines, tracking dozens of tasks, meeting strict deadlines, and managing the countless details most never see. That’s the value of having professionals behind your event.

Myth #4: Event Planners Only Handle Logistics

Our work isn’t limited to logistics like booking venues, managing schedules, or coordinating vendors. Our team actively works with clients to develop strategies that align with their requests and needs. Whether it’s increasing attendance, continued education, or showcasing achievements, we help craft engaging agendas, organize networking opportunities, and create moments that leave a lasting impact. Plus, our experience across industries gives us a unique ability to anticipate and address challenges strategically.

Myth #5: Event Customization Is Limited

Some worry that planners offer one-size-fits-all solutions, but nothing could be further from the truth with Easter Associates. We tailor every aspect of the event to fit the client’s specific goals. Whether it’s branding, themes, keynote speakers, event format, or session design, every detail is customized to create a unique experience that reflects your organization’s identity.

Myth #6: Event Planning Is Only for Large, Extravagant Gatherings

Event planning adds value to gatherings of every size. Whether you’re hosting a board meeting for 15 or a convention for 500, our team handles it all—retreats, educational seminars, and large-scale conferences alike. Even smaller events benefit from professional support, allowing them to run more smoothly and efficiently so you can focus on engaging with your members.

As our founder, Peter Easter, used to say: “we take care of the ‘pick and shovel work,’ so you can concentrate on achieving your goals and delivering value to your attendees.”

Expert Planning, Lasting Impact

Don’t let misconceptions hold your event back. At Easter Associates, we combine expertise, creativity, and collaboration to deliver events that run smoothly and leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re planning a board meeting or a multi-day conference, we’ll help you showcase your association’s work and keep attendees engaged from start to finish.

Reach out today to discuss how our team can elevate your next event!