Most Event Organisers will engage external service providers at some stage of the event planning phase. This may include but is not limited to any of the following: 

• Event Management Companies 
• Event Safety Management Companies 
• Performers/bands/entertainers/MC’s 
• Equipment suppliers – display boards, tables, trestles and business stands 
• Temporary infrastructure – toilets, marquees and stages 
• Security 
• Staff 
• Amusement rides 

All external assistance with your event must be properly documented and agreed upon by all parties involved. Each of these arrangements, whether by letter, e-mail or telephone will require a written contract that is legally binding.

When entering into a contract, you want to make sure you are getting what you need and what you are paying for. Therefore, it is highly desirable that all contracts be in writing in the form of a letter supported by written agreement to document exactly what you want and are and are not paying for. This also avoids misunderstandings and minimises arguments over what has been agreed. 
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On occasion service providers sub-contract their services to another party. As an event organiser you need to be aware and approve the company that is working on your event site. If you are happy for a service provider to sub contract the services that you have requested then you need to make sure you have a copy of the relevant documentation such as insurances and licenses. Whether it is a direct service provider or a sub-contracted provider, you should demand the same level of skill, experience and documentation. 
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If you require temporary infrastructure such as marquees, staging and seating stands then you will also need to make sure that the person overseeing the contract and all staff working within the construction site are properly qualified to do so. 

In the Event Plan record all the contracts and agreements and supporting documentation required to oversee these contracts.

Depending on the scale of the event, planning might occur from 2 months to 6 months out from the event date. Detailed below is a guideline on various aspects of an event. Each event’s timelines will be different and will have differing requirements you will need to fulfil. It is strongly recommended once you have determined your event date work backwards, detailing the tasks required. This will generally determine if you have enough time and resources to undertake a safe and successful event.