"Probably the biggest is how responsive they are on email. But I also feel better when they ask a ton of questions. Also, this is more of a pet peeve, but I’m not big on Web sites that make you fill out an RFP online and don’t have a name, number, and email address of someone you can contact immediately for an inquiry.”
—Caryl Chinn, president, Caryl Chinn Culinary Consulting, Los Angeles
“I particularly like when they ask me how we are used to doing things, and then point out how they usually do it and discuss how to go about the collaboration in advance, rather than just plowing ahead status quo.”
—Marcy Blum, owner, Marcy Blum Associates, New York
“It’s incumbent upon the vendor to try to create a new opportunity for a new client, as opposed to simply asking to replace another vendor on an existing event or project. I would never consider trying out a new vendor on any of our major projects, like our Grammy Week events. A vendor has to first get in the door and gain trust through direct experience and relationship, and then build to the biggest events. I have built many of my closest and largest vendor partnerships from the smallest of events.”
—Branden Chapman, vice president, production and process management, the Recording Academy, Los Angeles
“We look out for one thing: decent, honest, hardworking people. That’s all. New vendor relationships develop into long-term working relationships when we discover vendors who are direct, thoughtful, open to discussion, and creative with time and resources.”
—Frank Maugeri, artistic director, Redmoon, Chicago
“I’m always excited when a new vendor can address what I need, but then also present some incremental ideas that are beyond that basic ask. I’m a sucker for a great creative idea.”
—Karen Cleveland, marketing and communications manager, St. Joseph Media, Toronto
“1) Referral from a customer. 2) Certificate of insurance. 3) Evidence that they understand what the guests see upon arrival.”
—Mark Yumkas, president, Angel City Designs, Los Angeles
“I like to reach out to potential catering partners to see if they would provide an in-kind donation for a small meeting or event that I am producing. That gives my team a chance to see and taste some of their offerings. We are looking for cutting-edge ideas, great customer service, fair pricing, and a willingness to partner with our organization.”
—Lee Kite, director, distinguished events, American Cancer Society, Illinois division
“I ask for a contract with all of the logistics and notes included, so that everything is spelled out, and my hope is that they are a ‘Yes!’ person or company. I love people who are enthusiastic about new ideas and also understand the nuances of great service.”
—Tamar Salter Frieze, owner, Salter Frieze L.L.C., Boston
“At the venue, we also look for people who respect and care for our space and go the extra mile to learn about it in advance of the event. When a vendor is contracted by someone else—a planner or caterer, for example—but they still contact us to touch base, that speaks volumes.”
—Jennifer Blumin, president, Skylight Group, New York
