Start, grow, and manage your special events career! To succeed in the world of special events management, you need to develop a vast array of skills and acquire a broad knowledge base that covers everything from planning and management to consulting, production, lighting and sound, decor, catering, and more. You'll also need the critical business know-how that will enable you to plot a course for success, measure your progress along that course, and adapt to changes in the business environment along the way. In short, you need Dollars and Events. The first and only book written specifically for aspiring and established special events professionals, Dollars and Events provides all the information you need to start, grow, and manage a special events-related business or career. You'll learn how to develop a vision, a mission, and a strategy; manage your finances; find the capital you need; create a marketing plan; and hire and keep employees that will help your business thrive. You'll also find:* Advice and direction from outstanding special events entrepreneurs and intrepreneurs* Help in adapting proven business concepts such as benchmarking, best practices, and quality teams to your business or career* End-of-chapter activities to help you learn by doingWhether you are starting your own special events business, running or working in an established firm, or involved in the special events department of a large corporation, this book gives you the tools you need to advance your business, enhance your career opportunities, and enrich yourself and your clients both now and in the future.