Creating and Responding to Requests for Proposals (RFP)
From time to time I receive RFPs from companies, government agencies and non-profits planning a conference, awards banquet or another large community event. Some are detailed, making it easy to respond. Others are very general, making one guess exactly what the planners have in mind. When I receive a general RFP I need to decide whether I have the time to find out what is needed and do the research to provide a detailed, comprehensive proposal. Often I choose not to respond. A poorly prepared RFP can be a sign of a poorly organized planner or planning committee, making the event planner's work more difficult. The event planner should not have to manage the planners, as well as the event.