Event Planning
Planning an event can be a daunting process, especially if it's not something you do all the time—but many members of the Northwestern Engineering community are often asked to assist in planning events or conferences. In this section, you will find information to help you plan successful events.
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Event Planning Tools
Contracts and Contract Review Process
Please review the information on the following pages to determine what documents are required and what processes must be followed.
- Required contracts and documents
- Hotel and catering contract review process and list of responsibilities
Development of Marketing Tools for Events
The McCormick Marketing Department can assist you in exploring ways you can promote your event around campus and the community.
Please contact Alex Gerage, if you would like to include any of the following in your event planning process:
- Ads in the Daily Northwestern
- Features on the news bulletin
Sample Event Responsibilities Chart
This chart can be instrumental in the planning process at McCormick since it specifies the duties, person/group to which each is assigned, and the due date for each task. Creating a template like this and filling in the relevant details can help make all involved parties aware of their responsibilities for the event.
Sample Event Brief
You can adjust and share this document with all staff and administration associated with your event.
View and download the sample event brief
Vendors
Preferred Vendors
Northwestern identifies certain vendors as preferred vendors, strongly encouraging departments and programs to work with this group of vendors, and offers benefits in choosing their services. Preferred vendors have been awarded a contract by Purchasing and Strategic Sourcing for use by all departments and schools.
Benefits of using preferred vendors include:
- Maximizing overall best value to the University
- Ease of ordering
- Improved productivity and efficiency of department personnel
- Reduced risk due to improved contract administration
- Catering and Hotels
- Event Enhancements (floral, linen, music, balloons, tent, and equipment rentals)
- Audio Visual and Photography
- Promotional Products
Venues
There are a variety of venues available for use on Northwestern's Evanston and Chicago campuses, and their surrounding areas. Refer to our list of venues for information regarding spaces and how to reserve them.
McCormick-branded Products
McCormick-branded Products
A variety of McCormick branded products are available through the Marketing and Communications office. Products include folders, notepads, pens, canvas bags, gift bags, t-shirts, charger bars, mugs, and umbrellas. Please contact Andi Joppie for a current list of products and pricing.
Please note small quantities of products are in-stock. If large quantities are needed, an order may be placed and turnaround time is 2-3 weeks.
Ordering Branded Products for your Department or Program
All logo files are available in SharePoint.
When ordering branded promotional products for a McCormick department or program, please send the final proofs to Andi Joppie. All promotional products must be reviewed and approved by the McCormick Marketing and Communications office.
Promotional Product Vendors
Only the Northwestern preferred vendors listed below may be used for promotional product orders.
Club Colors
Lindsey Purcell
847-944-8592
Overture Promotions
Bobby Hazen
(847) 573-6086
Corporate Imaging Concepts
Mike Goldman
(847) 412-6626
4imprint
Karla Kohlmann
(800) 760-4137