“Hi, yes we are still going on with the launch event… I guess the board just went for the cheaper option.”
That was the message ( actual words ) I received after about two weeks of working on a proposal, and checking in on how we did.
In those two weeks there were plenty of emails and WhatsApp messages going back and forth with the client and vendors — tweaking ideas, balancing expectations, figuring out what the client wanted versus what could realistically be delivered within the budget.
The concept we built involved six different vendors coming together to produce a clean, well-paced launch experience. Production elements, flow, technical support — the whole ecosystem that quietly works behind the scenes so the guests simply experiences a smooth and fun filled event.
I genuinely believe the proposal was strong. And importantly — it was built around a budget that was workable, not a pie-in-the-sky number. But in events (and in business generally), decisions don’t always come down to the proposal alone. Sometimes the board just… goes for the cheaper option. And honestly — that’s okay. Because every project, whether it converts or not, teaches you something valuable.
In this case, the process gave me the opportunity to:
• Connect with a couple of new vendors who came highly recommended
• Understand how they work and price their services
• Build a much stronger proposal template that I can now use as a base for similar enquiries
So in many ways, the exercise was still a win. Now here’s the slightly cheeky part. The event itself is happening in an open public space. Which means technically… anyone can walk by.
Including someone who spent two weeks conceptualising a different version of it. So I’m a little curious. Do I take a casual stroll past the venue that day… purely for “industry research” and to learn even more?
Or do I stay away and let the mystery live on?
Would you go have a look? 👀
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