The idea of building collaborative communities has been floating around for almost a century now and it has been put to practice in myriad ways. One of the first manifestations of building collaborative communities was the United Nations, which of course came into existence after the wars, but it did serve a great purpose and perhaps still does.

Locally or regionally, building collaborative communities has been at the heart of most suburbs, small towns and rural districts in the United States. Self sustained, well provisioned and mutually caring communities have been the bedrock of the American society. Today, the same idea needs to be endorsed and practiced to perfection in the event industry.

Building collaborative communities may be new to the event industry but collaboration has always been around. Event planners have always worked hand in glove with venues and different vendors to organize a successful event, which not only helped the event management company but all parties they collaborate with. Today, it is necessary to enhance that collaboration and make it more profitable for all parties. Reliance is limited in traditional collaboration. Today, one needs multifaceted collaboration. From cross promotion to creating a culture of collaboration where survival is collective, event strategists need to innovate and reinvent to retain the edge.

The event industry has become extremely competitive. Resources are available to anyone who knows where to search. DIY enthusiasts have become more empowered given the available resources and ready provisions. Event planners who are sticking to doing things the old way will not only lose business but possibly perish in days to come. Many have already perished because they rejected the idea of building collaborative communities.

Today, venues have event planners they collaborate with. From caterers to musicians, electricians to florists, hardware supplier to marketing agencies, every specialist in every niche is coming together to form a formidable collaboration. It is easy for clients to ignore a certain vendor or an event planner. It is easy to dilute the significance of any one expert in any one niche. It is very hard to dismiss a collaboration of experts. When anyone gets access to the holistic apparatus that can help make the event a grand success, it is too tempting for any client to turn down the proposition. Even if one just considers the proposition, it is worthwhile as you get a chance.

In a rapidly changing world where no one knows exactly what may happen and how industries may change, building collaborative communities where businesses can thrive together is quintessential.

Do you collaborate? Is collaboration an essential part of your business? How do you start a collaboration?