Catering costs across regional Victoria increased roughly 12% over the past year. We've noticed smaller venues offering better flexibility, though. Worth exploring if your budget's feeling tight.
Explore detailsDigital budget trackers have become more practical lately. Several event coordinators mentioned these tools helped identify cost overruns before they spiraled, which honestly makes a difference when timelines are tight.
Read analysisSpring bookings in 2025 show unusual demand patterns—likely because autumn 2024 saw cancelled corporate events. Planners are now shifting budgets earlier to secure venues before availability shrinks further.
View insightsTraditional spreadsheet methods dominated. Most planners relied on manual tracking, which meant errors crept in during complex multi-day events with fluctuating guest counts.
Cloud-based platforms started gaining attention. Not everyone adopted them immediately—some found the learning curve frustrating—but benefits became clearer as collaborative planning increased.
Hybrid approaches emerged where planners combined digital tools with traditional methods. This flexibility proved useful when managing stakeholder expectations across different comfort levels with technology.
Real-time budget adjustments became standard practice. Planners now expect instant visibility into spending patterns, which helps when last-minute changes hit—and they always do.
We've put together study materials that focus on real scenarios planners face. No theory-heavy lectures—just straightforward approaches to managing event finances when pressure builds and stakeholders ask tough questions.
Our autumn 2025 program starts in September, covering vendor negotiations, contingency planning, and cash flow management. It's structured for working professionals who need flexibility around existing commitments.
Explore study materials