The Event Planners Association was created in 2004 to fill an obvious need in the entertainment industry. As the only association of its kind, the EPA was developed as a “one-stop-shop” to assist members of the event planning, catering, inflatable, game rental, entertainment and haunted attractions communities searching for a wedding planner association, inflatable association or meeting planner association to operate and prosper in an efficient and cost-effective manner through the services provided. Our goal was to offer the very best services available coupled with excellent customer service, making membership an invaluable tool to our members throughout the United States.
Today, the EPA has evolved into a full-service association – not just a wedding planner or event planner association – providing a foundation for success. EPA membership offers a unique support system for professionals in the event and amusement industries looking for an exemplary wedding planner association, event planner association, or amusement association. Our mission is to provide the foundational elements of a successful business and facilitate the highest standards of excellence and professionalism.
Members have access to the EPA’s in-house law firm, in-house insurance agency, marketing specialists, continuing education, safety training, local networking opportunities and affinity programs. Unlike a singular wedding planner association or inflatable association, our members are able to interact and network across all industries.
In 2004, insurance, legal assistance and internet marketing were identified as issues of primary concern for small and medium-sized business owners in the aforementioned communities. Related needs included safety training and state regulations.
EPA principals began with the monumental task of searching for the very best insurance providers in the various industries and inflatable associations including those in the highly specialized, high-risk amusement rental market. By carefully scrutinizing insurance company backgrounds, policies, and rates, the EPA determined to create its own program with its chosen “A” rated carrier. Additional carriers who met the stringent EPA qualifications were added to create a well-rounded, reliable offering for members. Thompson Insurance Enterprises, LLC purchased the EPA owned insurance agency, EPA Management & Insurance Solutions, Inc., in 2010 and now operates as the EPA’s in-house insurance agency, maintaining the EPA’s commitment to customer service, quality, value and price.
The EPA in-house law firm specializes in the particular needs of those in the event and entertainment business. Our goal is to assist members by offering industry specific liability waivers, rental agreements and contracts for their use. Consultation with our attorneys is also a benefit utilized often by members looking for advice ranging from corporate structure to risk management issues.
The EPA in-house law firm specializes in the particular needs of those in the event and entertainment business. Our goal is to assist members by offering industry specific liability waivers, rental agreements and contracts for their use. Consultation with our attorneys is also a benefit utilized often by members looking for advice ranging from corporate structure to risk management issues.
Along with our core service line, ancillary services followed a natural path of evolution. While developing the insurance program, Association principals established the EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification program. This equipment specific training series was developed by Event Planners Association Safety Officers in conjunction with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (US CPSC), major product manufacturers, designers, and risk management specialists. Since safety awareness and adherence is of prime concern to insurance companies and the industry as a whole, our program is available to non-members as well as members. EPA AOSC merits a discount on liability insurance.
Continuing education and networking opportunities have been identified as critical factors affecting the success of a small business. These crucial programs are currently in development and will be launching throughout 2011.
The Association rounds out its offering with the EPA affinity program, which provides valuable discounts on products and services from OfficeMax, Choice Hotels, Alamo, Hertz, National Rental Cars, Galaxy America Mechanical Bulls, WedLock Magazine and WeddingWire.com The EPA affinity program is continually expanding to provide members additional ways to save money.
With nearly 4,000 members nationwide, the goal of the Association is to provide the very best programs and services available and as such, the Event Planners Association is continually searching to discover additional ways to help its member base succeed in a crowded marketplace. Our mission is to empower business owners by providing the foundational elements of a successful business and facilitating the highest standards of excellence and professionalism.
