Event Planner Contract Template

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Event Planner Contract 


This Event Planner Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated [the date both parties will have signed] is entered into by [Event Planner name], an individual residing in [address], (the "Event Planner"), and [client name], an individual residing in [address], (the "Client").

Whereas, the Event Planner and the Client desire to establish the terms and conditions under which the Event Planner will provide services to the Client, the parties agree as follows:

1. Scope of Work. The Event Planner agrees to perform such consulting, advisory and related services specified on Exhibit A to this Agreement ("Description of Services").

2. Term. This Agreement shall commence from the date this Agreement is signed by both parties and shall continue until the scope of work defined in the Description of Services is completed (such period, as it may be extended or sooner terminated in accordance with the provisions of Section 4, being referred to as the ("Service Period").

3. Payment.

a. Service Cost. In consideration of the Service, the Client will pay the Event Planner of $ per hour (the "Service Cost").

b. Expenses. The Event Planner shall be responsible for all business expenses incurred by the Event Planner in connection with, or related to, the performance of the services.


c. Invoices. The Client shall pay to the Event Planner amounts shown on each statement or invoice described in Section 3(a) and 3(b) within () days after receipt thereof.

d. Benefits. The Event Planner shall not be entitled to any benefits, coverages or privileges, including, without limitation, health insurance, social security, unemployment, medical or pension payments, made available to Event Planners of the Client.


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How to Get Started with an Event Planner Contract Today

What is an event planning contract?

An event planning contract is a legally binding agreement between an event planner and their client. It outlines the services that will be provided by the event planner, including the scope of work, payment terms, and any other conditions or requirements for the successful completion of the job. This type of contract is important for both parties to understand and agree upon in order to ensure that the event planning business is conducted in a fair and professional manner. An event planning contract should also include provisions for liability protection, so that both parties are protected against any potential legal issues arising from the project. With an effective contract in place, event planners can be confident they will receive proper compensation and protection while providing high-quality services to their clients.

Do you even need an event planner contract?

Yes, it is important for an event planner to have a legal and binding agreement with their clients. It outlines the services that will be provided by the event planner, including the scope of work, payment terms, and any other conditions or requirements for the successful completion of the job. This type of contract helps protect both parties in case of any legal issues arising from the project. Having a written contract also serves as evidence in court should a dispute arise between the event planner and their client. Furthermore, having an event planner contract helps provide clarity on expectations and responsibilities between both parties, which is essential for a successful event planning business.

Why do you need an event planning contract?

An event planning contract is a crucial document for any event planner, as it outlines all the necessary details for the successful completion of an event. It ensures both parties are clear on the scope of work, payment terms, and any other requirements or conditions needed to complete the job. An event planning contract also serves as a legal document in case of a dispute between the planner and their client. Having an effective contract can help protect both parties from any potential liability issues that may arise during or after the event. Additionally, having a written agreement in place helps provide clarity on expectations and responsibilities between the two parties, which is essential for smooth operations throughout the duration of the project.

How do you create a freelance event planner contract? 

Creating a freelance event planner contract is essential for an event planning business to be conducted in a fair and professional manner. When creating such a contract, it is important to include the scope of work, payment terms, and any other conditions or requirements that need to be met. The contract should also include liability protection for both parties involved, as well as a clause outlining the expectations and responsibilities of the event planners. Additionally, it is important to consider any additional services that the party planners may provide, such as catering or decorations, so that these services can be included in the agreement. By covering all of these aspects in an effective event planning agreement, both parties can have confidence knowing they will receive proper compensation and protection while providing high-quality services to their clients.

What to include in an event planner contract?

Each event planner agreement should contain sections dedicated to these topics:

Scope of the project

When creating an event planner contract, it is important to include a section on the scope of the project. This should include details such as the event date, the specific event planning services that will be provided, and any other related tasks or responsibilities that are part of the job. This information helps ensure that both parties fully understand their roles in the agreement, ensuring successful completion of the event planning process. It also helps create clear expectations between both parties, which can help prevent any potential disputes regarding event management. Furthermore, by including this section in the contract, it provides legal protection for both parties should any issues arise during or after the completion of the project.

Detailed description of services

When creating an event planner contract, it is important to include a detailed description of services. This section should indicate what type of services the client intends to receive and any other services that may be included in the agreement. Additionally, the contract should clearly state who has photography and publicity rights related to the event. By including this information in the contract, both parties are aware of their responsibilities which can help avoid any issues with miscommunication during or after the completion of the project.

Feedback, editing, and approval process

Protect your time and effort by specifying the editing and approval process in your proposal and agreement.

Deliverables and milestones

Every client has a deadline, and your agreement should include it, so all parties understand when work should be delivered.

Payment terms

You’re running your own company, so protect your cash flow by specifying payment terms in every written contract. 

Tax documentation

You may need tax documents in certain countries. Once you know your tax liabilities, include any requirements in your contracts.

Intellectual property

Who will have ownership of the finished work? When will ownership pass to the client? Are there any continuing royalties? Answer all these questions in your IP section.

Limitation of purpose

You may need a limitation of purpose clause to prevent your work from being used for different reasons, such as being published in a different format or location.

Non-exclusivity

Event planners usually work for multiple clients. A non-exclusivity clause guarantees you won’t be locked into a restrictive relationship with one client.

Confidentiality

Some clients may not allow discussion of their work anywhere. For example, can you post news of your collaboration on LinkedIn? Make confidentiality requirements clear for everyone.

Termination clause

The Termination section of an event planner contract should specify the conditions and circumstances under which either party may end the agreement. Depending on the situation, it may be necessary to address whether any fees are due and what happens if the contract is terminated prematurely. Additionally, both parties should agree to clarify who will be held liable for any costs associated with this termination, such as rental fees or cancellation fees. Furthermore, the terms of the contract should also detail any duties that must be completed by the event planner before a contract can be considered terminated. By outlining these points, both parties can feel secure knowing that their intentions are clear and that they will not be unexpectedly billed for added fees or other charges related to terminating the agreement prematurely.

Dispute resolution

Dispute resolution is an important part of any event planner contract, as it provides a way for both parties to resolve disagreements in an amicable manner. In the event of a disagreement between the client and the planner, the client agrees to provide a full refund within 30 days if the dispute cannot be resolved. If something goes badly wrong, having a written dispute resolution process makes resolving problems smoother for you and your client.

How to create an event planning contract?

Creating an event planning contract is an important step in running a successful event. Event contracts should include all the necessary details and terms, such as the scope of the project, deliverables, payment terms, and deadlines. Additionally, they should also specify who owns the intellectual property of the project, any confidentiality requirements, and a limitation of purpose clause. A well-drafted event planning contract can help protect everyone involved from potential liabilities and ensure that all parties involved are aware of their responsibilities throughout the duration of the project. To create an effective event planning contract, it is recommended to use an event planning contract template that can be easily customized for each specific event. The template should include sections on services provided, feedback, editing and approval process, deliverables and milestones, payment terms, tax documentation, intellectual property provisions, non-exclusivity clauses, and termination clauses. By taking these steps in advance to create a comprehensive agreement for your events, you will be able to provide seamless service throughout your process while protecting your business interests at every turn!

What are the benefits of using an event planning contract template?

Using an event planner contract template has a range of benefits, as it allows both parties to clearly define the scope of the project and all deliverables, payment terms, and deadlines upfront. The template also helps to protect clients’ intellectual property rights and ensure that any confidentiality requirements are met. Furthermore, by having non-exclusivity clauses in the contract, clients are able to remain flexible in their relationships with event planners. Additionally, dispute resolution clauses can be included in the contract so that both parties have a clear understanding of how any disagreements will be handled if they arise. By using an event planning contract template, clients can rest assured that their interests are protected throughout the process, ensuring a smooth and successful collaboration between them and their event planners.

Create new event planner contracts quickly and easily. Here's an example of an Indy contract:

Event Planner Contract 


This Event Planner Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated [the date both parties will have signed] is entered into by [Event Planner name], an individual residing in [address], (the "Event Planner"), and [client name], an individual residing in [address], (the "Client").

Whereas, the Event Planner and the Client desire to establish the terms and conditions under which the Event Planner will provide services to the Client, the parties agree as follows:

1. Scope of Work. The Event Planner agrees to perform such consulting, advisory and related services specified on Exhibit A to this Agreement ("Description of Services").

2. Term. This Agreement shall commence from the date this Agreement is signed by both parties and shall continue until the scope of work defined in the Description of Services is completed (such period, as it may be extended or sooner terminated in accordance with the provisions of Section 4, being referred to as the ("Service Period").

3. Payment.

a. Service Cost. In consideration of the Service, the Client will pay the Event Planner of $ per hour (the "Service Cost").

b. Expenses. The Event Planner shall be responsible for all business expenses incurred by the Event Planner in connection with, or related to, the performance of the services.

c. Invoices. The Client shall pay to the Event Planner amounts shown on each statement or invoice described in Section 3(a) and 3(b) within () days after receipt thereof.

d. Benefits. The Event Planner shall not be entitled to any benefits, coverages or privileges, including, without limitation, health insurance, social security, unemployment, medical or pension payments, made available to Event Planners of the Client.

4. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated prior to the end of the Service Period in the following manner: (a) by either the Event Planner or the Client upon not less than () days prior written notice to the other party; (b) by the non-breaching party, upon twenty-four (24) hours prior written notice to the breaching party if one party has materially breached this Agreement; or (c) at any time upon the mutual written consent of the parties hereto. In the event of termination, the Event Planner shall be entitled to payments for services performed that have not been previously paid and, subject to the limitations in Section 3.2, for expenses paid or incurred prior to the effective date of termination that have not been previously paid. Such payment shall constitute full settlement of any and all claims of the Event Planner of every description against the Client. In the event that the Client’s payment to the Event Planner exceeds the amount of services performed and (subject to the limitations in Section 3.2) for expenses paid or incurred prior to the effective date of termination, then the Event Planner will immediately refund the excess amount to the Client. Such refund shall constitute full settlement of any and all claims of the Client of every description against the Event Planner.

5. Cooperation.The Event Planner shall use Event Planner's best efforts in the performance of Event Planner's obligations under this Agreement. The Client shall provide such access to its information and property as may be reasonably required in order to permit the Event Planner to perform Event Planner's obligations hereunder. The Event Planner shall cooperate with the Client’s personnel, shall not interfere with the conduct of the Client’s business and shall observe all rules, regulations and security requirements of the Client concerning the safety of persons and property.

6. Proprietary Information and Inventions.

a. Proprietary Information.

1. The Event Planner acknowledges that the Event Planner's relationship with the Client is one of high trust and confidence and that in the course of Event Planner's service to the Client, Event Planner will have access to and contact with Proprietary Information. The Event Planner will not disclose any Proprietary Information to any person or entity other than Event Planners of the Client or use the same for any purposes (other than in the performance of the services) without written approval by an officer of the Client, either during or after the Consultation Period, unless and until such Proprietary Information has become public knowledge without fault by the Event Planner.

2. For purposes of this Agreement, Proprietary Information shall mean, by way of illustration and not limitation, all information, whether or not in writing, whether or not patentable and whether or not copyrightable, of a private, secret or confidential nature, owned, possessed or used by the Client, concerning the Client’s business, business relationships or financial affairs, including, without limitation, any Invention, formula, vendor information, customer information, apparatus, equipment, trade secret, process, research, report, technical or research data, clinical data, know-how, computer program, software, software documentation, hardware design, technology, product, processes, methods, techniques, formulas, compounds, projects, developments, marketing or business plan, forecast, unpublished financial statement, budget, license, price, cost, customer, supplier or personnel information or Event Planner list that is communicated to, learned of, developed or otherwise acquired by the Event Planner in the course of Event Planner's service as a Event Planner to the Client.

3. The Event Planner’s obligations under this Section 6 shall not apply to any information that (i) is or becomes known to the general public under circumstances involving no breach by the Event Planner or others of the terms of this Section 6, (ii) is generally disclosed to third parties by the Client without restriction on such third parties, or (iii) is approved for release by written authorization of an officer of the Client.

4. The Event Planner agrees that all files, documents, letters, memoranda, reports, records, data sketches, drawings, models, laboratory notebooks, program listings, computer equipment or devices, computer programs or other written, photographic, or other tangible material containing Proprietary Information, whether created by the Event Planner or others, which shall come into Event Planner's custody or possession, shall be and are the exclusive property of the Client to be used by the Event Planner only in the performance of Event Planner's duties for the Client and shall not be copied or removed from the Client’s premises except in the pursuit of the business of the Client. All such materials or copies thereof and all tangible property of the Client in the custody or possession of the Event Planner shall be delivered to the Client, upon the earlier of (i) a request by the Client or (ii) the termination of this Agreement. After such delivery, the Event Planner shall not retain any such materials or copies thereof or any such tangible property.

5. The Event Planner agrees that Event Planner’s obligation not to disclose or to use information and materials of the types set forth in paragraphs (2) and (4) above, and Event Planner's obligation to return materials and tangible property set forth in paragraph (4) above extends to such types of information, materials and tangible property of customers of the Client or suppliers to the Client or other third parties who may have disclosed or entrusted the same to the Client or to the Event Planner.

6. The Event Planner acknowledges that the Client from time to time may have agreements with other persons or with the United States Government, or agencies thereof, that impose obligations or restrictions on the Client regarding inventions made during the course of work under such agreements or regarding the confidential nature of such work. The Event Planner agrees to be bound by all such obligations and restrictions that are known to the Event Planner and to take all action necessary to discharge the obligations of the Client under such agreements.

b. Inventions.

1. All inventions, ideas, creations, discoveries, computer programs, works of authorship, data, developments, technology, designs, innovations and improvements (whether or not patentable and whether or not copyrightable) which are made, conceived, reduced to practice, created, written, designed or developed by the Event Planner, solely or jointly with others or under Event Planner's direction and whether during normal business hours or otherwise, (i) during the Consultation Period if related to the business of the Client or (ii) after the Consultation Period if resulting or directly derived from Proprietary Information (as defined below) (collectively under clauses (i) and (ii), "Inventions"), shall be the sole property of the Client. The Event Planner hereby assigns to the Client all Inventions and any and all related patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, and other industrial and intellectual property rights and applications therefore, in the United States and elsewhere and appoints any officer of the Client as Event Planner's duly authorized attorney to execute, file, prosecute and protect the same before any government agency, court or authority. However, this paragraph shall not apply to Inventions which do not relate to the business or research and development conducted or planned to be conducted by the Client at the time such Invention is created, made, conceived or reduced to practice and which are made and conceived by the Event Planner not during normal working hours, not on the Client’s premises and not using the Client’s tools, devices, equipment or Proprietary Information. The Event Planner further acknowledges that each original work of authorship which is made by the Event Planner (solely or jointly with others) within the scope of the Agreement and which is protectable by copyright is a "work made for hire," as that term is defined in the United States Copyright Act.

2. Upon the request of the Client and at the Client’s expense, the Event Planner shall execute such further assignments, documents and other instruments as may be necessary or desirable to fully and completely assign all Inventions to the Client and to assist the Client in applying for, obtaining and enforcing patents or copyrights or other rights in the United States and in any foreign country with respect to any Invention. The Event Planner also hereby waives all claims to moral rights in any Inventions.


3. The Event Planner shall promptly disclose to the Client all Inventions and will maintain adequate and current written records (in the form of notes, sketches, drawings and as may be specified by the Client) to document the conception and/or first actual reduction to practice of any Invention. Such written records shall be available to and remain the sole property of the Client at all times.

4. Notwithstanding the foregoing in this Section 6(b), the ownership and use of the Inventions that are assigned to the Client in Section 6(b)(i) (the "Assigned Inventions") shall be limited as set forth in Exhibit B.

7. Limitation of Liability. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained elsewhere herein, neither party shall be liable to the other for any consequential, special, incidental, indirect or punitive damages of any kind or character, including, but not limited to, loss of use, loss of profit, loss of anticipated profit, loss of bargain, loss of revenue or loss of product or production, however arising under this contract or as a result of, relating to or in connection with the service and the parties’ performance of the obligations hereunder, and no such claim shall be made by any party against the other regardless of whether such claim is based or claimed to be based on negligence (including sole, joint, active, passive, or concurrent negligence, but excluding gross negligence), fault, breach of warranty, breach of agreement, breach of contract, statute, strict liability or any other theory of liability.

8. Indemnification. The Event Planner shall be solely liable for, and shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company and its successors and assigns from any claims, suits, judgments or causes of action initiated by any third party against the Company where such actions result from or arise out of the services performed by the Event Planner or its Event Planners under this Agreement. The Event Planner shall further be solely liable for, and shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company and its successors and assigns from and against any claim or liability of any kind (including penalties, fees or charges) resulting from the Event Planner’s or its Event Planners’ failure to pay the taxes, penalties, and payments referenced in Section 9 of this Agreement. The Event Planner shall further indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company and its successors and assigns from and against any and all loss or damage resulting from any misrepresentation, or any non-fulfillment of any representation, responsibility, covenant or agreement on its part, as well as any and all acts, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, penalties, judgments of or against the Company relating to or arising out of the activities of the Event Planner or its Event Planners and the Event Planner shall pay reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses incident thereto.

9. Independent Contractor Status. The parties shall be deemed independent contractors for all purposes hereunder. Accordingly:

a. The Event Planner will use its own equipment, tools and materials to perform its obligations hereunder.

b. The Client will not control how the Service is performed on a day-to-day basis and the Event Planner will determine when, where and how the Service will be provided.

c. The Client will not provide training to the Event Planner.

d. The Event Planner will be solely responsible for all state and federal income taxes in connection with this Agreement.

e. This Agreement does not constitute an employment, partnership, joint venture or agency between the parties hereto, nor shall either of the parties hold itself out as such contrary to the terms hereof by advertising or otherwise nor shall either of the parties become bound or become liable because of any representation, action or omission of the other.

10. General.

a. Survival. Sections 4 through 11 shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.

b. Non-Solicitation. During the Service Period and for a period of [six (6) months] thereafter, the Event Planner shall not, either alone or in association with others, (a) solicit, or permit any organization directly or indirectly controlled by the Event Planner to solicit, any Event Planner of the Client to leave the employment of the Client, or (b) solicit or permit any organization directly or indirectly controlled by the Event Planner to solicit any person who is engaged by the Client.

c. Use of Subcontractors. The Event Planner may use trusted contractors to complete components of the Event Planner’s obligations hereunder, provided that the Event Planner shall remain solely responsible for such contractors’ performance, that the Client shall have no obligation to such contractors and the use of such contractors shall not cause any increase in fees, costs or expenses that would otherwise be payable hereunder.

d. Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the documents referred to herein) constitutes the entire agreement between the Client and the Event Planner and supersedes any prior understandings, agreements or representations by the parties, whether written or oral, with respect to the subject matter hereof.

e. Assignment. Neither party may assign or transfer this Agreement in whole or in part, nor any of the rights hereunder, without prior written consent of the other party.

f. Notices. All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effective upon personal delivery or upon deposit in the United States Post Office, by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the other party at the address shown above, or at such other address or addresses as either party shall designate to the other in accordance with this Section 13.

g. Amendments. No amendment of any provision of this Agreement shall be valid unless the same shall be in writing and signed by each party.

h. Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or the validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other situation or in any other jurisdiction. If the final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction declares that any term or provision hereof is invalid or unenforceable, the Event Planner and the Client agree that the court making the determination of invalidity or unenforceability shall have the power to limit the term or provision, to delete specific words or phrases, or to replace any invalid or unenforceable term or provision with a term or provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the intention of the invalid or unenforceable term or provision, and this Agreement shall be enforceable as so modified.

i. Force Majeure. Neither party will be liable for any failure or delay in its performance under this Agreement due to any cause beyond its reasonable control, including acts of war, acts of God, earthquake, flood, fire, embargo, riot, sabotage, or failure of third party power or telecommunications networks, provided that the delayed party: (a) gives the other party prompt notice of such cause and (b) uses its reasonable commercial efforts to promptly correct such failure or delay in performance.

j. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of (other than any principle of conflict or choice of laws that would cause the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction).

k. Arbitration. Any unresolved controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, except as (i) otherwise provided in this Agreement, or (ii) any such controversies or claims arising out of either party’s intellectual property rights for which a provisional remedy or equitable relief is sought, shall be submitted to arbitration by one arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties, and if no agreement can be reached within thirty (30) days after names of potential arbitrators have been proposed by the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”), then by one arbitrator having reasonable experience in corporate finance transactions of the type provided for in this Agreement and who is chosen by the AAA. The arbitration shall take place in , , in accordance with the AAA rules then in effect, and judgment upon any award rendered in such arbitration will be binding and may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees, costs, and necessary disbursements in addition to any other relief to which such party may be entitled.

l. Counterpart. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement may be executed by facsimile, digital or electronic signature.

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