What should an event planner obtain from a vendor to avoid liability expenses?

Obtaining proof of insurance, bonding, and other risk-management practices from a vendor is essential for an event planner because it protects against various liability expenses that may arise during the course of an event. Insurance can cover damages or injuries that occur, ensuring that if any unforeseen incidents arise—such as an accident involving a vendor’s equipment or a problem caused by their service—financial responsibility does not fall solely on the event planner or client.

Bonding provides an additional layer of assurance that a vendor will fulfill their obligations and adhere to ethical standards. This can be particularly important when dealing with service providers who handle significant responsibilities or large sums of money. Without these protections, the event planner could face substantial costs resulting from the vendor's actions or negligence.

In contrast, while vendor references and testimonials can help assess reliability and quality, they do not provide protection from liability. Similarly, event permits and licenses are necessary for legal compliance but do not address potential risks associated with vendor services. Written contracts and agreements are crucial for defining the terms of service, but without insurance and bonding, they do not mitigate the financial risk associated with liability claims.