Event planning can be a nightmare especially in a situation where the teeming crowd makes it hard to coordinate the various moving parts and locate staff.
This is where the best walkie talkie for event planners comes into play.
These two-way radios can make the difference between a brilliantly organized event and disaster. As a professional event planner, you wouldn’t want your reputation damaged because you either underestimated the importance of communication gadgets or acquired inappropriate gadgets.
In this review are five walkie talkies that we considered a must-have for serious event planners. If you want your clients to come back with repeat business or refer you to their friends, you shouldn’t miss out on any other the models in this review
Buying Guide for the Best Walkie Talkie for Event Planners
Events can range from simple to very complex depending on location and the number of people involved. For instance, planning an event such as a convention for business executives shouldn’t be as complex as an outdoor event like a concert.
In most cases, everything comes down to the number of gadgets to hand out to your staff. Bigger events would require more devices of course.
That said, there are some important factors that must be considered first before purchasing what you need. These include:
Location – The most important consideration as far as location is concerned is whether the event would take place indoors or outdoors.
Your handheld radio must be able to perpetrate walls if the event is to take place indoors. UHF 2-way radios are more suitable in this case.
UHF radios are also recommended for outdoor events inside the city because buildings constitute obstacles that only UHF radios are best at penetrating or going round in case of obstructions made of steel.
For outdoor events like mountaineering, skiing where there is a clear line of sight and where long range could be a factor, a VHF radio is recommended.
However, if you want a two-way radio that is good for both indoor and outdoor events, opt for the UHF unit. The best device, though, would be a dual-band UHF/VHF unit.
How long is the event? – If you are planning a one-time event, the answer to this question is crucial. If the event is an all day and night affair, the radio you need must have a battery life that is able to cover that time frame.
Notwithstanding that, it is always smart to have extra batteries handy and accessories such as multi-functional chargers to ensure the walkie talkies never goes out of service for longer than a couple of minutes.
Rent vs. Buy – If you are planning a one-off event, it doesn’t make financial sense to buy several walkie talkies that you might never need again.
The best option for you is to rent the required number of the communications gadgets you might need for a fraction of the cost.
Terrain – for outdoor events like camping, skiing, and mountaineering, the radios must be tough and won’t pack up after getting bumped a few times.
Waterproof, dustproof, and heatproof radios may be needed depending on where the event is taking place.
Range – Unless it is an outdoor event, a long-range walkie talkie should not be a priority. Even in many outdoor events, a radio that can get you up to a couple of miles range would be okay.
In any case, if the communication range is larger than what is covered by the 2-way radio, consider buying and installing repeaters that are capable of doubling the range for you.
If there are budget concerns, look around for places to rent the repeaters. You would get them at a modest price and you won’t have to pay extra for installation with some vendors.
Emergency Features – As an event planner, you’d know that the best-laid plans can go south very quickly. Accidents can happen at any time.
The best radios for event planning must have an ‘Emergency Alert’ feature. With this function, users only need to press just a single button to send a distress message.
Accessories – Event planners must consider getting the wide range of accessories for two-way portable radios available.
For instance, if the event involves users of the device being tasked with other important jobs that involve using the hands, a headset/earpiece should be part of the package or it can be bought separately.
Top 5 Best Walkie Talkies For Event Planners: Review
1. Motorola CLP1040 On-Site Two-way Business Radio
The Motorola CLP1040 is 4-channel walkie talkie that is sleekly designed with a simplicity that makes it awesome for complex operations like planning an event.
This durable, palm-sized, two-way radio features only the last essential elements including a choice of 90 UHF frequencies exclusive to businesses.
It also features a ‘Smart Status Glow’ light that changes color to indicate if you are receiving or transmitting a message. The function also indicates channel, scan, and battery status.
It comes with a large central Push-to-talk button that makes it easy to receive and transmit messages; an embedded antenna that complements the sleek design; a programming software; and an integrated repeater capability among others.
- CLP1040 Two-way Radio
- Operates on 90 UHF business-exclusive frequencies
- Repeater Capable: Increase range with a Motorola Repeater
2. Ansoko Long Range Walkie Talkies
The Ansoko Long Range Walkie Talkies that is sold in a pack of 4 units would be perfect for your team’s communication needs when you are planning an event.
The 2- Watt power programmable radio with a range of up to 3 miles and frequency range of between 400 – 470 MHz, features a 16-channel memory; 155 privacy codes; VOX function for hands-free operations; and a long battery life of up to 24 hours.
The ultra-portable radio is easy to use with a superior audio quality that is very clear and loud. With the built-in flashlight, it is effective for nighttime work and SOS operations.
Apart from the 4 two-way radios, the pack comes with antennas, Lithium ion battery packs, charging bases, belt clips, hand straps, and earpieces for each unit.
- 2 Watt Programmable Handheld Radios Frequency Range 400-470MHz Up to 3 Miles Reception (*Varies from different working environments), with Earpieces
- Long Range, 16 Channel Memory, Easy to Use, Built-in 50 CTCSS Tones/105 DCS Codes
- Ultra Portalbe and Solid Built, Long Time Battery Duration (Up to 24 hours Typical Use)
3. Greaval GV-8S Walkie Talkies
The Greaval GV-8S is a splash-proof, 16-channel, hand-held 2-way radio event planners love for its exceptional service delivery.
Weighing only 5.6 lbs, it is easy to use and carry along. It features the most essential functions you would need to communicate effectively with your team.
Some of these features include the up to 3 miles range in open field, crystal clear and loud audio, 16 preset memory channels, and a 1500 mAh battery that delivers up to 12 hours of continuous talk time on a full charge.
You would also have the benefit of the privacy codes to secure your communication and the VOX function so your hands are free to take care of other tasks.
This is a complete communication package that comes with 10 units of the walkie talkie and all the important accessories to aid in coordinating any event.
- 【Multi-function radio】16 channels, 50 CTCSS audio and 105 CDCSS audio on each programmed channel, Programmable with PC, VOX hands-free function, squelch adjustment, scanning, low battery alarm and night LED flashlight, etc.
- 【Long-Rang】1-10 Miles Range (Depends on working environments).
- 【Greaval GV-8S】 This walkie talkie has been tested by an FCC accreditted lab and complies with the limits for a Class B digital device. FCC ID: ZP5BF-888S, Frequency range: UHF 400-470 MHz.
4. Motorola Professional CLS1410 Two-Way Radio
The CLS1410 is a part of the CLS series of 2-way radios from Motorola marketed as a communication solution for business. They are famous for delivering remarkable quality, ease of use and flexible.
Like in most the models in the CLS series, users of the 1410 have the choice of 4 channels and a further 56 business-exclusive frequencies for privacy.
It comes with the VibraCall function that allows you to receive alerts discreetly it in noisy surroundings that is common to event planning situations.
The other features that make this an awesome communication device for event planning include a long-lasting battery, advanced voice activation, keypad lock, convenient charging and call tones.
- Durable, lightweight design--easy for employees to carry and hold all day, yet built to withstand everyday use
- Operates on a four channels with a choice of 56 business-exclusive frequencies for enhanced voice quality, privacy and reliability
- Keypad lock, audible call tones, "VOX" voice activated transmit with select audio accessories (not included)
5. Olywiz HTD826 Long Range Two Way UHF Radio
No products found.The Olywiz HTD826 is a 2-watt power walkie talkie that is compact, easy to use, durable and lightweight. Event planners would never regret purchasing because it delivers performance only a few radios of this size and price tag can match.
The 16-channel radio features an in-built high-quality speaker that delivers loud and crystal clear sound. The power button doubles as a volume knob to easily adjust the sound level.
The PC-programmable gadget also features a squelch level function to mute the speaker when no signal is being received; a scan function to locate conversations in progress; privacy codes to enhance the safety of the operations; English voice prompt and much more.
No products found.
The pack contains four units including all the essential accessories for each unit.
No products found.
Why You Need Walkie Talkies for Event Planning
Communication is at the heart of planning a successful event. You must be able to pass on and receive instructions as quickly as possible to all those involved with the least amount of effort.
You need to be able to find people without having to walk around and abandoning your post.
With the right walkie talkie, the security and health concerns of those attending can be safeguarded by simply using the device to call security or alert ambulances in the vicinity when needed.
Conclusion
As an aspiring professional event planner, coordinating the various aspects of any event you are contracted to handle takes more than just hiring competent people to work with you.
How you communicate with your people could be the single most important variable in the success or failure of the event. If you don’t want your reputation thrown under the bus you’d definitely need the very best walkie talkie for event planners for near-perfection coordination of the members of your team.
The portable 2-way radios in this review are just what you need to nail down the communication aspect of your event. Each one has been tested for reliability and durability with all the most essential features necessary to plan any event perfectly.
This article was written by Grace Lasset from OhGardening, if you would like to check out other modern gardening resources head over to find out more.
