The work of an events planner is no doubt a massive one. From creating ideas that involve color combinations to coordinating vendors in order to achieve a memorable event for the client, the list is inexhaustible.
Knowing this, you would agree that it is not possible for an events planner to be in more than one place at a time. As an events planner, it becomes very draining when you have to shout orders across a hall (or space) to your assistant or a vendor. This is why an effective tool of communication is needed.
Communicating on the go definitely makes your job as an events planner easier, especially when setting up and executing the event. A mobile phone is a good means of communication, but it is not cost effective as you would most likely spend a lot of money on airtime purchases.
And if you are in a place with fluctuating network service, using a mobile phone will be more of a disadvantage. This is why a walkie talkie is a option for communication for event planners.
The most preferred walkie talkie for events planning should have excellent audio quality, a favorable range, and should be quite durable. This post review five (5) of the best products you can find on the market for events planning.
However, before you purchase a walkie talkie for events planning, there are certain points to note.
Top 5 Two-Way Radios for Event Planners: By Best Feature
Buyer’s Guide: Critical Factors to be considered before you Select the Walkie Talkie for Event Planners
1. Audio quality/Clarity
As an event planner, you will need a walkie talkie that can deliver messages clearly even in the presence of obstacles e.g. walls. This is why audio clarity/quality is one of the most important features of a walkie talkie.
A walkie talkie using VHF signals gives clear audio, but this diminishes in the presence of an obstacle made of steel.
However, UHF walkie talkies are not affected by obstacles. It is thus best to buy a radio with UHF signal, or a dual-band product (i.e. one that uses both UHF and VHF signals).
2. Battery life
The execution of an event is a lot harder than its planning. Everyone is on their toes to ensure that the event goes smoothly without a hitch. It can then become quite frustrating if your walkie talkie goes off right in the middle of the event.
How would you be able to communicate with security? Or the caterers? A good walkie talkie for event should be able to work non-stop for 12 hours.
3. Accessories/Functionality
You will agree with me that event planning is a job that requires full use of your hands as often as possible. This is why buying a functional walkie talkie will not only save you time, but stress.
A walkie talkie that is sizeable enough to hold is good enough, but one that has a lanyard for you to hang on the neck or a belt clip is even better.
Other accessories like extra batteries, USB cable for charging, etc. make your walkie talkie enjoyable to use. When buying a walkie talkie for event planning, remember that the more accessories your product has, the better.
4. Noise Reduction
Events planning can be quite a drag; everyone is on the move trying to get things done. Some moving heavy items and equipment, others cleaning or setting up the stage.
All of these can cause a lot of noise, so it is important you get a walkie talkie that can reduce noise to the barest minimum or cancel it entirely.
5. Durability
We expect that you’ll be moving a lot when planning (and executing) an event. This heightens the tendency for you to drop your walkie talkie. This is why you have to buy a durable walkie talkie.
Even if it does not wear out from excessive falling, getting a weatherproof product will also do a lot of good. Water and drinks can spill on your talkie and cause a lot of damage if you use a product that is not durable.
6. Emergency/Weather Alerts
One thing we all cannot predict accurately is accidents and weather changes. This is the first principle most event planners work with; the knowledge that nothing goes exactly according to plan.
This is why the best walkie talkie for event planning is one that has emergency (SOS) and weather alerts. An accident can happen (e.g. a fire), and an emergency button on your walkie talkie may be all you need to save the day.
Unexpected weather changes such as sudden storms are unwanted, but can still happen and will affect your event if it is an outdoor activity. This is also why you need a walkie talkie that can send weather alerts.
7. Budget
This factor determines the other factors, as walkie talkies with a large number of features are slightly expensive. Also, as an event planner, you will need to buy walkie talkies for members of your team, in order to have the event you have planned according to your standards.
While buying multiple Two-Way radios will cost you some money, it is important you look out for products sold in sets at discounted prices.
Whatever you decide, know that investing in a good walkie talkie for both yourself and your team members will save you money (in terms of avoidable mishaps and having to purchase walkie talkies every other time you have an event).
Do not panic, as many walkie talkies are quite affordable, even with the range of accessories that they have. In case you find the walkie talkie you want and it is a little beyond your budget, it is okay to splurge a little. Remember, you are making a good investment.
Top 5 Best Walkie Talkies for Event Planners
1. Motorola Professional CLS1410 UHF Two-Way Radio
Value for money
The Motorola CLS1410 combines a number of factors to give you a product that will ensure your professionalism at all times. This product offers 4 channels with 121 codes, at a maximum range of 5 miles.
This combination means that you can connect with team members within the same space and those that are quite far away.
This extremely portable product has a keypad lock that ensures that your communication remains secure even as you move around trying to get things in place for the event.
Most users get this product with the Motorola HKLN4604 which produces great sound and cancels out noise in the environment.
There is also a rechargeable Li-ion battery that extends the battery life of this walkie talkie to 12 hours.
Specifications of Motorola Professional CLS1410 UHF Two-Way Radio
- 4 channels each with 121 privacy codes.
- Emergency alerts with channel scan feature.
- 5-mile range.
- VibraCall alert.
- Advanced Voice Exchange (VOX) feature.
- Dual power mode.
- Battery life of up to 18 hours.
Pros and Cons of Motorola Professional CLS1410 UHF Two-Way Radio
Pros:
- This product has a sleek design and is durable.
- The push-to-talk (PTT) button allows you make and receive calls securely.
- This product comes with a repeater cable that allows you extend the range of communication.
- It is quite affordable.
- Portable and lightweight.
- This product is compatible with other Motorola devices.
- The battery life of this product is long.
Cons:
- The frequency of this product needs a federal license to be used with certain devices.
2. Motorola CLP1040 Two-Way Business Radio
Best for Durability
This walkie talkie is made according military specifications, so you do not have to worry about its durability.
The Motorola CLP 1040 is not only sleek in design, but also has adequate features that make it great for the complexity that event planning brings.
It has 4 channels with 121 codes that afford you the needed privacy when making calls. This UHF radio comes with a program software, channel scan and extended battery life.
There is a Smart Status light that glows in different colors according to different functions.
The design of this product targets your ears with the message, so you don’t lose the information being passed to you.
This two-way radio also has an adequate number of accessories that make your planning less stressful.
Specifications of Motorola CLP1040 Two-Way Business Radio
- Access to 99 UHF frequencies
- Range of 4 miles without interference.
- Channel scan feature
- Smart status glow light
- Extended battery life of 12 hours.
- Range of 5 miles.
- Integrated repeater cable.
Pros and Cons of Motorola CLP1040 Two-Way Business Radio
Pros:
- This product is small in size and has a sleek design.
- Comes with comfortable ergonomic earphones.
- Has a status glow light that indicates calls and messages.
- Made of durable materials.
- Rechargeable battery that can be extended up to 18 hours.
- The push-to-talk button is in the front, making it very functional to use.
Cons:
- It is quite expensive.
3. Seodon Walkie Talkies
Easy to Use
Not only is this product easy to use, it is very functional in design and features. This portable walkie-talkie has a battery life of almost 15 hours.
The range of 5 miles helps you communicate with your team members for a long period, especially in a large events venue.
There is a Voice Exchange feature with channel scan that helps secure your conversation. The product also gives you access to 16 channels, with 155 privacy codes.
This pack of 4 walkie-talkie radios come with handstraps, headsets and belt clips for an enjoyable experience.
Apart from it’s amazing transmission power at 5 watts, and an audio distortion rate of less than 10%, this radio also comes with an earpiece which ensures your communication is not disturbed by surrounding noise.
Specifications of Seodon Walkie Talkies
- 16 channels; 155 privacy codes
- 5-mile range
- Time Out Timer (TOT) feature
- Battery life of 15 hours
- Channel scan feature.
- Power saving mode.
- Dual power.
Pros and Cons of Seodon Walkie Talkies
Pros:
- This product comes with extra batteries.
- It is easy to set up.
- Time Out Timer feature that saves battery and secures your calls.
- It is inexpensive.
- This product can be used with a range of other devices from other manufacturers.
- Over 10 channels for secure conversations on-the-go.
- Detachable antenna enhances portability.
Cons
- The transmission power reduces with distance.
4. Olywiz Walkie Talkies
Best Battery Life
The Olywiz walkie talkie is a truly functional Two-Way radio that has proven itself when it comes to events planning.
It is already programmed with 16 channels, all at a maximum range of 3 miles, which is good enough for indoor use or within a controlled area.
Its auto squelch feature also promotes clear sound. This product can work uninterrupted for 24 hours in case of extended events. There is also scan and monitor function for automatic channel selection.
You can use the Olywiz walkie talkie in hands-free mode due to its voice prompt features. This makes it really convenient, especially if you need your hands for other purposes.
Specifications of Olywiz Walkie Talkies
- 16 channels
- 155 privacy combinations
- 5-mile range
- Low battery alert.
- IP54 weatherproof specifications.
- High/Low Power switch.
- PC Programming.
- Auto squelch feature.
Pros and Cons of Olywiz Walkie Talkies
Pros:
- Lightweight, durable product.
- Clear audio with auto-squelch function.
- Long battery life.
- Low battery alert for efficient use.
- English Voice prompt with audio scrambler for secure conversations.
- Time Out Timer helps to save battery and prevent overtime transmission.
- Portable and lightweight.
Cons:
- Maynot be weatherproof.
5. Greaval Long Range Walkie Talkies
Best Price
With the Greaval GV-8S walkie talkie, you do not have to worry about your team members as this product comes in a pack of 6 radios.
This two-way radio is built to waterproof specifications, providing crisp audio up to 3 miles in an open space.
You have access to 16 channels, with continuous use up to 12 hours. You can use this radio in hands-free mode with the Voice Exchange (VOX) function. And all of these features come at an affordable price.
Specifications of Greaval Long Range Walkie Talkies
- Access to 16 programmed channels with 155 privacy codes.
- Range of 1-3 miles.
- Voice Prompt function.
- Voice Exchange mode.
- Built-in LED flashlight.
- Splash-proof case.
- Low-energy consumption.
Pros and Cons of Greaval Long Range Walkie Talkies
Pros:
- The splash-proof housing makes it resistant to wear and tear.
- It is quite portable.
- The audio quality is high.
- Voice prompt function for automated communication.
- Rechargeable battery lasts up to 12 hours or more.
- Easy assembly of product parts.
- This product is cheap.
Cons:
- Not compatible with other devices.
Comparison of Top 5 Walkie Talkies for Event Planners
| Range | Voice Exchange (VOX) Function | Channels | Battery Life | Extra Features | |
| Motorola Professional CLS1410 5-Mile 4-Channel UHF Two-Way Radio | 5 miles | Yes | 4 | 18 hours | Yes |
| Motorola CLP1040 On-Site 4 Channel Two-Way Business Radio | 4 miles | Yes | 4 | 12 hours | Yes |
| Seodon Walkie Talkies for Adults Long Range | 5 miles | Yes | 16 | 15 hours | Yes |
| Olywiz Walkie Talkies Rechargeable Long Range | 5 miles | No | 16 | 24 hours | Yes |
| Greaval Long Range Walkie Talkies Rechargeable Two-Way Radios | 3 miles | Yes | 16 | 12 hours | Yes |
Final Words:
Our choice for best value is the Motorola Professional CLS1410 Walkie Talkie. Even though it does not have a high number of channels (this helps to prevent overtime transmission from unwanted channels), it has a long battery life and a functional design that allows you communicate over a range of 5 miles.
It is also affordable. We took our time to select these products for you based on their individual features and functionality. They also come highly recommended for event planners. Whichever product you choose, you will definitely appreciate our recommendations.
