Philosophy
There is no one best way to shoot events. The secret is in finding a balance between the traditional style of posed shots and group pictures and the more free and candid style of the photojournalist. Timing is everything as different events, and different moments within each assignment, call for different techniques. A prepared photographer must have the gear, and the know how, to be ready for those changes when they arise. That being said, it is important to note that I shoot as a photojournalist most of the time. This is the kind of "look" that most clients are interested in as it always results in the most "sincere" images.
Some of my clients expressed concern that this means that shots are taken "from the hip" and lighting gear isn't used. However, I do not limit myself to shooting in just one style and I have a strong affinity for elegant lighting. After all, capturing light in an evocative way is the key for all effective shots, photojournalistic or not, so I do have a flash at the ready at all times. Flashes can be intrusive so they are only used when it is appropriate.
Finally, I have been trained to shoot as a studio, portrait, sports, landscape, and editorial photographer. I find reasons to use all of these skills in most assignments.