The closer we come to spring, the more events we need to plan. Everything from birthday parties to wedding showers, there’s always some plans that need to be made, No matter if your an event planner or a Pinterest planner, there are key points every event organizer needs to know to ensure that your event runs as planned. Here are five tips to keep in mind this event planning season.
5 Tips to help you plan your next event
1. Create a theme
It goes without saying that the key to throwing your best event is first and foremost, having a fun, functional theme. Especially for corporate events. You’ll need to create a theme that’s goal-oriented. This will allow you to better identify who your event participants will be, how to procure and express gratitude to participants, raise funds for a project, allocate a budget, sound, catering, role distribution among your fellow planning team, and creating a guest-friendly aesthetic. While this step can seem intimidating, remember to not get stuck in traditional formats. Think outside the box. This will help her achieve the overall goal of your event.
2. Pay attention to details
Details matter. Especially when it comes to throwing your best event. Start by creating a digital document, that will be made available to everyone helping you throw your event, which allows all team members to stay on task. Including a list of the main tasks needed for each stage of the event planning process. Free options include Google templates, Asana, or Trello. As it’s important to keep timeframes in place to help your event go as smoothly as possible.
3. Create a budget
The best events start with a formidable budget. Do this by creating a list of tasks and reflect these expenses in your budget. It is also worth thinking about allocating a small reserve in case of unforeseeable situations. As it’s better to think about such things in advance and be prepared for them financially.
4. Be detail-oriented
If you want to pleasantly surprise your guests, think about everything down to the smallest detail: What they will eat, how your guests will be greeted, what music will be playing, what photography will be used, how you and your team will be dressed, and more. Details that help make your event stand out to guests for seasons to come.
5. Always have a plan B
In the weeks leading up to your event, always check, then double-check the details of your event. From the location in person as early as possible to taste testing your catering selection. These steps help prevent many unexpected moments. Therefore, check such issues in advance. No matter if your event will host 5 or 50 people, an hour-long training session with your team can help prevent numerous situations in the first place. This is why keeping the machinations of Murphy’s law in check starts with checking, and then double-checking all key aspects of your next event at least 1-2 weeks ahead of time is key.
A great example of event planning can be seen in the planned event repertoire of accomplished actor, director, and producer, Brian Posen has dedicated his career to the theater scene in his native Chicago. He has taught for 25 years at the renowned comedy theater The Second City, where he leads as the program director for more than 100 classes each term and more than 40 faculty members. In addition to his programming responsibilities, Chicago’s Brian Posen has coached ensemble performances weekly and generated hundreds of thousands of dollars for the company through the sold-out shows.
Posen stands out as the founder and executive producer of The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, which hosts approximately 160 ensembles in the largest comedy festival nationwide. He is also the founding director of The Cupid Players, a traveling musical sketch group. As the director of the troupe’s open-run production Cupid Has a Heart On, he has drawn rave reviews from such publications as Newcity Stage and Theatre in Chicago.
In addition to his work in sketch and improv comedy, Mr. Posen has produced and performed in hundreds of theatrical events, including comedies as well as dramas. He has earned mention as one of Newcity’s “30 Players Who Really Perform in Chicago” and taught thousands of students at institutions across the country, including Columbia College Chicago and Actors Theatre of Louisville. He holds an MFA in acting from the University of Illinois. Find out more about his event planning and marketing tips, here.
Friends, those are my five key points to pulling together your next event this season. Whatever event you organize, be optimistic and don’t be afraid of surprises and your event will be a success! Now I have to ask, what are your go-to tips for throwing your next event at home or away? Leave your favorite tips below.
