Planning a major event is a stressful situation that requires as much planning ahead as possible. Depending on the size of your event, many planners begin preparations a year in advance. Here are three tips on how to host an event that goes off without a hitch.
1. Focus on a Goal
Inc. states that one of the most important parts of having a successful event is focusing on a central goal. For fashion shows and events production, you could be trying to raise the profile of your brand. For a not-for-profit, the goal might be fundraising. Every event host has a different objective in mind, and it’s important not to lose sight of it. This goal will fuel the style of your event, the budget and the staff time you put into it.
2. Publicize Properly
Whether you’re working with a professional event planner or putting the event together yourself, publicity is key. Send out e-blasts, paper invitations and post it online. Do anything you can to make noise about it. In general, though, publicity should be appropriate to the nature of the event. If you’re inviting the public, you should start by sending out a press release. If it’s limited to a few key players, then a very exclusive invitation is the way to go. It’s all about context.
3. Visit the Event Venue
Many people make the mistake of choosing an event venue based on pictures or visiting once. By doing this, you’re not only depriving yourself of seeing the potential venue as a functional space, but you also miss out on the opportunity to make a flow chart of how your event will go. This is especially relevant for large-scale events like galas or fashion shows, where movement is of the utmost importance. Make sure you visit venue options and get the floorplan. This is an indispensable part of curating a successful event that attendees will back on fondly.
Event planning is often best left to the professionals, though it’s possible to DIY depending on the size. Either way, in both cases these tips still hold true. Planning and vision are key. Getting outside input is also a good idea, especially if you’re working with a team. Calling an event a success means that everything went smoothly, but more importantly, that you’ve reached your goal.