A Comprehensive Guide to Event Planning

Event planning is the process of managing a project, such as a meeting, convention, fair, ceremony, or team building activity. An event planner organizes a variety of events including business conventions, weddings and educational conferences. They ensure that all the details of the event meet the specifications of their customers. Event planning is all it takes to organize an event and is part of the broader framework of event management. This comprehensive guide will provide you with 13 steps to creating a successful event plan. When setting the initial goals and objectives of the event, you should also consider how you will evaluate the event to determine your success. When choosing your event brand, keep in mind that an event brand must reflect your organization's brand, but it must have a brand of its own. Although you may not be organizing events on such a large scale, you should leave at least a few months for events such as corporate picnics, gatherings, or large parties. Event planning includes budgeting, setting deadlines, selecting and booking event venues, acquiring permits, planning meals, coordinating transportation, developing a theme, organizing activities, selecting speakers and keynotes, organizing equipment and facilities, managing risk and developing contingency plans. It is not unusual for event planners to be asked to create calm in the midst of potential chaos and to appear unshakable as if chaos had never been a possibility. Initial discussions with customers on event ideas, topics, desirable dates, and budget guidelines are part of the event planning process. The event industry now includes events of all sizes, from the Olympics to business breakfasts. While no two events are the same and each event has different objectives, budgets, and audiences, there are several steps you can take to drive the planning process, stay current, and maximize the success of your event. Event managers, event producers, and event managers may have similar responsibilities. Creating an event master plan will allow you to ensure that all aspects stay on track as well as facilitate coordination with volunteers and event committee members. Becoming an event planner involves a commitment to a varied education and often intensive on-the-job training. Your event plan helps you stay on track and can serve as a North Star as you prepare for your event day. If you want to take your participation a step further consider incorporating on-site technologies such as a social media wall or digital gift bags and event gamification tools that encourage attendees to participate in the event. Creativity and innovative thinking are a must for successful events. To sum up, this comprehensive guide provides 13 steps for creating a successful event plan. From setting goals and objectives to choosing an appropriate brand for your event to incorporating on-site technologies - these steps will help you drive the planning process and maximize success.