Planning an Event in 2014?

Planning an Event in 2014?

Is hosting an event in your marketing plans for 2014? If so, now is the time to start planning. Putting together a few major pieces now will make the event process move smoothly. If done quickly, it can make the event better and more realistic for the hosts. These pieces are:

1.   Define the objective of the event

The objective of the event is often a large contributor to a few key ingredients. The objective defines what the event is supposed to do and it sets the foundation for the type of event it is to be, and lastly is the main guide towards the theme. Without an objective, the event may not get off the ground, rolling aimlessly towards a date without any real enthusiastic motivation behind it. Objective defines purpose. Purpose creates drive. The theme of the event puts a face to it, an image that will be memorable to prospects.

2.   Who is going to make the event happen?

In a small business, it is either a hired event planner/marketer or the owner. Each one has positives and negatives to lead the event to success. A person who can lead, is organized, creative, people oriented, resilient, and patient is the best person to lead the show. These qualities might not be all in one person, but can be had in a small team.

The person who makes it all happen is a very important part of the event. Without someone to herd cats, the event might be lackluster.

An event planner/manager/marketer is a keystone for a great event. The larger the event, the larger the skill set of the decision maker of the event. Experienced event planners and marketers can provide valuable consulting, if not be the main coordinator of the event.

3.   What it is going to take to be a great event?

Three common factors of any event are time, money, and energy. Being able to balance the three and be able to achieve the objective is what makes a great event.

There is only so much of any of time, money, and energy. The objective of the event, and the anticipated results of the event, will decide how much of each will occur. In relation to time, asking how long will it take to get everything done is what time is all about. Is this a big event that happens every year? Is this a test run for other events down the road? And other questions help plan when things occur, which is also a function of energy.

The energy required to have a great event is defined by the objective, quantity of staffing for execution, and anticipated size of the event. How much one person can put into any event is limited. Larger events take more people. Simply put, the amount of energy that can be expended is directly related to the budget, or how much money is reasonable to make the event a success.

Small businesses do not have bottomless accounts to throw large parties. An event being funded by small businesses has to see a payoff and be done within a reasonable budget.

Looking at the objective, the amount of payoff can be calculated. Whether the event is a concert in the park or customer appreciation day at the store, cash flow can be discussed. If the event has a history, budgeting is easier. For a first time event, budgeting is difficult because cash flow can be estimated within ten percent at best. More often the margin error is larger. Expenses are the most determinable line items.

When you hatch your idea, take the time to make immediate notes on how the event will occur. These notes will guide you. They will help you understand what you were thinking at the time. Too often have I lost those thoughts because they were not written down.

Taking the time to pay attention to the initial parts of an event being planned will alleviate problems later.

Spending time making great events happen, business owners elated, and businesses grow is what Blue Dog Marketing loves to do. Contact us for help in planning your next event!