Planning an event, whether it’s your first or your hundredth, can be incredibly stressful. In fact, according to World Scholarship Vault, event coordinator was ranked as the third most stressful job in 2023. To help alleviate some of that stress, Sickening Events has developed a range of resources to simplify the process.
In addition to digital marketing tools like MailChimp and SurveyMonkey, we offer comprehensive reference guides on optimizing your event budget and ensuring smooth festival operations. And for those moments when you need to ensure every detail is covered, our event checklist is a lifesaver.
Starting as early as possible is key. As soon as you have the green light for your event, begin the process. Ideally, kick off these tasks four to six months in advance:
Define your goals and objectives
Establish clear objectives to guide your planning process. Consider the purpose of your event, desired attendance numbers, profit goals, ticket pricing, and venue requirements.
Develop a preliminary budget:
Use past events as a reference point, filling in any gaps with educated estimates. Seek multiple vendor quotes and gather insights from experienced event organizers.
Choose a date:
Select an optimal date, considering factors like competing events and seasonal trends. Have a backup date in mind in case of scheduling conflicts.
Secure a location, venue, and vendors:
These decisions are crucial and should be made thoughtfully. Consider the geographic area, expected attendance, need for Wi-Fi, venue infrastructure, and availability of local vendors.
By following these steps and utilizing our resources, you can streamline the event planning process and minimize stress
Determine Your Theme Selecting a theme for your event can be challenging, but here are some expert tips to guide you:
Consider your goals and audience: Align your theme with the purpose of your event and the preferences of your attendees. Ensure that the theme is appropriate and engaging for your target audience. Choose a relevant theme: Determine if your theme should have cultural, historical, or seasonal significance. Explore how the theme can integrate with other elements of your event for cohesion.
Research and Secure Speakers Speakers can significantly enhance your event, so follow these steps to select the right ones:
Explore speakers from similar events: Research speakers who have spoken at events similar to yours. Evaluate their topics, expertise, and online presence to gauge their suitability. Create a list of preferred speakers: Consider what each speaker can bring to your event and compile a list of ideal candidates. Negotiate and reach out: Prepare a professional offer, including speaking fees and benefits, and contact your selected speakers.
Initiate Sponsorship Search Sponsorships are crucial for your event’s financial success, so use these strategies to attract sponsors:
Identify potential activations: Determine the sponsorship opportunities you can offer, such as product demonstrations or VIP experiences. Research potential sponsors: Explore companies that have sponsored similar events and compile a list with contact information. Expand your sponsor pool: Think creatively and consider unconventional sponsors beyond those associated with similar events. Set sponsorship rates: Research market rates and establish fair sponsorship packages for your event.
Months Prior:
Fine-tuning the Details As your event approaches, focus on refining the finer details:
Finalize Speaker Arrangements
Confirm speaker bookings and ensure all necessary paperwork is completed well in advance. Aim for a diverse lineup in terms of topics and formats.
Gather speaker bios and photos and arrange travel and accommodation logistics to streamline the process.
Organize Financials Maintain financial clarity by:
Selecting suitable ticketing or registration technology. Completing sponsorship agreements promptly and offering discounts for early payments. Setting competitive ticket prices, especially for VIP packages, and ensuring they offer added value to attendees.
Develop Your Event Website Create a professional online presence for your event:
Obtain approval for the website’s design and aesthetics from all stakeholders involved in marketing. Update or create your event website, ensuring the accuracy and relevance of information. Ensure your website infrastructure can manage increased traffic and optimize it for mobile devices to reach a broader audience.
By following these steps, you can ensure a successful and well-executed event that meets your goals and exceeds attendee expectations.
Kickstart Event Promotion To ensure a successful event, employ a diverse range of marketing strategies:
Craft cohesive messaging documents in line with your event’s brand identity. Use platforms like Sickening Events’s event marketing tools to maintain consistency across all channels. Utilize digital marketing tools such as email and social media platforms like Sickening Events, MailChimp, and SurveyMonkey to promote your event effectively and track attendee engagement. Increase visibility by listing your event on online event calendars, leveraging platforms like Sickening Events to simplify ticket sales across multiple websites. Drive traffic to your event’s website by writing informative blog posts. Ensure seamless conversion by directing readers to your Sickening Events page for ticket purchases. Create engaging promotional videos and distribute them widely through channels like Sickening Events Ads and other event promotion tools to maximize reach.
Finalize Venue Logistics Ensure a smooth event experience with meticulous attention to venue details:
Collaborate with caterers to finalize menus, considering dietary restrictions and thematic coherence. Secure necessary A/V equipment, including microphones, speakers, projectors, and lighting, to facilitate seamless presentations. Address security requirements, especially if high-profile attendees are expected, to ensure efficient crowd management. Obtain any required permits, licenses, or insurance for aspects like serving alcohol or hosting interactive activities. Plan event signage and communication strategies to guide attendees effectively and enhance their overall experience.
Draft Event Schedule Create a comprehensive event schedule to manage proceedings efficiently:
Develop a working draft of the schedule, catering to the specific needs of different task managers involved in event execution. Two Months Prior: Finalize Details As the event date approaches, focus on refining preparations:
Send Reminders Maintain communication with key stakeholders by sending timely reminders:
Notify attendees about event details, including date, time, and location, to ensure maximum participation. Provide vendors with reminders and updates on logistics such as setup times and parking availability. Clarify roles and expectations for presenters/speakers, ensuring they have all necessary information for a successful contribution. Engage sponsors by reminding them of branding opportunities and encouraging them to promote the event to their audiences.
Boost Promotions Drive ticket sales by intensifying promotional efforts across various channels:
Utilize social media platforms to target diverse audiences effectively, leveraging platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and others. Leverage your blog to engage readers and drive traffic to your event page, converting readers into attendees. Personalize messaging through email campaigns to reach potential attendees directly and encourage ticket purchases. Invest in paid advertisements across relevant platforms to expand reach and attract a broader audience. One Week Before: Wrap Up Loose Ends Ensure all preparations are in order in the final week leading up to the event:
Finalize Event Schedule & Scripts Review and confirm event schedules and speech scripts to ensure alignment with objectives and seamless execution.
Ensure all stakeholders have access to the latest version of the schedule to avoid confusion or misunderstandings. Obtain sign-off on speech scripts to maintain consistency and reflect positively on your event’s brand identity.
Update Registration Numbers Communicate final registration numbers to relevant parties to facilitate efficient planning and coordination:
Inform caterers of the expected number of attendees to ensure adequate food preparation and service. Update venue staff on attendance figures to ensure compliance with legal and safety regulations.
Confirm Vendor Timings Coordinate with vendors to confirm arrival times and logistical details for smooth event execution:
Provide caterers with access to the venue and confirm setup requirements for food service stations. Coordinate with A/V equipment providers to ensure timely setup and testing of equipment for presentations. Arrange for decorations to be set up according to the event schedule, considering any specific requirements or themes. Keep open communication with speakers to address any travel delays or logistical issues that may arise. By following these steps and maintaining clear communication with all stakeholders, you can ensure a successful and memorable event experience for all attendees.
What Comes Next?
Every event is unique, and effective event planning is a multifaceted process that demands significant time and effort.
Planning ahead and considering all aspects are crucial for a successful event. While this can be stressful, you can alleviate some of that pressure by referring to a de-stress checklist.
However, the ultimate way to reduce stress is by leveraging tools that streamline event marketing, ticket sales, and organization.
At Sickening Events, we aim to support you in this endeavor by offering actionable insights into your target audience and providing the leading ticket-selling platform in the industry.
