This is a simple "how-to" guide for event planning! Enjoy...

1. How to Host a Great Event! your “how to” guide for event planning By: Haley Redmond

2. Steps to a great event: Set your goals Define your audience Determine date, time and venue for event Determine event theme Determine the event budget Invite attendees Publicize Set event agenda Confirm all plans Set up event Execute event Follow – up

3. Set your goals It is important to set realistic goals for your event. Goals should be set in terms of attendees and the desired event outcome. Goal of attendance How many people do you want to participate in your event? Goal of outcome What do you want the outcome of your event to be / what do you want people to think of your event?

4. Define your audience Clearly define who you want to attend your event. This will contribute in the later steps such as theme and venue. Having a good understanding of your target audience will prevent common complaints by attendees

5. Determine date, time and venue for event Selecting the date, time and venue that will work with your target audience. You want an event that will fit in their schedules as well as a venue that they will feel comfortable in. Contact the venue as soon as you can! Most venues for events require ample time for booking.

6. Determine the event theme Having a “theme” can ad a dimension of pizzazz to any event. Themes can be carried out by all aspects of the event such as : Venue Decorations Transportation Invitations Food Decorations

7. Determine the event budget A budget should be determined in order to successfully execute your event without going over what you have to spend. Even with a limited budget, events can still be successful. Try to stick with the budget as much as possible.

8. Invite attendees After you have selected who you want to invite to your event, invitations should be sent out to the guest. Invitations should complement the overall theme of the event The invitations should be sent out with plenty of time for the guest to R.S.V.P.

9. Publicize Events should be publicized so that there is a hype built up about your event that makes the guest want to come. There are many ways to publicize an event including: News paper articles Radio announcements Promotional flyers Announcements

10. Set event agenda All plans for the event should be set weeks in advance so that problems are avoided. Things to consider: Food / Beverage Decorations Speaker/Entertainment Transportation *** ASK QUESTIONS: you can never be too sure!***

11. Confirm all plans All plans should be confirmed one week prior to your event. Contact your speaker/entertainment . Visit venue for last-minute changes/ issues Ensure on-time delivery/set up for food and decorations

12. Set up event If possible, set up for your event a day in advance. You should try to avoid any problems with the layout of your venue. Have helpers ready to help with set-up and clean-up.

13. Execute event During the event, make sure that all guest feel welcome and comfortable. Monitor room temperature, food, beverage, and entertainment. Be accessible to guest.

14. Follow up Be sure to thank the guest for coming to the event. Encourage their participation in future event. Send out post-event surveys to measure the success of the event. Measure the results and compare to the goals of the event.

15. The End! Note from the author: My name is Haley Redmond. I have studied Public Relations at Georgia Southern University. I hope that this “how-to” guide for event planning helps you in your upcoming events! Remember: No matter how big or small your event is, with attention to details and a creative mind it will be a success!!!