Event planning is the process of planning events. Event planners handle the totality of the event and event planning focuses on all elements of the event details. Event production, event promotion, catering, selecting the event venue, are just some of the things that event planners are responsible for. If you are an event planner, you most probably have your own techniques and strategies for planning an event. If you are new at this, there are various tips for you to consider.
Date selection can vary and although most of the time it is important to make sure that there are not other similar events being held on the same date, it can sometimes work towards your advantage. For example, multiple events that surround a similar theme are held each year during Art Basel Miami Beach with much success.
To start with, you should know your audience very well. When planning an event it is important to determine you’re a target audience. Once you know who you target audience is you can begin to put together your event marketing strategy. This step is crucial to knowing how to promote your event in order to sell tickets and to get those bodies in the door!
You should create a list with all of the elements required for planning your event. Spend some time to take down notes with regards to the requirements of your event space, the date and time of event, stage lighting, sound, catering, and security to make sure you are not leaving anything out. Make a first draft as soon as possible and as things go along be sure to update your list accordingly.
It is essential to identify a clear goal for your event and sculpt the event around this objective. Is it a launch party to create awareness about a new product or business? Is it a fund raising gala to raise money for a particular charity or cause? Is it a concert to support a new album release or musical act that has just arrived on the scene? It is hard to determine the success of an event if you don’t know the goal. Be SMART when it comes to goal-making. Make sure that your goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound.
Avoid event wars. What does this mean? You have to know whether there are other popular events in line with yours. This means that you should try to avoid dates where other industry events are being held. In some cases this may work, such as Art Basel Miami Beach when many similar events can be on the same date. However, generally it is better idea to avoid planning your event on the same date as others events that you may share an audience with.
Be open for change. Nothing is perfect in event planning. That is why, you have to be flexible. Make sure that you explore plenty of options when it comes to the event venue, date and time and other event elements that are subject to change.
Furthermore, have a good marketing strategy for the event. Traditional event marketing tools such as flyers, print ads or TV ads are a great start, however be sure to implement some of more current event marketing tools such as social media and experiential marketing techniques.
Knowing what your audience wants in order to get their attention is crucial when coming up with an effective marketing strategy for you event. Now, once you have their attention, then, it’s time for you to make your great move in advertising. Sell or promote your event wisely! Happy Event Planning!
