I meet a lot of people who tell me they are planning an event. I say great…I love a good event. They say…we’re expecting great things. I say…what has anyone else (other than your colleagues!) said to you to suggest your event plans are a good idea. In other words your event has an audience. It is wanted or needed. Event planners must know what others think about their event idea. If you don’t know I suggest you find out. You need to test the feasibility and viability of your event idea. Here’s how.
Go for it – It’s a smart idea – really?
Armed with a very basic outline of what you think your event could be, it is time to establish what other people think of your idea. If you are anticipating spending a large amount of your organization’s money, they will want to see some evidence that this is not just a spur-of-the-moment idea but is going to be money and time well spent. Talk to your colleagues and anybody else you might know whose opinion you value. You might be amazed at what they come back with: observations, advice, contacts and even (if you are really lucky) offers of help.
It is also important to find out what your target audience thinks of your idea. You could conduct a short survey with a few questions about your event plans. Do you have a list of clients, a list of newsletter subscribers or information about previous event attendees? If so, select a sample and send them a short survey as follows:
- We [organization] are thinking of organizing [type of event] because we want to [reason for the event]
- It will be at the [XYZ] venue
- It will be at [24-hour time] on [date]
- The event programme will include [give outline details of the event programme, for example workshops, speeches, entertainment, ticket price]
- Please tell us what you think about this
- Would you consider attending this event?
There are a number of online survey tools you could use. However, I do think such surveys have more impact if they come directly from the company asking for the information. You will also get more meaningful responses from your own lists. You may have to offer an incentive to complete the survey. You will not get a reply from everyone, but any sort of feedback will be useful.
By the way, at this stage, it is also wise to make a list of potential partners, organizations or people who might also be interested in helping or working with you. Would you consider a joint venture and double your marketing reach. Arrange to speak to them about the general purpose, type of event, likely date and venue and find out what they think. If there is genuine enthusiasm for your event, and other organizations like what you are proposing, you can now start to think about how to design an event to achieve your agreed purpose.
How you can I help?
I specialise in helping accidental event organisers develop the skills and confidence to design, plan, programme, promote and deliver their own exceptional events. I provide in house event management training and coaching services covering all types of business and public events and festivals.
Need a little help with your next event, want to understand the ‘how to’ of successful events well get in touch and book your FREE no obligation consultation.
Contact me – if I can help I will.
t: +44(0)1256 335192
m: +44(0)7944 317247
e: chris.powell@theeventexpert.co.uk
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So till the next time – keep on delivering the best events you can