The Event Planning Questionnaire

Event Planning Questionnaire

  • What is the goal of the event?
  • Who is the audience?
  • 
How many people are you inviting?
  • 
How many do you expect to attend?
  • 
How will your audience benefit from attending the event?
  • 
What promotional vehicles (invitation, flyers, e-mail, etc.) will work best to
inform your audience about the event?
  • 
What kinds of resources will you need (audio-visual, microphones, etc)?
Will you serve food/refreshments?
  • 
What messages will you use to promote the event?
  • 
Do the messages support the organization’s key themes and messages?
  • 
How will you know if the event succeeded in meeting the goal?
  • 
Do you plan to have an evaluation form?

 

Event Planning Checklist

Before the event

  • Complete all components of the Event Planning Questionnaire.
  • Determine program, activities, agenda.
  • Invite guest speakers, presenters.
  • Arrange for facilities (based on estimated numbers and set-up needs).
  • Compile mailing list.
  • Write, produce promotional materials (invitations, posters/flyers, brochures,etc.)
  • Determine distribution of promotional materials.
  • Arrange for mailing services (collating/inserting, labeling, sorting, etc.) – make sure to provide advance notice so that you meet your deadlines.
  • Arrange for food/refreshment needs—be sure to address special needs of guests (to accommodate allergies, diabetes, vegetarian diets, etc.).
  • 
Arrange for other logistics—custodial before and after the event, waste management, audio-visual, flowers/plants, giveaway items, banners/podiums, parking arrangements.
  • Prepare day-of-event materials—write and produce the program, nametags, and program evaluation.
  • Send guests a confirmation letter detailing the specifics—date, time, location, parking, etc.; include event tickets and/or registration materials.

 

During

  • Set up registration and/or welcoming area.
  • Make sure tables are set, seating assignments made, place cards and/or nametags put out.
  • Make sure all signage is up, equipment is working.
  • Monitor food service.
  • Make sure all speakers/presenters are present, aware of agenda.
  • Monitor program; make sure timeline is met.

 

After

  • Make sure food service is cleared.
  • Pack up and return all materials (banners, equipment, leftover print materials, etc.).
  • Send thank-you notes to those who provided special services and to those who attended.
  • Debrief appropriate staff members on the event.
  • Make sure attendees are coded on the database
  • Prepare any post-event publicity—photos/copy for newsletters/newspaper.

 

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