· What could you do differently, better to reach your goals? To involve more people? To spread word about event?

· Was event worth doing? What were some of benefits? Would you do it again?

Encourage alternative forms of feedback from those unable to attend, such as via e-mail, website and fax back forms. Once you have received feedback from group, have notes transcribed for distribution to all stakeholders (clients). Be sure to include this in event portfolio for future reference. Proper evaluating of event will lead to even greater success in future. In fact, it is important to evaluate all aspects of business from time to time. Otherwise, how and when would you know what needs to be improved? One final thought; make sure you get feedback from attendees. And here’s a key question to ask, especially if it is an event that is open to public: How did you hear about this event?

© 2005 - Heidi Richards

Heidi Richards is the author of The PMS Principles, Powerful Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Business and 7 other books. She is also the Founder & CEO of the Women’s ECommerce Association, International www.WECAI.org (pronounced wee-kī) – an Internet organization that “Helps Women Do Business on the WEB.” Basic Membership is FREE. Ms. Richards can be reached at Heidi@speakingwithspirit.com or heidi@wecai.org.

Here’s a step-by-step checklist to help you organize your event.

The Task:

___ Select members of planning team. Include leaders of specific events to be

completed by (date).

___ Develop master plan by (date). This may include theme, location, etc.

___ Choose date for event by (date).

___ Select secondary team leaders (subcommittee chairs) for logistics by (date).

___ Recruit or hire team members for logistics by (date).

___ Create your publicity/ media campaign. Alert media of photo and interview opportunities by (date).

___ Prepare “copy” for print materials including program, registration forms,

tickets, registration/ identification badges, ribbons, awards, etc. by (date).

___ Plan decorations by (date).

___ Develop schedule of events. Distribute to each person on team. Review assignments.

___ Determine how registration will be handled and by whom.

___ Create an Emergency Plan in case event has to be cancelled or postponed.

___ Have a “dress rehearsal” of event with all responsible parties to review roles and responsibilities of entire team day before.

___ Have Event!

___ Mail a copy of program and thank you letter to sponsors and supporters of event as soon as possible after event.

___ Send hand-written thank you notes to your host (employer) and team you worked with. If possible, include photos.

___ Evaluate Event

© 2005 - Heidi Richards