LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Plan a complete corporate event, including an agenda, budget, goals, venue, audience, food, and whatever else your client needs
• Keep your event on budget
• Design an advertising and marketing plan that includes a comprehensive use of media, take-aways, and/or swag bags
• Determine whether partners, sponsors, and volunteers can help to make your event unforgettable
• Create an atmosphere of service that delegates will remember
• Select speakers and a master of ceremonies to add impact to your event
• Create a diversity plan
• Evaluate the process once it's all wrapped up

COURSE OVERVIEW & CONTENT:

"Conference and Event Planning is the perfect blend of creativity and logistics."

Although it does take plenty of creativity to design an event that is memorable and meaningful, it also takes careful attention to detail, adaptability, effective delegating, and a lot of work. This two-day course will walk you through the process of event management, from the beginning stages of planning, to the final touches (like decorations, food, and music).

While this course is specifically for corporate event planning, the elements here can also be applied to more personal event planning like anniversaries, special birthday gatherings, weddings, and more. Essentially, we’re creating an effective and well planned design that is ready for implementation and can be used over and over again.

Event Planning Essentials

• Identifying Key Event Elements
• Setting Goals and Objectives
• Getting Organized
• Planning Documents
• Briefing Notes
•  Event Planning Worksheets

Budgeting Basics

• The Real Budget
• Getting Strict About the Budget
• Hands-On Practice with Budgeting

Using the Committee Approach

• Getting the Right People Doing the Right Things
• Building a Committee and Recruiting Volunteers
• Doing Delegation Right

Connecting with Partners and Sponsors

• Benefits of Support
• Step Up and Ask!

Advertising and Marketing

• Getting the Word Out
• The “Touch” Factor
• Take-Away Planning

Selecting the Venue

• What to Consider
•  How to Choose a Great Venue

Feeding the Masses

• Setting up the Menu
• Finding Food Solutions
• Staying in within the Budget

Business Etiquette Basics

• Don’t Be Afraid!
• The Edge of Etiquette
• Think Space!

Celebrating Diversity

• What Does It Mean?
• Diversity Assessment
• Build a Diverse, Inclusive Event

Creating an Atmosphere of Service

• Demonstrate Good Customer Service

Selecting Speakers and a Master of Ceremonies

• People in Your Event
• People in Practice
• Picking the Right People

Managing Contracts

• Why Contracts Are Important
• What Need to Include

Gathering Feedback

• Gathering Feedback from Delegates
• Gathering Feedback from the Client
• Designing Feedback

Adding the Finishing Touches

• How to Engage the Audience
• Create an Unforgettable Event

Event Day Roles

• Things to Do
• Managing Your Image

Closing the Event

• Time to Evaluate your Performance
• Creating the Conference Report
  • Checklist
• Holding the Post-Event Meeting and Thanking Those Involved

Practicing Planning

• Creating an Event Plan Draft
• Presentations

COURSE DURATION: TWO DAYS