Past couple weeks were very busy as I was part of a large event for over 280 children. As I’m wrapping things up, going through evaluation forms and mapping up necessary changes for next year, I had an idea… there might be others out there who can benefit from what I’ve learned during this event. If this is you, pay attention as this might transform your upcoming events.
1. Build a great team
The bigger the event to lower the chances that you can pull it off on your own. Everything is easier with a great team. I strongly suggest that you meet with your team often and early enough. I personally like to have all my key leaders around the table as we do the initial planning, but as we go along, I talk to each of them separately to honor their time and stay focused on their topic or area.
If you help your team to prepare, it will be so much easier for your team to run the event without you having to interfere with their schedule and programming. Basically, help them prepare well and let them fly.
2. Over-prepare
I’m not sure whether there’s such a thing as over-preparation. But even if, I’d rather be overly prepared than under prepared. Map out your event, create timelines, materials, create plan B and if this is not your first event, pay special attention to things that fell apart during the previous event. My team loves that we evaluate and improve our event daily. Each day I collect feedback, review them and run possible solutions through the event leadership team. It makes a big difference if you’re willing to listen to your team.
3. Celebrate
No matter how successful your event, you will always see mistakes. But trust me, you might be your worst critic. Those on the recipient end most likely don’t know that your first session finished 5 minutes late and put you behind the schedule. Understand that you can’t control every single detail and choose to enjoy the moment, notice the victories and celebrate achievements. Acknowledge your best team members and celebrate them. Wear your smile and say ‘thank you’ all the time. It will make a whole lot of a difference.
Question: What are your favorite ways to turn your event into success? Let me know on social media.
