To create an unforgettable event, you need tons of creativity, an eye for detail, adaptability, the ability to delegate, and a propensity for hard work. To help you plan the perfect event, we have come up with our version of the five golden nuggets (also called the five C’s) to kick-start your event strategy and ensure that your event runs like clockwork.
1. Event concept
This first step is where you drill down to why you are hosting this event and set your goals and vision. Are you celebrating a milestone occasion such as a wedding, or arranging a work function to promote a new brand, or is this event aimed at educating or raising funds to support a charity? Once you confirm who the event is aimed at you will be able to establish the type of event and the creative elements needed to deliver on the vision.
2. Event coordination
This is one of the key event management strategies where you set down your budget, develop a theme, and establish all the finer event details such as selecting and booking the venue, setting timelines, booking the required equipment, planning the catering, and creating the ambiance through your event décor.
3. Event control
Once you have agreed on the scope of your event, it is vital to put control measures in place so that you stay on track and on budget to complete your event within the required timeframe. At this point, you need to see if anything in your event plan needs to be adjusted and be flexible for any unforeseen changes. You also need to keep a tight handle on your suppliers to ensure quality control and deliverables.
4. Event culmination
It’s the day of your event and now is the time to put all your hard work over the previous weeks to the test! Management of your event team, ensuring that your suppliers deliver as promised, and making sure that the front and backend of your event is managed effectively is now critical to ensure a seamless event.
5. Event closeout
The last item in our event management guide is the successful closeout of your event where you debrief and contemplate what worked well and what could have been done better in the future. This is also when you can single out a team member for their invaluable contribution to making your event a great success.