Here are a few of the basics that can sometimes be forgotten when planning an event. These tips will help you to make your event a success, and allow you to have a better time on the day of the event!
Planning an event can be a true task depending on your experience and the size of event you are planning. But to keep it as simple as possible the first thing you must do is answer these basic questions:

Who? What? Where? When? Why? - (the 5 W's)

The most important one of these you must answer for yourself is the “Why?” If you have a good meaningful reason for the event it will provide for a much better event in the long run. Having the 'Why?', will make it much easier for the other 4 W's to fall into place!

Why?

Finding the true purpose for the event - Answer this question:

"Why am I planning this event?"

The answer could be many different things, such as:

• To show employees that they are appreciated.
• To have a good time!
• To celebrate an event! (Like a birthday, holiday, etc..)
• To wish someone farewell.
• To raise funds for a greater cause.
• To involve your community.

Whatever reason(s) you come up with will be your guide to your event. When you get confused or are unsure about anything you can always go back the why question and it will help you to find an answer.

Who:

Now decide who you will invite. Is the event for employees only? Is the event for employees and family? What about friends? Deciding who to invite will help to determine many variables still lingering. It will help you to determine your budget, location/space requirements/guest transportation/parking/ etc… It will also help you to determine what activities are required.

What:

What type of event are you planning? What is the actual event?
Is it:

• Picnic - Click Here for Helpful Tips on making your Company Picnic a success
• Party
• Carnival - Click Here for helpful Carnival Hints
• Fair
• Team Building Event
• Store Promotion
• Other Type Of Event?

What kinds of activities will be occuring at the event?

Having this decided can help you to decide a theme for your event, which can be a helpful step to take. A theme can help you decide from a whole world of options for many parts of the event.

When:

Deciding when the event is to take place.
Depending on the size of your event, the when may be in two weeks time, or for large events as much as a full year or more in advance.

If you are deciding a time for the event, it is important to take into consideration who is coming- so you can plan it with enough time to insure they can make it to your event.

Where:

Deciding where you want your event to take place can be a tough decision. From homes, to community centers, to parks, to picnic facilities, banquet rooms, and millions of other great locations there are several factors to deciding which one is the best suited for your type of event. Take these factors into consideration:

• Transportation to/from the event- travel time can be a big factor!
• Parking
• Amount of guests you will be having
• Budget
• Activities available
• Food Service/Catering options

We can suggest many locations for your event. Remember, if you are planning your event during a typically busy time of year, you may need to reserve your location well in advance.

Timeline:

Create a timeline from today until the day of your event. Set deadlines for completion of things like:

• Booking a location
• Notifying your guests
• Obtaining any permits necessary
• Deciding on menu/catering options
• Booking Entertainment
• Set up/Clean up
• Hiring Staff/Security
• Buying decorations/ door prizes
• Deciding a theme
• Etc...Etc...Etc...

If you stretch completing tasks like this over time, it can make for a much more successful and certainly less stressful event- There is nothing worse than running around the day before an event hoping you are remembering to do everything.

If you are still seeking out the right idea for your event and are not sure where to look, call our office today! Our staff of trained professionals will gladly assist you and offer ideas to make your next event a true success.

With just one phone call your entertainment worries are over!