Event Development (continued)

“The following is a continuation of my Event Development Series. Several months ago I started the series with the first section, “Initial Development”. The second section is entitled “Research and Preliminary Planning”. Now that you and your team have decided to proceed with the event, it’s time to get serious! As suggested previously, any thoughts and idea are more then welcome!"

Research and Preliminary Planning
You’ve determined that you “financially” want to proceed with your festival or event and you and your committee have completed plenty of “research”. Now it’s time to start your “Preliminary Planning”.

Preliminary Planning – Theme
Is the theme of your event suitable for your group and your community? To hold a successful event, it is important to hold an event that represents the character of both your group and community. For example, if you are holding a “waterfront event”, you should to be near water. Or, if you are holding a teen event, it should have input from teenagers. Find something within your group or community that has a connection, something that everyone can identify with and then plan the event on that foundation. By doing this, you will find it easier to gain the support of all participants (committee members, friends, community and patrons).

Preliminary Planning – Duration
How long will your event be…both in terms of planning the event and holding the event? Longer events need more time to plan, more manpower, more participants and likely more money. Chances of greater success or failure grow in relationship to the size and length of the event. Before you decide, weigh all the pros and cons before totally committing. If you do decide to choose a longer event, make sure everyone understands what it will take to ensure success. The development of a critical path and manpower chart would be prudent at this point.

Note: This concludes the "Research and Preliminary Planning" portion of my Event Development Series. The "Leadership" portion will follow in the months to come.