Event Checklist

Organising an event is not as simple as it once was. These days' people expect more from events and as organisers try to compete, you need to ensure you have thought of everything.

As such, here is a solid checklist that you can use to organise your events and ensure that you have considered all of the options and covered all of the angles, before the event begins:

1. How many guests are you going to invite?

2. Do you have enough time to organise the event and publicise it in order to make it a success? (If not, push the date back).

3. Has a similar event been held in the past, and was it successful?

4. What would you need in order to make your event successful (people and skills, and can you arrange these things in time)?

5. Is your event going to entertain (party, meal or trip) or is it going to inform people (workshop, conference, lecture, AGM)?

6. How much space do you have available to you (take into account room for guests who walk around, a dance area if necessary, decorative arrangements and other things that will infringe on the floor space).

7. What menu are you going to offer, and will this be simple or complex to arrange in your local area?

8. Have you created the invitations and given guests enough time to attend (remember that your guests are busy and may have other engagements to attend to).

9. Have you considered what you need to hire and what you already have available (in terms of equipment and goods)?

10. Is the event going to be based on a theme (if so, what theme)?

11. Are you going to invite special guests or VIPs to your event?

12. What seating arrangements have you planned for, and which guests will be sitting together?

13. Is your event going to be formal or an informal event?

14. Are you going to need a DJ or a band to play at your event?

15. What cleaning staff do you have on hand, or do you need to arrange them?

16. Who is going to set up the venue (will you hire this out or organise it yourself)?

17. Have you found the best location for the event (easy to find, good parking, safe, and scenic)?

18. Do you need to buy extras such as balloons, hats, gifts, drinks, cakes, alcohol, cake, toys, writing materials etc.)?