Events can vary hugely in the size, scope and expected outcome but we can still apply some broad requirements that are essential at the planning stage.
The starting point should be what you expect the event to achieve and if possible have measurable outcomes, e.g. x new client contacts, improved staff performance, this will then help the event management company you appoint to develop the event to meet your targets and also at the end of the event allow you to determine its success and your return on investment.
Once you have decided what you want achieve then you need to assign a budget to the event which should be derived by looking at what value the results of the event will bring to your company. Dropping out of this you will also get some sense of the numbers of delegates you will want to invite to the event to achieve the results.
So now you need to appoint a project manager for your event, equipped with the budget and expected results from the event they then can engage a professional event management company to help them create a concept and deliver the event (and the expected results).
Although the event management companies will advise you, you should also prepare some of further information that will help them and you plan.
1. Events that your business has already done, what worked what did not.
2. Any restrictions, e.g. location, dates.
3. Target audience, what type of people will be attending, what is your companies relationship with them.
4. Any key brand communication that must form part of the event.
Good luck with your event, a well planned and executed event can have powerful results.
