The Steps of Event Planning
Before planning, start with the end in mind - think about your goals and purpose for the programming of the event.
1. Creating your event theme: Picking a theme can be the most difficult process in planning an event. Yes, that does seem silly, but it’s a difficult decision! If you are having difficulty deciding on a theme, try sitting down and writing out a list of a bunch of themes and choose which one you like the most. Always make sure your event theme is something you think others would enjoy.
2. Brainstorming ideas: After you have decided on an event theme, you need to start thinking of your event programs. A commonly used strategy is to sit down and write a list of everything that comes to mind when you think of your event theme. Also researching your theme online may give you some inspiration. If you can not think of anything that relates to your theme you should either change your theme, or talk to some friends to see if they have ideas!
3. Narrowing down your ideas: Now it’s time to narrow down your items to 5-8 choices. These things should be different from each other, and can be further developed into their own programs.
4. Brainstorm possible activities: Now that you have your theme and your ideas that relate to your theme, it’s time to think of activities for your event! After this, you should have 5-8 programs ready for your event.
5. Solidify your programs: Solidifying your programs means developing each program clearly. Remember to always have one program that you can easily cut out if you run out of time, and also to have a back-up program if you end up having extra time.
6. Create your event outline: This is one of the most important steps in planning any event. Always write a detailed description of how each program will run. Make sure to include all specific details, supplies, discussion questions, and anything else you would need in order to run the program. Adding detail is is important because if you or another planner weren’t able to lead the event for any reason, another BBG or AZA would be able to lead the event. Remember to follow the rubric!(see the "Perfect Outline" page).
1. Creating your event theme: Picking a theme can be the most difficult process in planning an event. Yes, that does seem silly, but it’s a difficult decision! If you are having difficulty deciding on a theme, try sitting down and writing out a list of a bunch of themes and choose which one you like the most. Always make sure your event theme is something you think others would enjoy.
2. Brainstorming ideas: After you have decided on an event theme, you need to start thinking of your event programs. A commonly used strategy is to sit down and write a list of everything that comes to mind when you think of your event theme. Also researching your theme online may give you some inspiration. If you can not think of anything that relates to your theme you should either change your theme, or talk to some friends to see if they have ideas!
3. Narrowing down your ideas: Now it’s time to narrow down your items to 5-8 choices. These things should be different from each other, and can be further developed into their own programs.
4. Brainstorm possible activities: Now that you have your theme and your ideas that relate to your theme, it’s time to think of activities for your event! After this, you should have 5-8 programs ready for your event.
5. Solidify your programs: Solidifying your programs means developing each program clearly. Remember to always have one program that you can easily cut out if you run out of time, and also to have a back-up program if you end up having extra time.
6. Create your event outline: This is one of the most important steps in planning any event. Always write a detailed description of how each program will run. Make sure to include all specific details, supplies, discussion questions, and anything else you would need in order to run the program. Adding detail is is important because if you or another planner weren’t able to lead the event for any reason, another BBG or AZA would be able to lead the event. Remember to follow the rubric!(see the "Perfect Outline" page).