Top Tips for Hosting a Successful Event

The main aim of any event host is to ensure all your guests have a good time, things run like clockwork and there are no major issues to cast a damper over proceedings. In other words, every good host wants a successful event. The success or otherwise of an event can be preordained by the organiser, depending on the forward planning and attention to detail on the day or evening of the party. Here are a few things to keep in mind if your want to be the host of a successful event.

Keep everyone safe

Safety is paramount at any event. Even if most of your guests had a great time, it’s not going to go down in history as an overwhelming success if a few had to be carted away in an ambulance. You will need to organise public liability coverage if you are planning a major public event, especially if the event is being held on private property. Look for expert websites such as www.sinnamonlawyers.com.au for good advice on how to avoid public liability claims and what to do should you receive one.

You should also take a few precautions to keep your guests safe. Remove or otherwise secure things that can be fallen or tripped over. Keep the areas where guests are gathering clean and dry. Put up signs warning of potential dangers. Advise your guests of designated walking paths and important communal facilities like toilets and drinking fountains.

Plan well

Events don’t make themselves – a great deal of effort needs to be put into every aspect of your event if it is going to be a success. Work out a detailed budget and stick to it (as much as possible) or have reserve funds on hand. Put in place contingencies for activities such as keynote speakers and venue issues. Consider marketing opportunities and other ways for promotion and potential sponsors. Have a check list in place early in the planning stage so you don’t overlook anything.

Choose the right venue

Plan carefully for where you intend to hold your event. The venue can be the difference between everyone remembering your event as a blast for months or years to come, or having your efforts used as an example of how NOT to hold an event. For example, if your event is for a small, select and targeted group of people, choose an area where an intimate evening can be had. If it is a larger event where tickets are being sold in the public arena, make sure your venue is capable of safely and comfortably handling a crowd.

Know what you want your event to be

Finally, know what it is you are trying to achieve with the event. Is it to raise a business or personal profile, is it to promote a product or raise awareness of a service, or is it simply a thankyou to staff, clients or friends – an opportunity to get together and have fun? Whatever the purpose, understand it early and keep it in mind during the planning and promotion stages.

With a little bit of organisation, you can have an event that will be successful and memorable. Put together a plan, start early (at least six months before the event date) and keep to your objectives and you will be well on your way to a successful event.

Author bio: A former journalist and communications consultant with more than 30 years’ experience in the public, private and community sectors, John Reynolds is a freelance and contract writer based in Brisbane. Apart from his ‘writer for hire’ business, John also writes a blog that explores all that is important, topical, political, weird and wonderful in the world.