How to plan an event

How to organise an event?

Everyone sometimes organises an event, festival or corporate event: an adventurous team building, an inspiring conference, the annual staff party, a smashing wedding or just a birthday party. eventplanner.net will help you make your event, business or private, an unforgettable one.

Organise your event yourself

If you have a limited budget or if you like organising events, organising your event yourself is definitely an option. Discover the advantages and disadvantages of organising your company event yourself versus outsourcing to an event agency.

With an event agency

If you choose an event agency, then you should stick to these rules for pitching event agencies.

Find the perfect event venue

The event venue largely determines the appearance and atmosphere of your event. So you can safely say that the event location can make or break an event. But also renting a tent can certainly be an option. Do not forget to take into account practical aspects. Use these handy checklists:

Event catering

You don't choose an event caterer haphazardly. Also at an event, the way to the participant's hearts is through their stomach. Catering is therefore very important and must match the objective of your event and the target group. We also have tips for selecting the right caterer:

Music: disk jockey or band?

Would you like some music during your conference breaks? Do you provide a dance floor at your staff event? Or are you looking for stylish background music for your reception? At eventplanner.net you will find the best music bands, orchestras and disk jockeys for your corporate event.

There is much more to entertainment than booking the entertainers, ... You also have to take into account some practical aspects. Which permits do you need? What do you do when an artist cancels at the last minute?

Event decoration

Event decoration largely determines the appearance of the event and the experience of your guests. It is about the total atmosphere experience. A pleasant, beautiful location is certainly enough, but you can also opt for a complete decoration in your own style, or you place some special eye-catchers to create the right atmosphere.

Guest list and invitations

Calendars are overflowing. So the invitation to your event or party should not only arrive on time, but should also encourage the recipient to free up some of their time for your event. The first impression, just a glance, can make all the difference between response and trash. So pay close attention to developing a stimulating invitation. After all, inviting is the art of seduction. Send a pre-announcement or save-the-date 10 weeks before your event.

Drawing up a guest list is a time-consuming task. However, you cannot afford to make mistakes. Forgetting someone is unforgivable. Ask others for help when putting together the guest list.

Don't forget to mention the dress code! In many cases, the clothing choice of your guests is free. Does specific clothing contribute to the atmosphere of the event or is it necessary given the (weather) conditions? Then you can appreciate a certain type of clothing (dress code). Discover all the dress codes here.

Other

Action plan

In the action plan or call sheet you work out the tasks and responsibilities of your team. During the entire process, you refine the script. Organising an event is a complex challenge that many parties are involved in. As an organiser, you must have the necessary project management skills to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Budget

Drawing up a budget for events is an ongoing process. It is best to start with a global estimate. You do that before you request quotes. This way you can immediately see whether you are working realistically. You systematically adjust the provisional budget when you receive offers or when you can make a more targeted estimate.

Event technology

The role of technology is becoming increasingly important, but it can differ greatly from event to event. Sometimes the technical feats literally steal the show. At other events, audiovisual concepts are used to support presentations or performances. In any case, choose a reliable supplier for renting audiovisual material.

Photo and video

Don't forget to hire a photographer and/or cameraman. You can send them out to capture beautiful images of important moments, acts and audience.

Permits and insurance

Permits and event insurance are especially important to you as an organiser. If you have every detail covered, you can save a lot of headaches and save a financial hangover.

Free Event Planning Software

Think of all the tools you use when planning truly memorable events: mood boards, checklists, call sheets, ... Now imagine having all those tools in one convenient place!

Discover all tools
laptop
John&Jane

Find event suppliers and event venues

What should you pay attention to when planning an event?

It is tempting to start organising your company event right away, but it is wiser to do your homework thoroughly first. Once your event has started, you don't get a second chance. It must be an instant hit. Murphy's law is constantly lurking: If something can go wrong, it will go wrong. You can only prevent this if you prepare your event down to the last detail. If you don't do this, you run the risk of the event overshooting its goal or costing you more time and money than necessary. You start with the analysis of the objective(s) and determining the target group you want to reach.

 

For the practical organisation of your corporate events, the checklists and manual on this page will help you on your way!

 

 

More tips?

Read our book EVENTS with hundreds of tips, checklists, ... to make your event run smoothly. Subscribe to our newsletter and receive the latest trends, inspiration, tips, ... directly and completely free in your mailbox every week. Or watch our eventplanner.tv videos to brush up on your knowledge about event management!

 

 

Find event venues and event suppliers

You can quickly find event locations and event suppliers via our search engine. Thanks to our reviews you also know immediately which event location or supplier best suits your event. Is your event over? Don't forget to write a review yourself.

 

Good luck with your event!

Tips and inspiration on eventplanner.tv

Reimagining virtual events: redefining online networking with authentic connections

Reimagining virtual events: redefining online networking with authentic connections

In this episode, Hoyin Cheung, the founder of Remo, shares the story behind his innovative platform that's transforming the world of virtual and hybrid events. Tune in as we discuss the future of events, the unique challenges of hybrid experiences, and how virtual events will continue to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Building safer stages: How the ETTEC certificate is revolutionising event safety across Europe

Building safer stages: How the ETTEC certificate is revolutionising event safety across Europe

In this insightful interview, Chris Van Goethem discusses the origins and importance of the ETTEC certificate, a groundbreaking initiative to improve safety standards in European theatre and event industries. From the need for basic safety training to the challenges ...

20 years of event moderation: key changes and insights

20 years of event moderation: key changes and insights

This compelling interview explores how the landscape of event moderation has evolved. Jan-Jaap In der Maur (Masters in Moderation) shares his expert insights on how the approach to moderating events has shifted, adapting to new technologies, diverse audience expectations, and the growing demand for interactive experiences.

Preparing for the European Accessibility Act: a must-listen for event planners

Preparing for the European Accessibility Act: a must-listen for event planners

With the European Accessibility Act on the horizon, significant changes will impact how events are planned and executed. In this episode, we sit down with Bart Van den Brande from Sirius Legal to break down what you need to know to ensure your events are compliant and accessible. Be prepared - this is information you can't afford to miss.

Start to event

Start to event

EVENTS is the reference for every organiser of events and parties. This renewed edition is thicker than ever, broadened and contains completely new topics that you cannot miss as an organiser!

More info on the book
pro

eventplanner.PRO

Are you really committed to your profession? Become an eventplanner.PRO member now! The event planner pro card is exclusively for real event professionals who want to get the most out of their job and the event sector.

Discover more
EVENTS - Kevin Van der Straeten Buy now!