| To start you should know exactly why the event is | | | | problems. Think about how easy it would be for the |
| being held. It may be a launch party for a particular | | | | guests to reach the venue. You would not want to |
| product, business, or service. Perhaps it is a way to | | | | choose an out of the way location as this can be a |
| show thanks and gratitude to employees for their | | | | big put off. It can be worthwhile phoning around to a |
| hard work. Either way this will have a huge impact on | | | | few different venues and compare prices. Also you |
| the nature of the event, the organizing, and the | | | | need to find out whether or not the date you have |
| planning process. | | | | in mind is available for booking. Forgetting some of |
| Once you are clear on why the event is being held | | | | these small details could prove disastrous. What |
| you will then need to understand what type of event | | | | facilities does the venue have? Maybe you would |
| it will be. Will it be formal or informal, is there going to | | | | require equipment such as a PA system, stage, lights, |
| be a dress code, how will potential attendees be | | | | projector and internet connectivity. Do not overlook |
| informed about the event, are invitations necessary, | | | | the seating arrangements as this may incur an extra |
| and what number of people are expected to be in | | | | cost or cause grief and un-needed commotion. If |
| attendance. Make sure and write down the answers | | | | there is to be a focal point such as a stage then you |
| to all of these questions. Only when you are clear on | | | | will want to be certain that all the guests get a clear |
| all of these dynamics should you attempt to move | | | | view. |
| forward. Of course this is not all, think outside the | | | | Will food be served? This is a good idea if the event |
| box and play "devil's advocate". Ask yourself "What | | | | will be lengthy in nature. What type of catering would |
| could go wrong?" The answers you give to this | | | | best suit your requirements? You could offer a |
| question should be the areas where you pay the | | | | formal sit down meal that has many courses or a |
| most attention to the smallest details. | | | | simple finger buffet that allows guests to socialize |
| You will want to be certain that the theme and | | | | and mingle more. If you are going to serve alcoholic |
| decorations suit the nature of the party or event. For | | | | drinks then you will need to ensure that everyone |
| example a celebration attended only by staff would | | | | can get safely home at the end of the event. |
| be rather different than an event at which a new | | | | Finally how about the entertainment!!!! This can be a |
| product is to be launched. If children are allowed to | | | | great way to impress, just be certain that you cater |
| come along with their parents then the planning will | | | | to all tastes and not just one group of people. Most |
| require a much different type of thinking due to their | | | | importantly make sure to "screen" the entertainment |
| needing to be entertainment and special events | | | | to make sure it is friendly and acceptable to the |
| geared towards the children in attendance. | | | | guests that will be in attendance. The worst is |
| The actual venue will have a major role in the | | | | spending hundreds of hours planning only to have it |
| success of the event. It should be large enough to | | | | ruined by an entertainer who makes your guests feel |
| accommodate all the guests it must also be | | | | uncomfortable and does not know how to hold a |
| accessible for any individuals that may have mobility | | | | corporate crowd. |