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10 Tips for successful event planning: A guide for event planners

Planning a successful event requires detailed preparation, creativity, and a good understanding of the participants' needs. Whether you're planning a small corporate event or a large conference, the role of event planning is crucial to overall success. This blog post shows you how to make every event a highlight with strategic event planning.

October 1, 2024
5 min
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Anna brings over 6 years of experience in digital event management, including 2 years as Marketing Manager at START Global for the START Summit, and is an expert in product development and customer success at Oniva. She holds a Master's degree in Business Innovation from HSG.

Expertise
#Event marketing #Innovation #Event technology
Co-Founder
Oniva
Woman working at laptop

What is the goal of event planning?

The primary goal of event planning is to create an event that meets the expectations of both the organizers and participants. It's not just about logistical organization but also about creating an unforgettable experience. Event planning must ensure that all aspects of the event—from the schedule to participant interaction—fit together smoothly to achieve the defined goal.

What makes event planning successful?

Successful event planning is based on precise preparation, detailed planning, and clear communication. Key factors include a well-thought-out concept, the right choice of location, and targeted engagement with the desired audience. Flexibility is also essential: event planners need to be able to respond to unforeseen changes while keeping track of all the details.

What are the risks of event planning?

Event planning carries numerous risks, from logistical challenges to unexpected incidents. Common risks include weather-related cancellations for outdoor events, technical issues with equipment, or service providers not showing up. Careful planning and the creation of contingency plans can help minimize these risks and ensure the event's success.

10 tips for successful event planning

1. Choose the right event date

Selecting the right date is crucial to ensure that enough participants are available to attend. Avoid holidays or other major events that might compete with your event. Allow sufficient lead time to send invitations and inform participants well in advance. Find out more about the most popular times for business events in our blog.

2. Choose the right event venue

The venue significantly influences the atmosphere of your event. Good event planning considers not only the size and design of the venue but also its accessibility and amenities. Think about technical requirements like power outlets, Wi-Fi, and lighting. You can find an overview of the top congress and conference venues in Switzerland in this article.

3. Create a compelling event concept

A clear concept is the heart of every successful event plan. Define the message and goal of your event and structure the program accordingly. Whether it's networking, entertainment, or knowledge-sharing, the concept should be consistent throughout the event. Here are 15 ideas on how you can add variety to your business event.

4. Define the right target audience

To make your event successful, it’s essential to reach the right target audience. Tailor the communication and marketing of your event to the needs and interests of your audience. As an event planner, you should know exactly who will attend and what these people expect.

5. Choose the right event technologies

Modern event technologies like Oniva not only simplify planning but also enhance the participants’ experience. From registration software to event check-in apps, the right technology helps keep things organized and ensures smooth execution.

6. Choose the right service providers for your event

Successful event planners work closely with various service providers—from caterers to sound technicians to decorators. Choose reliable providers who meet your needs and can smoothly support your event. If you lack the right contacts, we recommend using an event agency. Here you will find a list of the top event agencies for business events in Switzerland.

7. Communicate clearly and in a timely manner

Clear communication is crucial in event planning. Inform all involved—service providers, the event team, and participants—of all essential details in good time. Regularly send updates to ensure everyone is on the same page.

8. Create a smooth entry process

Long lines at the entrance can negatively affect participants’ moods. Plan the entry process so that it is efficient and stress-free. You can use digital tickets and well-trained staff to avoid delays. In this article you will find more information on the topic of smooth event check-in.

9. Ensure a smooth program flow

A detailed schedule and coordination of all parties involved are crucial for a seamless event. Event planners should go through all program points with those responsible and ensure sufficient buffer times are built in.

10. Learn from event data for future events

After the event is over, use the collected data, such as participant feedback, registration statistics, or technical evaluations, to improve future events. Successful event planners analyze the data to determine what worked well and where there is room for improvement. Here you will find a list of the most important KPIs for your event.

Conclusion

Thoughtful event planning is the key to any successful event. By following the tips mentioned above, you can ensure that your event becomes an unforgettable experience. Good preparation, clear communication, and flexibility in responding to unforeseen challenges are the difference between a good and a great event.

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Helpful information for event managers

Discover exciting articles about creating unforgettable events.