Sample Event Planning Checklist
Condsider this sample checklist a starting point for planning your own event. Some customisation may be needed to meet the needs of your unique conference, race, charity event or any other type of activity you organise.
Pre-event
Local Government
Requirements
- Inform local government of event and gain approval (if
required)
- Check with your local Visitor Information Centre to see if there
are
any other events scheduled for the same date and location
Budget
- Prepare an event budget and monitor your spending
Location
- Select a location or venue for your event
- Transportation – will people travel long distances to your
event?
Is there parking and easy access from mass transit?
- When is your location available?
Event Agenda
- What is the goal of your event?
- Develop event timeline
- Book entertainment and MC if needed
- Collect written confirmation from entertainment or MC
- Submit deposit for their services if needed
Sponsorship
- Create sponsorship proposal
- Identify potential sponsors
- Deliver sponsorship packages and follow up within 1 week
- Use sponsor testimonials and always acknowledge sponsors
Marketing & Promotion
- Develop Marketing / Communication Plan
- Design promotional material, basic text, logo
- Build a website and optimise it for search engines
- Distribution of flyers/posters/email/brochures to community
- Submit event information to local events calendars and
websites
- Submit a press release
Participant Registration and
Invitations
- Build an online event registration form
- Host your online registration form on your website
- Determine what is included in the cost of registration (event
t-shirt, pre-event dinner, etc)
- Deliver an email announcement to your past participants with link
to your online registration form
Permits & Licences
- Apply for any food permits required
- If using music, apply for a noise permit
- Request for approval to erect promotional signage
- Road closures – send applications early
Contractors
- Order equipment e.g. stage, lighting, PA system etc
- Book portable toilets, fireworks, marquee, generators
- Book and confirm all contractors in writing
- Check insurance – public liability, staff, volunteers etc
Risk Management
- Book first aid officers
- Conduct risk assessment involving all key stakeholders
- Create risk management plan
- Obtain relevant insurance and send copy to Council if required
- Contingency Plans – wet weather, low attendance
Security Plan
- Book Security & two way radios
- Crowd control
- Cash security
Essential Services
- Notify Police, Ambulance Service and Fire Brigade
Waste Management
- Develop Waste Management Plan
- Promote reducing waste in marketing material
Traffic Management
- Design traffic plan including:
- Signage, disabled parking, VIP parking, pedestrian access,
marshals, car parking area, entry and exit points, lighting, road
closures, promote alternative transport
Food Vendors
- Book Food Vendors and confirm in writing
- Request details of electrical requirements
- Request copy of Health Department Registration Certificate
- Application for temporary food premises permit
Site Preparation and Plan
- Design plan of venue / event site
Cleaning and Maintenance
Plan
- Book toilet cleaners and extra paper if appropriate
- Clean up venue/mow lawn/clear area of debris
Other
- Organise volunteers and staff
- Prepare scripts or run sheets for ceremonies
- Organise awards/trophies/certificates & decorations
On the Day
- Gather staff for full briefing
- Organise volunteer registration area & entertainers area
- Circulate contact list with mobile numbers to all staff /
volunteers
- Review chain of command in case of emergency
After the Event
- Removal of all equipment and rubbish
- Thank you letters to staff, volunteers, performers
- Thank you presentation to sponsors
- Evaluation / debrief with key stakeholders
- Close off budget
- Hold a de-brief session to look at ways of improving the event
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Achieve Event Success
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