Why is it that during the summer, the seemingly most relaxing time of the year, that PR and marketing people still seem stressed out? Could it be your responsibility to plan that "big event" - the company picnic, grand opening, convention or holiday party?
If you're dealing with those challenges (or may sometime soon), you will need to consider a whole host of questions and issues. For example, here are some location-related questions:
|
|
- Do you have a new building or location that you wish to showcase? If so, why not have the event there.
- Is the location easy to find. If it's not, you'd better have good maps handy and make sure that they get sent out with the other information.
- Is there an adequate number of restrooms for the size of the event? (In all seriousness, DO NOT skip this question. I was recently at a large event where, because they had rented only part of the building, all of the restrooms were blocked off except one pair and we had 500 people to run through them in a 15 minute intermission. NOT PRETTY, especially after we turned the men's room into a women's room leaving the few last-minute men frustratingly standing outside!)
- Is there any road construction that will make it difficult for attendees to get to the site? You probably should check with the city/county/state to make sure that nothing's planned to start just before your event.
- Is the site located in an area that attendees consider safe?
- Is parking easily accessible to guests and vendors? Is it free?
- Does the cost of the location fit within your budget?
- Does the location meet all standards for accessibility to those with disabilities?
- Does the image of the location fit the image of your organization?
- Is the site easy to work with and willing to go the extra mile?
- Are there special permits required for the site? Don't get caught without one if you need it. Don't forget questions like music, closing times, parking issues, crowd control, etc.
- If it is an outdoor site, do you have an indoor site alternative in case of bad weather? Is it close enough to the outdoor site so that people can move quickly and easily if the weather suddenly changes in the middle of your event.
These are just a few of the 899 questions we've identified to help you pull off the greatest event your organization's ever done. Need the rest?
How to Create a Sizzling Special Event
Posted June 23, 2004
More Public Relations / Publicity Comments:« Electronic Media Kits: How to Create Them, Deliver Them and See INSTANT Results
Public Relations and Publicity Blog
Powerful Publicity Tips for Your Fund-Raiser or Special Event »
