I remember the day I threw my first marketing event. My heart was pounding. It was a small event—just 30 people- but we had external clients visiting which terrified me!
Before this event, I had worked for the brand for about 3 years as a customer care consultant. I had represented them online and on the phone. And now I got to host them in person? Looking back, I learnt so much from that small event. Here’s a quick guide to help YOU get it right the first time.
1) Define the Purpose of the Event
Before you even think about venues or guest lists, ask yourself:
- What do I want to achieve? (Brand awareness? Lead generation? Community building?)
- Who is this event for? (Customers? Partners? The general public?)
- What action should attendees take? (Sign up for a service? Follow on social media? Just have fun?)
Your event’s goal shapes everything- the venue, guest list, agenda, and even the food choices. So nail this down first.
2) Set (And Protect) Your Budget
Events eat money like you wouldn’t believe. Your budget will disappear into things you didn’t even think about (hello, last-minute extra chairs and unexpected sound system rentals). Break your budget into key areas such as venue, catering, staff, etc but also be sure to add a buffer for surprise expenses. These WILL happen (the golden rule of events is to expect the unexpected.
3) Expect Chaos & Roll With It
No matter how much you plan, something will go wrong. (See the golden rule above). Here’s how to handle it:
- Arrive EARLY. Give yourself at least 2 hours before doors open.
- Test EVERYTHING. Microphones, presentations, WiFi—triple-check them.
- Have a point person OR point people, if possible. You cannot be everywhere. Delegate!
- Smile and adapt. If things go wrong, attendees will take their cue from you.
Pro Tip: Have an emergency kit with tape, extension cords, extra name tags, and a phone charger. Trust me, you’ll need it.
4) Post-Event Follow-Up
Send a thank you email with next steps. Follow up with leads if you have to. Ask for feedback via a quick survey to help improve your next event.
Was my first event perfect? Actually I loved it! But I soon learnt that a great event isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a memorable experience. Now, it’s your turn! What’s the best (or worst) event you’ve attended? Drop a comment- I’d love to hear your stories!