AIESEC Event Organization Guide
AIESEC Event Organization Guide
AIESEC Event Organization Guide
0
2
0
3
What is it?
Its a guide handed to Brazilian local committees vice presidents and organizing committes presidents
for them to have real, practical, helpful and insightful tips for events organization. It was made by me,
Ivan Chagas, with the support of AIESEC in Brazils Public Relations Team and all the LCVPs feedbacks.
But, of course, it may help MCVPs and people in AIESEC who enjoy events (like me!).
What it is not?
Its not meant to fill in your gaps, to be a trully complete step-by-step guide nor something you can
totally rely on when planing, organizing and executing your event. As mentioned before, it contains tips.
Especially because it does not cover all kinds of events and every aspects (for example, we do not
mention security and health issues here, but it does not mean you shouldnt pay attention to it).
Who are the amazing Public Relations team?
Its an awesome team that leads Brazils Public Relations area to a new level. Please, meet us, we are
the ones responsible for supporting and helping you out during your event organization. We are fun,
fancy and warm people.
Luiz Gilberto
Conexo Global and Ideia Social manager
[email protected]
Patricia Copatti
Alumni manager
[email protected]
Gilmar Souza
Carreira Global and Catalisa manager
[email protected]
Erika Sakamoto
3rd Sector manager
[email protected]
Mariana Matos
Y2B and Global Village manager
[email protected]
Francesco Carnovale
OGX partnerships manager
[email protected]
Marcos Ruppelt
Youth Alliances manager
[email protected]
Anna Estrela
ICX partnerships manager
[email protected]
Ivan Chagas
PR manager Team Leader of the NSTeam
[email protected]
Caroline Tissot
MCVP Public Relations 12-13
[email protected]
Issues related especifically to this guide, you may want to contact me, Ivan Chagas. For PR area in Brazil
general information, contact Caroline Tissot. Our managers are more about supporting local VPs of Brazil,
but feel free to contact them as well.
0
4
Successful events are usually based on a strong concept and purpose. Ideas for holding events arise
from a multitude of reasons. For example your idea may have come from a need or desire to:
Celebrate a unique aspect associated with your town or area
Showcase or develop a particular cultural or sporting activity
Mark an historic occasion, national day or local holiday
Host or create a competitive or mass participation sporting event
Encourage more visitors to come and spend time (and money) in the town/area
Improve or refocus the image of your town/area
Encourage and celebrate community activity
Mark an opening or launch
Etc
Whatever the impetus for your event, you will have identified an opportunity and assessed the
various broad risk factors associated with its successful delivery. You will have considered:
If the event is unique or if its duplicating an existing event
If there is a gap in the market that the event can fill
If there is a demand for such an event
If the resources are available to deliver it
If the community, the local authority and relevant sector body will support and buy into the event
If it will be financially viable
If it will be sustainable in the longer term
If it has potential for growth
If there will be any legacy
0
5
Your vision statement should be a short statement that describes, in broad terms, the events long
term aim. The mission statement sits underneath this and gives more detail about how the vision will be
delivered. These are important positioning statements and they need to be both concise and achievable.
Heres an example of what a vision and mission statement might look like for a visual arts festival in XTown:
Vision:
To put X-Towns visual arts heritage and community on the Scottish cultural map.
Mission:
Stage an annual visual arts festival with a programme of quality events, exhibitions and community
activities that showcase the work of local artists and engage with the wider visual arts scene in Scotland,
whilst attracting visitors and media interest from outwith the region for the cultural, social and economic
benefit of the artists and wider community.
You should also be able to define and communicate your events objectives. Your objectives should
help deliver your vision and mission. Objectives need to be clearly set out and should follow the SMART
principle: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Based:
Specific: Be specific about what is to be achieved. For instance, if an objective is to attract tourists to
the event, be specific about where they will be coming from, how many you hope to attract, etc.
Measurable: A system, method or procedure is required to allow the tracking and recording of the
action upon which the objective is focused. For instance, a monitoring system should be put in place
to record how many tourists came to the event, where they came from, etc. This could be done
through visitor research and/or ticket data capture for example.
Achievable: The objectives that are set need to be capable of being reached never overstate your
objectives. If targets are unrealistic, all you will be doing is setting yourself up for a fall. For instance,
dont set the target of attracting 1,000 tourists from North America when you only have a short
period of time to market an event that, realistically, will only achieve 500 day-trippers from
neighbouring regions.
Relevant: Is the objective important to the event? For instance, if the main driver for the event is to
encourage community activity do you really need to attract tourists as a priority?
Time-Based: There must be a clearly stated start and completion date for each objective.
Also, conduct a SWOT analysis. You may want to consider the following points:
Event Management experience within the organisation, staffing numbers and structure, financial
stability, viability of planning, confidence of funders, etc
Partners/Clients the support they can/cannot provide: finance, influence, resources, etc
Climates social, economic, cultural and political
Event Benefits what the event offers, its Unique Selling Point (USP)
Potential to Develop and Grow factors that will assist or hinder this
Other Factors competition, technology, legal, environment
0
6
arts officer
Event vision is convergent with local visual arts
and events strategies
Growing audience base
Etc
visitors
Poor late night transport
Etc
Lead Time:
Having sufficient time to plan, fundraise, market and implement the event action plan is a critical
issue. Never underestimate how long the process can actually take. Failure to allow adequate lead time
decreases the chances of success in all aspects of event planning and delivery. Think carefully about the
size and complexity of the event, the resources and funding that are required, as well as the time needed
for effective promotion. Be generous and realistic. As general guide, smaller successful events (up to 50
people) takes 1 month and a half.
The Date:
Nature of the Event is it an outdoor event; does it need to be staged in a particular season; is its
location intrinsic to its success (i.e. does it have to be in a particular venue, city/town, location, etc)?
Target Audience who are you hoping to attract to the event: is this more achievable if it is staged
at a particular time of year, holiday time, at the weekend, mid-week, etc?
Clash Diaries what else is happening at the chosen location/venue; is the event diary overly busy?
Its worth talking to your local authority? You should also check to see if your event clashes with any
similar events further afield that may also attract your target audience or participants.
Complementary Activity are there any complementary events or activities taking place at the
same time that could assist your event? Could you work together for mutual benefits?
Competition are there other similar themed or scaled events taking place that are targeted at the
same audience? Is there room for your event in the marketplace at your chosen time of year?
0
7
Creating an event business plan serves to communicate the strategic plan for taking the event
forward. Every event should have a Business Plan.
Regardless of the scale, age or history of your event, the Business Plan is an essential tool that will:
Communicate the vision, purpose and benefits of the event to others
Enable you to focus on the events potential to develop and grow
Illustrate and help secure the events viability and sustainability in the longer term
Show how much money is needed and what it is needed for
Help you plan the resources, delivery and operating structure
Help you raise funding
Help you measure success
Dont let the term Business Plan put you off. You are likely to have already thought about everything
you write in the plan many times over. By writing it down, it will help you organise your thoughts, share
them with others and allow you to make mistakes on paper before putting plans into action. A Business
Plan doesnt have to be complicated. Keep it simple and logical. Use your resources and invite key
members of the team as well as event partners (if appropriate) to contribute to its formation so that
the plan is owned by the team. Key areas to be addressed in an event Business Plan include:
The events vision and mission i.e. what it ultimately aims to achieve
Who the key stakeholders are, what benefits they will accrue and how the event fits with their
strategies
The relevant experience and track record of the organizers
The events background and an overview of plans for the current year
The SWOT analysis (identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats)
The audience/spectator/participant profile (existing and targets)
Key objectives and achievement strategy for the current year
A development plan key aims and objectives going forward (beyond the current year)
Marketing and communications planning
Event requirements staffing structure, facilities, services, venues, etc
How much the event will cost budget projections over 35 year period
How will it will be paid for identifying income streams
Management and business controls
Risk management and contingency plans
Future considerations
Next page is a broad guide intended to help you create your own unique Business Plan. Add or exclude
elements that you feel are appropriate to your event and situation there is no right or wrong format.
The scale and complexity of the event will determine the size of the plan so dont be alarmed if your
final document seems too short or very long.
0
8
You may want to make it presentable, but as we want to make it faster and smpler, Im just writing
things that you should plan before implementing your event.
1 - Background & History
Event Management outline who you are and what your relevant experience and track record is
Event History is this the eventsfirst year; where did the idea come from; have there been similar
events; has it previously been staged elsewhere; what kind of event is it; who does it attract?
Present your SWOT analysis
2 - Event Overview Current Year
This section should set out plans for the live event year:
Restate your vision and mission
Key Objectives clearly state the key objectives and how each will be delivered. Set timescales and
identify who each action will be led by (i.e. which organisation/individual)
The Event describe the event and its various elements in more detail.Give an overview of the
intended event content/programme and any new developments
Target Market give an outline of the existing audience/spectator/participant profile (if there is one)
and state targets for growth and development (you should go into more detail in section 5)
Stakeholder Involvement and Benefits describe the involvement and benefits each stakeholder
should expect (event partners, public funders, sponsors, supporters, host venue/city, the local
community, etc). Make sure you state where the event and stakeholder strategies align
3 - Development Plan Going Forward
This section should present an outline of how the event will develop over the next months:
Strategic Development with your vision and mission in mind, outline your key objectives and how
they will be delivered and developed beyond the current year;set timescales and identify who will
lead each action (i.e. organisation/individual)
Development Implications summarise the policy you will apply to ensure quality control and a
relevant programme of events
Strategic Alignment going forward, describe how your event may deliver to the strategic plans of
your current and potential stakeholders
4 Events requirements
Facilities what facilities are required in terms of public utilities, accommodation (on and off site),
catering, communication, other technology (such as timing equipment for sporting events), etc
Production detail the production equipment required such as power, fencing, staging, sound,
lighting, vision, heavy plant, etc
Legal & Insurance consider the implications of contractual arrangements and the necessary
insurance required to cover all aspects of the event
0
9
You may want to make it presentable, but as we want to make it faster and smpler, Im just writing
things that you should plan before implementing your event.
5. Marketing & Communications Plan
Situational Analysis provide outline information about existing audiences/participants/spectators;
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats with specific reference to the marketing and
communications effort
Targets identify primary and secondary target markets for each year of the Business Plan
Marketing Strategy set aims, objectives and achievement strategies
Communications/Media Strategy outline the key communication messages and how they will be
delivered against a timeline
Marketing Action Plan plot activity against a monthly timeline
Budgets and Resources show how you will finance and resource the plan
Monitoring, Research and Evaluation set out how you will monitor and evaluate the success of the
Marketing and Communications Plan. Describe how you will research and monitor your
audiences/participants
1
0
Keeping in mind AIESEC in Brazils events portfolio, take notice that your LC should not stop for any
kind of the events purpose. So, consider investing time on selecting your team. For events which main
goals are ELD programmes increasing, consider hybrid members of specialized selection for that team
area.
Whatever your particular set up, it is key that you select the right team with the relevant skills to take
the event forward. During your initial planning you will have identified what has to be delivered. Putting
the right team together is essential to success. Depending on the type and size of your event (and the
resources available to it), key areas of responsibility may include (it is not mentioned Job Descriptions,
but responsibilities one person may be responsible for more than one of these areas):
Producer
Finance
Marketing
Design
Media
Site/Venue
Fundraising/Sponsorship
Programme/Agenda
Production crew
The above list simply provides an example of the kinds of roles that may be appropriate to an event. It
could be that your event requires a range of roles, a much expanded team, or maybe just three people.
The process of putting the team together starts with drawing up job descriptions for the various roles
you wish to create. This should help you clarify the actual roles you need to put in place and the skill sets
required.
Dont forget to talk to Team Experiences area responsible for available human resources.
Recruitment: If possible, plan your recruitment activity well in advance. Getting the balance right in
the team is a key consideration event staff often have to work very closely together for long hours in
pressurised environments, so make sure your team members complement each other. Always provide a
job description and formalise your recruitment agreements in writing, ensuring the conditions are clearly
understood.
Clarify roles: ensure that each member of the team has a clear understanding of what their, and their
various team mates, roles entail, what is expected of them and who they are responsible to.
Internal Communications: It is essential that you operate good internal communications. Hold regular
team meetings to update the Event Action Plan and to ensure that all key members are familiar with and
understand the issues and challenges. These meetings are also an opportunity for team members to raise
their own points and to share knowledge and experience.
1
1
Good financial management is fundamental to the delivery of successful events. Our advice is simple:
plan ahead, be realistic, keep on top of your budget and implement control systems that work for you.
Right from the start, ensure that you set a realistic budget with inbuilt flexibility and identified
contingencies. If you are looking to raise public funds or sponsorship, dont approach a potential funder
until you are able to present a realistic outline budget. Remember, you need to convince yourself of the
events financial viability before you can convince others.
Your event budget is basically a projection of all income and expenditure relating to the development
and delivery of the event. To help you manage event finances effectively its a good approach to keep a
live budget on your computer i.e. a spreadsheet that you update on a regular (daily/weekly) basis. Set
up your budget in a package such as Microsoft Excel so that you have numeric functions to help you
manage the financial data.
The following template gives an example of the kind of entries that may be appropriate to your event,
but your entries should of course be specific to your particular situation.
The Budget Holder: Its advisable that one person is ultimately responsible for updating and
managing the overall budget. If others in the team are given authority for certain budget elements,
set control mechanisms in advance and ensure they understand and agree the level of budget
available to them.
Purchase orders: Where possible, raise purchase orders. These not only provide a checking
mechanism, but they confirm to the supplier exactly what you want and when you want it.
Good record keeping: Keep all your financial information on file and at hand. Make hard copies of
your key documents.
Cash flow projections: Ensure that you plan your cash flow effectively. The lack of available cash
could well bring your operation to a halt and put the whole team and event under unnecessary
pressure.
1
2
When predicting the likelihood of an events success, two important questions have to be asked: Is it
financially viable? Is it sustainable?
Putting aesthetics and the quality of the programme to one side, if an event is not financially viable
then its success will be greatly diminished and it will not be sustainable. Therefore, it may be harder to
secure future financial support.
In recent years, the cost of staging events has increased and it has become necessary for event
organizers to look to a wide range of sources in order to raise the required income. When preparing the
Business Plan and the Event Budget, its a good approach to draw up a Revenue Plan to help you plan
your fundraising
A Revenue Plan will help you assess all the fundraising options that have potential to raise income for
the event. It will give confidence to existing partners and stakeholders that additional finances to meet
the budget aspiration will actively be sought. By identifying income sources and deadlines, should the
anticipated targets not be met, the identified contingencies should be put into action. A The following
template gives an example of the kind of entries that may be appropriate to your event, but your entries
should of course be specific to your particular situation.
Fundraising often has to be a particularly inventive process. Depending on the type of event, it is likely
that a combination of some or all of the following income streams will be required to realise your
funding objective:
Ticket Sales (i.e. audiences, spectators)
Participant Entry Fees (i.e. sports events).
Public Funds
Commercial Sponsorship
Trusts and Foundations
Merchandising
Showcase, Demonstration and Stands
Advertising
In-Kind Support
Other Activities
Ticket sales:
Make sure you set a realistic ticket pricing structure. Research similar events, look at their pricing
structures and be aware of the expectations of your audience. Consider the impact that concessionary
pricing and special offers will have on your expected income targets.
Of course, not every event has an entrance fee. So, its up to you (and to you budget) to consider it.
1
3
Entry Fees:
As with setting ticket prices, it is important to ensure that any participant entry fees are set at a
realistic level. Research similar events to ensure that your entry fee is in keeping with the industry norm.
Consider the perception that your entry fee will create for your event, i.e. participants should feel they
are getting value for money.
Whatever entry fee you decide to charge, it is important that you clearly state what it actually includes
on all your event information.
Public Funds:
It is possible that your local authority operates an events fund or that funds may be available through
departments such as economic development, culture and leisure services or through sources such as a
local common good fund. Increasingly local authorities are developing events strategies and employing
events officers to co-ordinate their involvement and support. When enquiring about the potential of
support from your local authority, the best place to start is by asking if there is an events officer or other
appropriate (culture or sports) contact that can help route your enquiry. Aside from financial support, the
local authority may also be able to provide assistance with aspects of the event organisation by supplying
services in-kind, advice, inclusion in Whats On guides, etc.Ticket Sales (i.e. audiences, spectators)
As well as your local authority, there are a range of other organisations and funding bodies that may
be able to offer financial and/or in-kind assistance. It is worth bearing in mind that most of these bodies
would encourage applicants to seek partnership funding and are unlikely to be the sole investor in your
event. All these funding bodies require that applicants meet specific criteria. Remember, each funder has
its own objectives and your event, may or may not necessarily provide a close fit with these. Ask yourself
if your event will help meet the objectives that the funding organisation itself has to achieve. After
identifying the appropriate funding bodies, find out how your application should be presented and what
the deadlines for submission are.
Commercial Sponsorship:
Put simply, when a company sponsors an event it usually means that it provides cash in exchange for a
number of benefits. Trying to raise commercial sponsorship is likely to take up a lot of time. You may
elect to keep the process in-house by allocating yourself or a member of the team to raise the
sponsorship. Its also a possibility to partner with organizations who may make this sponsorship role in
exchange of a percentage.
Charitable Trusts and Foundations
Trusts and foundations tend to fund projects or initiatives that find it hard to attract mainstream
funding. There are thousands of trusts in Brazil and many of them do contribute an amount of their
budget in the form of grants to cultural and sports projects. Each has strict criteria that are likely to
include the funding of charitable organizations and causes only. Check their guidelines thoroughly to see
if your project fits with their grant making criteria and objectives.
1
4
Merchandising:
For certain events, the sale of event-specific merchandise such as branded clothing and gifts can have
revenue raising potential. However, merchandising is not appropriate for all events and, if it is not
planned properly, it can be a major draw on resources.
Thorough assessment of the potential is therefore required. You may decide to approach a
professional merchandising company in the first instance. They will immediately see any merchandising
potential, tell you what service they think they can provide and work out the revenue potential. Speak to
more than one company for reassurance.
Showcase, Demonstration and Stands:
Some companies like to sample their products direct to the target consumer at events. Others, who
have no product, but are promoting services or causes sometimes take information stands at events. Be
careful to ensure that any product/service on offer is in line with the events ethics and target market
profile. As a general rule, the higher the profile of the event and the larger the audience, the more you
can charge. Before targeting appropriate companies, make sure you clearly understand what you have to
offer and how much you will charge for it. Be careful that competing brands do not clash and any
demonstrating companies do not end up getting more exposure at the event than your main sponsor
(who is likely to have paid considerably more to be involved). If a company is sampling, make it clear
where their physical boundary is at the event and insist that the area they occupy is kept clean and
rubbish is taken away at the end of the day to save on refuse collection charges. In order to maximise
success, locate traders in a visible spot that is close to the main event without compromising on safety or
aesthetics.)
Advertising:
If your event has a printed programme, advertising space could be offered to local or relevant
companies, or to those who have showed an interest during the sponsorship drive, etc. Other advertising
opportunities could include the sale of banner positions at the event and/or on the event website. If you
have sponsors, ensure that no competing companies are advertising in your publications unless you have
the agreement of your sponsor. If you have a commercial sponsor, it may also have sister brands that
may be interested in taking advertising with you.
In-Kind Sponsorship:
Although no money changes hands with in-kind sponsorship, dont underestimate its value. An inkind sponsor provides products or services in exchange for tangible benefits (such as product awareness
opportunities, event tickets, future contract guarantees, etc). Often media sponsorship is an in-kind
agreement. As with Cash Sponsorship, make sure you have a written agreement as a sudden withdrawal
of in-kind help may have a major impact on the event budget.
Licensing & Broadcasting Rights:
Your event may be attractive to media broadcasters (TV, radio). If you do manage to attract this kind
of interest it is likely that assistance will be in-kind by way of broadcast value. In general its rare to be
able to attract fees for broadcasting rights or licensing for events.
1
5
Other Activities:
This is where you have to be particularly inventive. Whatever the activity attracting private
benefactors or patrons, running friends schemes, raffles, fundraising dinners, etc make sure it is in
keeping with the nature of the overall event and the activity doesnt end up costing you money.
Very few events are lucky enough to identify and achieve funds in a short space of time and so you
should leave as much time as you possibly can. Commercial companies usually set their sponsorship and
marketing budgets once a year and not necessarily at the start of the financial year. These budgets are
often allocated very quickly and so timing is important. Raising funds from the public sector can also take
some time as deadlines for funding applications are often fixed and available perhaps only once or twice
a year. After the application has been submitted, the assessment period may be a number of weeks.
Additional supporting information may be required and this can cause further delays. Creating a revenue
plan should help focus your fundraising activity
In the instance an event is sponsored, a transaction takes place whereby a company buys into the
event with cash or in-kind support in exchange for particular benefits that will assist the sponsoring
company in meeting certain objectives. A company will assess a proposal based on the target audience
(profile and number), the content and quality of the event, the benefits to the company and cost. Before
you identify companies to target, decide what you can offer potential sponsors. Ask yourself:
Is there enough time to instigate a commercial sponsorship drive?
Can sponsors be adequately serviced and supported?
What is appealing about the event programme?
What is the audience profile?
Which products and services might the audience use?
Which companies supply these products and services?
What benefits could be offered?
How will you cost the sponsorship?
Does this represent value for money?
Are there any ethical considerations?
Is it worth it to you?
In answering all of these questions fully and truthfully you will have formulated what you have to offer
a sponsor. This understanding will help you focus on who you want to target, what you can offer and
what you may potentially gain. Supporting a sponsor takes time, dedication, patience and attention to
detail its not a question of taking the money and sticking their logo on your publicity material. Before
you start approaching companies be certain that you will be able to fully commit to a sponsor in terms of
time, benefits, expectations and assurances.
1
6
You will be closer to achieving your sponsorship aims if: you share target audiences; are able to
provide benefits that meet the potential sponsors objectives; and the proposal is value for money. Your
potential sponsor will want to see a package of available benefits. These may include:
Title Sponsorship naming rights to the event (i.e. Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of
Running).
Exclusivity a guarantee that they will be the sole sponsor or the only sponsor from their particular
market sector.
Brand Exposure presence on all event literature, signage, merchandising, website, etc.
Branding banners, signage and display boards, etc at the event. Remember that the creation of
branding materials can be expensive. Your sponsor may be willing to pay for this element or they
may already have existing materials. At the start, set out what you are prepared to pay for and what
the sponsor has the opportunity to provide, and present it all in an agreed branding plan or
schedule. For televised events, the opportunity for exposure is a major benefit.
Media Exposure opportunity to host/comment at press launch, placement of specific articles in
press (a media sponsor may be able to guarantee coverage for other sponsors), mention in all press
releases, etc.
Advertising logos/mentions on paid-for advertising, advertising in event programme/publications,
etc.
Merchandising Rights opportunity to sell their product.
Sampling Opportunities opportunity to give away samples of their product.
Networking Opportunities at the event and at any pre or post event business or hospitality
opportunities.
Hospitality Opportunities exclusive sponsors party or corporate box/pavilion for their clients,
staff, etc
Product Creation the opportunity to provide a branded product, gimmick, toy, etc exclusively for
the event
Additional literature the opportunity to distribute additional event or company literature
If you have more than one sponsor, ensure that the key sponsor generally the one investing the
most money receives the most benefits.
This event guide will not enter in especific sales topic, how to present your event and stuff like that.
1
7
Regardless of event type, a strong event programme is essential for success. If the programme is
insubstantial or of poor quality it will not live up to the expectations of the audience/participants.
When deciding on the elements that will make up the programme, consider the following questions.
Your answers will provide a solid base from which to start forming the programme or building around
critical elements already in place:
What are the events vision and mission?
What are the event objectives?
What are the essential programme elements?
What elements could support or enhance the core programme?
What is the theme of the event?
What standards of quality apply?
Who is the event aimed at?
How many are expected to attend?
What are their expectations?
When and where will it take place?
How long will it last?
Have there been past successes or failures?
What is the programming budget?
How will you maintain interest and keep it fresh?
Every event is different and a publication such as this is not designed to give specific advice in terms of
the quality and development of your programme. If you require advice in relation to your programme
you should seek it from the appropriate bodies or individuals that are relevant to your particular
interests. However, in general terms it may be useful to think of an event programme as made up of
component parts:
Main event focus in line with the theme of the event, the main entertainment or event focus is
what attracts the audience
Secondary focus often a similar type of entertainment or activity to the main attraction or a
different type that appeals to the core audience
Support entertainment/activities usually a different type of entertainment or activity to the main
attraction that still appeals to the audience and fits with the theme
Ancillary activities additional fillers or things for the audience to do during the event or at
scheduled intervals
Aside from the above, certain events will have key essential elements as part of their programme e.g.
opening events or previews, medal presentations, closing ceremonies, etc.
Once youve established the different programme components that youll require, you can focus on
the specific acts/shows/features, etc that would be appropriate for the event. Remember, a strong
programme content and structure are essential to the success of the event.
1
8
Its crucial that your programme is timed so that each element works with the whole. The
considerations below will help you determine how much content you require and when to schedule
particular entertainment or activities:
Does the event require a clear beginning, middle and end?
How long will each programme element last?
How much time is required between elements?
Will people have enough time to get from one programme element to another?
Are you providing enough of a programme to sustain the audiences interest?
If the same person/group performs more than once, make sure there is enough time to rest or
relocate between performances.
Does the event need an opening ceremony to draw people into the venue or to mark its start?
Should the entertainment be competitive i.e. should different elements take place at the same
time or would this be detrimental to the main purpose of the event?
Are intervals a necessity and, if so, is entertainment required during the intervals?
Is audience/participant retention required at particular times (think about patterns of attendance,
expected quiet times, intervals, etc and programme accordingly)?
Is time required for audience/participant and/or equipment relocation?
Have you provided areas where people can relax, eat or drink in between programme elements in
which they are taking part?
Do not forget to present the programme (agenda) and its specificities to every stakeholder involved.
Audience should be aware of the whole agenda and logistics issues. Partners should know whats going
on. The performers (people responsible for the agenda content) must had have a previou alignment of
what is his/her purpose, delivery expectations and what happened before his/her session, audiences
mood at this time and what will happen next.
1
9
This chapter is intended to help you start thinking about how to safely deliver your event from an
operational point of view. For further information and more detailed advice particular to your situation,
we recommend you refer to the appropriate industry standard guides.
The nature and size of your event will have a direct bearing on the level of production equipment,
facilities, services, staff and time required to make it happen. Make sure your assessment of whats
required to facilitate the production process is accurate and build in contingencies where you can. Events
with too short a production time can attract additional and unnecessary costs and the likelihood of
making mistakes or missing out key steps in procedures that may affect health and safety will be greater
It is not possible to comprehensively list all the production equipment, services and facilities that you
may require (each event is likely to have a long and very specific list pertinent to its particular
circumstances). Instead, we have provided some examples to help you put your own checklist together.
Production Equipment Sample Checklist:
Staging and associated structures (decoration, chairs, tables, water for speakers)
Lighting, audio and visual equipment
Power generators and distribution cables
Electrical supplies
Seating and furniture audience, offices, catering, dressing rooms, etc
Site decoration and dressing
Directional and information signage
Site or Venue Layout is very important to the health, safety and comfort of everybody attending and
taking part in your event. A well considered layout can significantly influence an events success. An event
site or venue should be an effective space that suits the type of event being staged. When beginning to
plan the layout, assess all the factors and risks associated with the following points:
2
0
1) Capacity
The capacity of your site/venue is calculated based on the available audience space, the number of
emergency exits (see Access, Egress & Flow) and the risk assessment for the venue and the event. Site
Layout is therefore particularly important if you need to maximise the audience potential.
2) Access, Egress & Flow
The access, egress and flow of the audience, staff, equipment and the entertainment require careful
consideration. The venue may have existing or natural points of access/egress. If you have chosen an
existing indoor venue, then its access and egress points (which will have helped determine the capacity)
are likely to be fixed. However, if you are utilising an open plan outdoor site you will have to determine
where the best possible access and egress points should be for the audience, staff and equipment. The
exit requirements depend on capacity and the acceptable time taken to exit the venue
3) Existing Site Features
You may have to accommodate existing site features in the site layout. Whenever possible, use these
to your advantage but make sure that your risk assessment of these features identifies all possible risks
they may pose and put in place the necessary control measures to minimise such risks.
4) Placement of Equipment and Services
Place equipment and plant as close as possible to where it is needed without impeding audience view
or affecting audience enjoyment. This will also help reduce the amount of cabling required.
5) Signage
Regardless of how well-considered the layout is, if you do not have the appropriate signage to direct
people around the site/venue the space could be rendered ineffective, crowd management issues may
result.
All signage should be of the correct dimensions and design and placed appropriately around the
site/venue so as to be clearly visible. Place sponsorship banners/signage in visible positions
6) Facilities for People with Disabilities
An inclusive approach is required for all aspects of event planning. People with disabilities have the
right to equal treatment and should not be discriminated against. At the planning stage ask yourself if
you need to implement special measures in order to make the event accessible to people with mobility
problems, sight or hearing impairments or other special needs.
7) Litter & Waste
Events can create a tremendous amount of litter and waste that has to be collected, disposed of and
recycled as appropriate. It is therefore important to prepare for and stay in control of this issue. As event
manager you must ensure that rubbish and waste is disposed of in the correct manner. If you are using a
waste management contractor, make sure they are reputable and can supply you with method
statements.
The Event Manual is a key tool that provides guidance and reference for all staff working on the event
itself. It recounts final decisions taken by the projects key planners on all operational aspects of the
event and provides a practical operational guide.
2
1
This section aims to give those who are new to event marketing and communications a basic guide to
help them through the planning process. It may also act as a stimulus for more experienced event
marketers to review or rethink existing activity.
The development of an effective marketing and communications plan is essential for the delivery of a
successful event. The key is to match your event concept (the theme, programme, etc) with the
appropriate audience (those who will attend or participate in your event). In order to do that, you must
have a strong idea of what the event actually offers and to whom. You also need to have an effective plan
of action and the necessary resources to implement it.
2
2
Before plunging into the planning process, its worth taking a minute to consider the unique
challenges connected with marketing an event as opposed to an ongoing activity or product. Events are,
in general, special annual or one-off manifestations that take place in a specific, relatively short timeframe. You have a finite period to plan and action your marketing activity and a one-time-only chance to
mount your event. Remember, attendees that you attract to your event as a result of your marketing
activity are themselves key to the events success. If you attract the right type and level of attendees, this
will help create the special atmosphere and experience that the event aspires to offer, not to mention
any financial or other targets that you have set.
Where to start: the situational analysis
The first stage of devising your marketing plan involves what is sometimes called the situational
analysis. It basically means taking a step back and having a good look at all the available information that
relates to the event before devising a plan to move forward.
Established the events vision, mission and key objectives
Considered the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats pertaining to both the event and
your organisation
Begun to formulate/refine the events programming policy/content
Decided when the best time to hold the event is
To develop the situational analysis further in marketing terms you should now begin to consider the
following in more detail:
The existing audience for the event (i.e. who comes, where from, how many, level of repeat
attendees, level of first time attendees, has the audience profile changed over the years, etc?)
If there is any existing research (i.e. do you hold any hard information on your audiences, have you
closely examined it, what does it tell you, is it recent, what else do you need to find out, etc?)
Previous marketing activity and resources (i.e. what has worked in the past, what could be
developed further, etc?)
Available resources (i.e. budget, staff, stakeholder support and amount of time available to deliver
the plan, etc)
Competitor analysis (i.e. does the event have any competitors, can you learn from them?)
Income targets (i.e. what level of return does the marketing activity aim to deliver by way of ticket
sales, what are the other sources of potential income and can marketing activity influence these?)
Resources
When preparing your Marketing and Communications Plan you must keep the available resources at
the forefront of your mind. There are three key resource factors to consider:
Budget you need to establish the basic marketing budget at the outset
Time you need to be aware of whats actually possible in the time available
Staff you need to agree whos responsible for what and identify if there are any sources of
additional assistance
2
3
2
4
2
5
Marketing Tools
Once you have undertaken the above activity you should be better equipped to decide on the kinds of
tools (materials and actions) that you will employ to most effectively reach your target audience. There
is a whole range of available options and the tools that you choose will depend on all of the above factors
together with the resources (time, money and staff) that are available to you.
Some of the most commonly used event marketing tools include:
Print: posters, leaflets, postcards, programmes, etc
Direct mail and print distribution
Media advertising: print, radio and TV
Website/internet/e-bulletins
Outdoor advertising: billboards, bus sides, poster sites, street dressing, etc
Friends/ambassadors programmes/clubs
Media releases, promotions and activity
Media sponsorship
Mailing lists
Social media (paid ads, too)
Media Relations and Planning
Your media plan should form a significant and integrated part of your marketing and communications
plan. By the media we mean newspapers and magazines, radio and television stations, the internet,
newsletters, bulletins and freelance journalists. You should target those that are most appropriate to
your audiences. Editorial media coverage is generally more persuasive than paid for advertising and
whats more, its free. Dont expect the media to come to you though you have to be active in
communicating the event story. Here are some pointers to get you started:
If you dont have a dedicated media officer for the event, make sure someone appropriate on the
team has the responsibility for co-ordinating press activity;
Build a media database. Identify and research the key media and specialist journalists that you think
may be interested in covering the event.
Be aware of deadline days and preferred format (email or post) for receiving media releases and
images.
Keep a track of media response and interest.
Create a good relationship with the local paper and appropriate journalists.
Think about angles and sell the story: can you offer programme exclusives, interviews, photo
opportunities, previews to particular journalists?
Always be accurate and honest when dealing with the media there is no point overdressing a
story. You will lose their trust if they feel they have been misled.
Remember to invite journalists to review the event.
Always say thank you if the event is covered.
2
6
Its not over yet. The final step in the event management process is one of good business practice and
good housekeeping and our advice is to start it as soon as possible after the event.
The evaluation and reporting process, mainly involving de-brief meetings, information gathering and
report writing, is an important and useful exercise which:
Allows everybody who was involved in the event to feedback their experiences, advice, and
recommendations
Helps you to realistically assess the eventssuccess based on factual and anecdotal information
Provides you with the opportunity to sign off the event (physically and emotionally)
Helps you plan the next event
Meetings
You may feel by this stage that you have had enough meetings but its important to have your say and
let everybody else do likewise. The nature, size and structure of the event will have an influence on how
many meetings you have but it is likely you will require to meet with:
Your organisation committee team
Key external contractors
Steering-group and management sub-groups
Funders and sponsors of the event
Take note of the key points, observations, advice and recommendations that people offer positive and
negative to be included in your final de-brief report. At these meetings it is important to be objective
and to be able to take constructive criticism along with the praise. Encourage people to speak freely and
honestly and do the same yourself.
De-brief Reporting
Ask your own management team members to prepare succinct and constructive de-brief reports
detailing their role in the event, their experiences (and that of the people who were in their team) and
recommendations for future events. This will help you when it comes to writing the final report.
General reminder of the type of event, programme, dates, location(s), how many people attended
General statement about the success of the event
Review of the Plan, its objectives and actions were they achieved?
Who was involved in the planning and operations of the event and what their roles were including
information on the steering-group and any sub-groups
Overview of the programme and ancillary attractions
Detailed analysis of the effectiveness of marketing and communications
Fundraising analysis measured against your initial revenue plan
Final budget showing all income and expenditure
Recommendations for each area covered by the de-brief report
Summary and conclusion
2
8
Timeline:
Small event (up to 50 people) 2 months of organization
Week 1
OC election
Theme definition
Date definition
Build speakers & partners list
Week 2
Week 4
Communication plan elaborated
Budget elaborated
Week 3
Week 5
Week 6
Week 6
Speakers invitation
Local definition
Promotion
Close final partners
Week 7
Week 8
Report
Send report to partners and
involved people
Execute outcomes (if any)
Week 2
OCP election
OC application and plan
Local definition
Partners approach
Local confirmation
Week 4
Budget definition
Communication plan
Partners prospection list and
sales material
Week 5
Week 6
Communication basic materials
AIESEC promotion aligned
Week 10
Week 12
Event execution
Week 13
Theme definition
OC election
Week 6
Confirm panel guests
Communication planning
Week 7
Week 9
Support materials location
Partners list definition
Week 3
Week 8
Starts promotion
Week 11
Event revision
Promotion peak
2
9
Team structure:
Small event (up to 50 people):
Project Manager
TMP Fin
TMP Agenda
TMP Comm
Project
Manager
TMP
Fin/Log
TMP
Agenda
TMP ER
TMP Comm
3
0
Team structure:
Large event (up to 300 people):
Project
Manager
TMP Fin
TMP
Agenda
TMP ER
TMP
Comm
TMP Log
Project Manager Follow up, manage and support TMPs work. Final responsible for events general
evaluation and success.
TMP Finances Responsible for infra-structure, equipment, support materials and coffee break. Elaborate
and manage budget. Work close to TMP ER to guarantee a smoother work. Final responsible for event general
structure.
TMP Agenda Responsible for agenda content (speakers, panelists, lectures). Invitation and alignment with
representatives who are going to participate. Final responsible for event content.
TMP Communication Elaborate and execute the promotion plan. Sessions audio and visual record.
Execution and follow up of defined actions to promote the event. Final responsible for attendees.
TMP External Relations Prospect and approach strategic partnerships to reduce expenditures and
potentiate off-agenda moments and number of attendees. Final responsible for in kind, cash and support
partners.
TMP Logistics Work close to TMP Agenda to guarantee the delivery of proposed agenda. Prospection and
definition of events local. Responsible for prevision and manage equipments, coffee break and support
materials. Final responsible for logistics plan execution.
Why do we need it
Projectors, easels, etc.
Visual communication (posters, banners, flyers)
Events break
For delegates identification
Facebook ads
Rent payment for local
In case you invite speakers from outside town
Decoration
AIESEC promotion materials
3
1
Global Village
Carreira Global
Conexo Global
Catalisa
Ideia Social
3
2
Luiz Gilberto
Conexo Global and Ideia Social manager
[email protected]
Patricia Copatti
Alumni manager
[email protected]
Gilmar Souza
Carreira Global and Catalisa manager
[email protected]
Erika Sakamoto
3rd Sector manager
[email protected]
Mariana Matos
Y2B and Global Village manager
[email protected]
Francesco Carnovale
OGX partnerships manager
[email protected]
Marcos Ruppelt
Youth Alliances manager
[email protected]
Anna Estrela
ICX partnerships manager
[email protected]
Ivan Chagas
PR manager Team Leader of the NSTeam
[email protected]
Caroline Tissot
MCVP Public Relations 12-13
[email protected]
Ivan Chagas
Brazil National PR manager
[email protected]