Event Planner

Event Planner

Comprehensive frameworks for planning, executing, and evaluating events of all types and scales.

Event Planning Timeline

12+ Months Out

• [ ] Define event purpose, goals, and success metrics
• [ ] Establish preliminary budget
• [ ] Select event date (check for conflicts)
• [ ] Form planning committee / assign roles
• [ ] Begin venue research and site visits
• [ ] Identify target audience and estimated attendance
• [ ] Determine event format (in-person, hybrid, virtual)

9-12 Months Out

• [ ] Book venue and sign contract
• [ ] Secure keynote speakers / entertainment
• [ ] Select and book caterer
• [ ] Begin sponsorship outreach
• [ ] Register event domain / create landing page
• [ ] Establish event branding (logo, theme, colors)
• [ ] Research and book AV vendor

6-9 Months Out

• [ ] Finalize budget allocations
• [ ] Open registration / ticket sales
• [ ] Book hotel room blocks (if overnight event)
• [ ] Hire photographer / videographer
• [ ] Plan menu with caterer (dietary accommodations)
• [ ] Design and order promotional materials
• [ ] Begin social media marketing campaign
• [ ] Recruit and train volunteers

3-6 Months Out

• [ ] Send formal invitations / email campaigns
• [ ] Confirm all vendor contracts and deposits
• [ ] Finalize event agenda and session schedule
• [ ] Arrange transportation / shuttle services
• [ ] Order signage, banners, and name badges
• [ ] Set up registration management system
• [ ] Coordinate speaker logistics (travel, AV needs)
• [ ] Plan networking activities / icebreakers

1-3 Months Out

• [ ] Send reminder communications to registrants
• [ ] Finalize floor plan and seating arrangements
• [ ] Confirm final headcount with caterer
• [ ] Prepare printed materials (programs, handouts)
• [ ] Brief all staff and volunteers
• [ ] Create day-of run sheet (see template below)
• [ ] Test all technology (AV, streaming, Wi-Fi)
• [ ] Finalize emergency and contingency plans

Final Week and Day Before

• [ ] Final vendor confirmations and venue walk-through
• [ ] Print name badges, registration packets, programs
• [ ] Confirm all speaker presentations received
• [ ] Send final logistics email to attendees
• [ ] Test AV equipment, microphones, projectors on-site
• [ ] Set up registration area, signage, and wayfinding
• [ ] Brief volunteer team with assignments
• [ ] Charge all devices, prepare backup batteries

Budget Template

Budget by Category

Revenue Tracking

Venue Selection Matrix

Key venue questions: capacity (seated vs. standing), what is included in rental fee, catering restrictions, AV options, setup/teardown allowances, cancellation policy, insurance requirements, and outdoor backup options.

Vendor Management Tracker

Contract essentials: scope of work, pricing and payment schedule, cancellation terms, liability and insurance, setup/breakdown times, day-of contact, force majeure clause, and substitution policy.

Day-of Run Sheet Template

EVENT RUN SHEET: [Event Name] — [Date]

TIME     | ACTIVITY                  | OWNER      | LOCATION    | NOTES
---------|---------------------------|------------|-------------|-------
06:00 AM | Venue opens, setup begins | Event Mgr  | Main Hall   |
07:00 AM | AV setup and sound check  | AV Lead    | Stage       |
07:30 AM | Catering setup begins     | Caterer    | Kitchen     |
08:00 AM | Registration opens        | Vol. Team  | Lobby       |
08:30 AM | Volunteer briefing        | Event Mgr  | Green Room  |
09:00 AM | Welcome / Opening Remarks | Host       | Main Stage  |
09:15 AM | Keynote Speaker           | Speaker A  | Main Stage  | 45 min
10:00 AM | Break / Networking        |            | Foyer       | 30 min
10:30 AM | Breakout Session 1        | Speakers   | Rooms A/B/C |
11:30 AM | Breakout Session 2        | Speakers   | Rooms A/B/C |
12:30 PM | Lunch                     | Caterer    | Ballroom    |
01:30 PM | Panel Discussion          | Moderator  | Main Stage  |
02:30 PM | Workshop                  | Facilitator| Room D      |
03:30 PM | Break                     |            | Foyer       | 15 min
03:45 PM | Closing Keynote           | Speaker B  | Main Stage  |
04:30 PM | Closing Remarks / Awards  | Host       | Main Stage  |
05:00 PM | Networking Reception      |            | Rooftop     |
07:00 PM | Event ends                |            |             |
07:30 PM | Breakdown begins          | All Staff  | All Areas   |

Attendee Management

Registration Data Fields

REQUIRED:
- Full Name
- Email Address
- Organization / Company
- Ticket Type / Level
- Dietary Restrictions

OPTIONAL:
- Phone Number
- Job Title
- Session Preferences
- How did you hear about us?
- Accessibility needs
- Emergency contact

Attendee Communication Timeline

Promotion & Marketing Timeline

AV & Technology Checklist

Equipment Checklist

• [ ] Projector(s) and screen(s) — test resolution and brightness
• [ ] Laptop(s) for presentations with adapters (HDMI, USB-C)
• [ ] Wireless microphones (lavalier for speakers, handheld for Q&A)
• [ ] Sound system appropriate for room size
• [ ] Confidence monitor for speakers
• [ ] Timer/countdown display visible from stage
• [ ] Video recording setup (if recording sessions)
• [ ] Live streaming equipment (if hybrid event)
• [ ] Wi-Fi bandwidth tested under load
• [ ] Power strips and cable management
• [ ] Backup laptop and cables
• [ ] Presentation clicker/remote

Hybrid / Virtual Event Additions

• [ ] Streaming platform selected and tested
• [ ] Camera(s) positioned for speaker and audience
• [ ] Virtual attendee engagement tools (chat, polls, Q&A)
• [ ] Dedicated tech support person for virtual feed
• [ ] Breakout room capability for virtual attendees
• [ ] Recording and post-event access plan

Catering Planning Guide

Per-Person Estimations

Dietary Accommodation Planning

TYPICAL DISTRIBUTION (plan for):
Standard:           70-75%
Vegetarian:         10-15%
Vegan:              5-8%
Gluten-Free:        5-8%
Dairy-Free:         3-5%
Kosher/Halal:       2-5%
Nut Allergy:        2-3%
Other restrictions:  Ask on registration form

RULE OF THUMB:
Order 5-10% more than confirmed headcount
All buffet items should be clearly labeled with allergens
Have a contact for custom dietary needs

Post-Event Evaluation

Attendee Survey Template

SURVEY SECTIONS:

1. OVERALL SATISFACTION (1-5 scale):
   - Overall event experience
   - Value for money / time invested
   - Likelihood to attend again
   - Likelihood to recommend (NPS)

2. CONTENT & SPEAKERS (1-5 scale per session):
   - Relevance to your role
   - Quality of presentation
   - Actionable takeaways

3. LOGISTICS (1-5 scale):
   - Venue quality and comfort
   - Food and beverage
   - Registration process
   - Signage and wayfinding
   - Technology / AV quality

4. OPEN-ENDED:
   - What was the most valuable part?
   - What should we improve?
   - What topics would you like to see next time?
   - Any other feedback?

Event Success Metrics

Post-Event Debrief Template

POST-EVENT DEBRIEF AGENDA:

1. Metrics Review (15 min)
   - Attendance, revenue, NPS, survey highlights

2. What Went Well (15 min)
   - Top 3 successes and why

3. What Needs Improvement (15 min)
   - Top 3 issues and root causes

4. Vendor Performance (10 min)
   - Rate each vendor, note for future reference

5. Budget Reconciliation (10 min)
   - Final actuals vs. budget, variances explained

6. Key Decisions for Next Event (10 min)
   - Changes to implement, commitments, early bookings

7. Action Items and Owners (5 min)
   - Document every follow-up with deadline and owner

See Also

• Operations
• Marketing
• Product Management