News

Plan to plan your members’ events!

04 August 2010

There comes a time in the year when you start to look ahead to the next year. It’s a time to reflect on what has happened over the past year and look to the future. What can be replicated, what can be amended or tweaked, or what can be a new addition to the calendar.

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If you’re an ‘association’ or ‘institute’ then you’re at the mercy of your members. I’m sure that they’ll give you feedback throughout the year as to their requirements. And you will have listened to them and taken their comments and thoughts on board and hopefully will reflect these on the calendar. Whilst you think they know what they want, have you actually asked them? Something to consider!

Producing a calendar of events can be quite a juggling task. Not only have you got to think about holiday season, bank holidays, other industry events and shows, but there are factors to take in to account like elections and governmental budgets and announcements. Dates to be avoided at all cost! However, can your calendar offer something to complement these dates?

As someone who has managed an event programme with its members in mind, I can tell you from experience, ‘you can’t please them all’. Whilst adapting things is critical, and developing new themes and idea a must, there will always be someone who doesn’t agree with what you’ve done. But take heart, this is really great news.

Having someone who is quite vocal could be perceived as dangerous, but, and this is the best bit….use them to your advantage! Yes, bring them into the office, talk about your plans and let them in on stuff that isn’t common knowledge yet. People like to be liked and valued, we all know that, and by including this ‘special’ person, you could win them round and get them on your side to be an ambassador for your company or department. Sometimes you have to invest a little time in people for the greater good. I think they call that a ‘win win’.

And so to planning your calendar, here are few tips that may help you along the way:

1. Don’t do the same old thing. There is a danger of things becoming boring for both you as the organiser and the guests.

2. Be innovative. Try to find something that brings an event up to date with technology. Twitter and facebook are the new buzz mediums at the moment.

3. Involve your members. Get them on board with the calendars planning; it’ll help take the strain off you.

4. Consider your industry events. Whilst you know what they will be doing, why not run events that can piggy back off one of theirs.

5. Align yourself to the industry body you belong to. This will definitely give you greater profile and may even help increase your membership. Remember progressive and interesting events make all the difference.