Hosting events for your small business is a great way to bring your team together, gain exposure in the community, and network with industry partners. Whether you’re planning a training, networking, or some other type of special event, it’s vital that you make the most of it. To help you plan the perfect event, here’s a list of the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.

Don’t Underestimate Planning Time

The last thing you want to do is to wait too long to start the planning process. Most business events take several months to plan. Create a planning timeline right from the start to keep you on track.

Do Set Clear Objectives

Before you even start the planning process, you must have a clear set of objectives and goals in place. Put these goals into writing to ensure everyone on the planning committee is working towards the same objectives.

Don’t Assume Anything

When it comes to planning a business event, don’t assume anything. Instead, get everything in writing, including vendor contracts, RSVPs, and committee meeting notes. This step is especially important for last-minute changes and late registrations.

Do Plan Thoroughly

It’s critical that you take the time to plan every single detail of your event. Meeting room experts recommend that you have your entire event planned at least two months before the big day. This two-month period gives you enough time to deal with any potential issues and make changes if necessary.

Don’t Skip Marketing

To make the most of your event, you must invest in marketing. Create a social and email marketing campaign that explains why someone should attend your event and how it will help them.

Do Develop a Contingency Plan

Chances are that at least one thing will not go as planned on event day. It’s a good idea to always have a contingency plan in place that you can fall back on if the need arises.

Don’t Forget Follow-Up

Many business leaders forget one of the most important steps in planning an event – to follow-up. Always take the time to follow up with attendees. Ask them if they enjoyed the event, what could have been better, and what other events they would like to see in the future.

Do Set a Budget Early

Planning a business event can become extremely expensive if you are not careful. Take the time to set a clear budget for your event early in the planning process. You can make adjustments can later if necessary, but a preliminary budget should be set right away. 

Hosting an event for your small business can be a great opportunity. The important thing is to give yourself plenty of time to organize your event and use that time wisely. We stand ready to help you grow and protect your small business for maximum improvement.