MEETINGS & EVENTS

OVERVIEW | FIRST TIME HERE? | MEETING & EVENT GUIDE

Setting Objectives is the foundation for a successful event.

There are five basic questions, the Five W's of meeting planning. Once answered, they will form the framework on which to build your meeting or event:

  • Why? - Define the objective, reason, or purpose for having the event (training, announcing/showcasing products, increasing association membership)
  • What? - Determine the scope of the meeting (international, national, regional, state or local) and based on the event's purpose, define the most appropriate type or format (seminar, sales incentive meeting, trade show, annual company or association gathering, board meeting)
  • Who? - Determine who will be attending (company employees and/or executives, customers, industry executives, spouses/children)
  • Where? - Decide what type of location is most suitable for your event purpose (resort, downtown / city centre, suburban, airport, conference centre). Convenience to participants is generally a prime concern. Attendees' travel to and from the event site should be as easy and as inexpensive as possible.
  • When? - If possible, be flexible on the dates for the event. This can improve the chances of obtaining first-choice hotel arrangements within your budget. Consider the time constraints of the participants. Arrange dates to minimize attendees' time away from office and home.
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