Follow this simple guide for planning a successful event.  Start by answering the questions beginning with the words: who, what, where, when, and why.  Who is planning this event?  What are they doing?  Where will it be?  When does it start?  Why hold the event? 

Answering the questions gives you the perfect invitation.  For example:

The third grade class of “Any city” is hosting a health fair for all “Any city” students and their families.  It will be held at the “Any city” gym on Friday, July 8 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  The event is an effort to promote health care for every student and family member.

Planning an event will make the event successful.  You will be able to meet your goal by using objectives that make the plan come together.  In our example of the health fair our goal is:  To promote health care for the children and every family member.  Objectives are statements with detail purpose to obtain the goal.  Some objectives for this event may include: 

1. Pass out tooth brushes and floss along with information about dental hygiene.
2. Demonstrate how the heart works.
3. Ways to keep your heart healthy. IE: diet and exercise.
4. Give samples of healthy food and provide recipes.

It may take several people to plan a large event.  Some organizations have special committees to plan sections of the event.   There may be a committee that is responsible for the budget, recruitment, or logistics.  Large or small, every event needs to come together at the right time. A time-line is used to keep everyone on schedule.  Even the smallest detail should be listed along with the person responsible for doing the task.  A time-line is your “to do” list, shopping list, calendar, and contacts. 

This is only a guide.  But, hopefully it will give you the confidence and organization to have a great event!