At this point, I have just about recovered from Federal Conference at the Sage in Newcastle Gateshead. And what a weekend.
As some of you may know, I am Liberal Youth’s Events Officer. As part of my role, I arranged the fringe event, our training & stall. Is it stressful? A bit, but only if you let it. The golden rule is to plan as far in advance as possible. That’s how I got Vince Cable to turn up to a Q&A on Youth Unemployment. Start early and keep the momentum up. Don’t let them forget who you are and what you want.
Once you have speakers organised, confirm a week before. Get speakers there early. Allows to get a photo op, especially if you have a Secretary of State coming who will probably be late and want to leave early (the cheeky buggers…).
So what about training? Pro-tip: find a really lovely trainer. And make sure you remember about the projector (I didn’t). And keeping confirming. And then the stall? Well, the hard bit is getting your material there (easier for Liberal Youth though) and getting people to be on the stall. Be nice and tell them in advance what you expect from them.
And then there was an interview with Tim Farron! That just was so easy because Tim’s Office are lovely.
One last piece of advice on events: expect things to go wrong, because they will.
PS I won’t be standing for re-election as Liberal Youth’s Event Officer.
#1 by Helen Duffett on March 12, 2012 - 4:42 pm
Valuable advice, well done Harry.
I’d also add:
Meticulously go back and thank everyone who took part in your events, whether on panels or helping to organise. Send them photos, links or anecdotal feedback so they know it was worth their while. Also they can post about it on their own websites.
Try and get people to sponsor your events, either towards room hire or refreshments, which will attract a larger audience.
Always pass round a signup sheet or two on clipboards. Ask for people’s name, email address and local party. At the top, print your logo, url and explain briefly what your org is about. Include an imprint and observe data protection laws – say what their email address will be used for and how they can opt out.