Here is a handy checklist from start to finish that you can use. Not all topics on the checklist are covered in the post, but many are self explanatory.
9 – 12 Months prior to Event
- Choose an Event Chair or President
- Select your Committee Coordinators
- Figure out a budget
- Choose a venue
- Choose a theme for the event
- Figure out who your target guests will be
6-8 Months prior to Event
- Develop a marketing plan
- Figure out the event timeline
- Choose an auctioneer
- Choose the Audio/Visual company
- Choose your entertainment
- Begin procurement and table sales (ongoing until event)
- Create a sponsor kit with different levels
3-5 Months prior to Event
- Viewing of the venue with committee members
- Advertising and PR for the event
- Develop your fund-a-need cause
- Send out invitations/save the dates
- Figure out how you will collect the money at the event
1-2 Months prior to Event
- Begin setting up your staff
- Secure volunteers
- Finalize the event’s timeline
- Get the live auction list to the auctioneer to put in appropriate order
- Finalize the Program and send to printer
- Finalize any videos or auction Power Points
0-1 Month prior to Event
- Let your auctioneer know if there have been any changes
- Start packing supplies, displays, and anything you need to bring to the venue
- Send out a Facebook announcement, website blog, or email blasts to remind guests
- Let the venue know how many guests will be attending
- Finalize the guest list
- Finalize all forms that will be needed at the event
- Meet with your committee and volunteers the day prior to the event
Post Event
- Finalize your accounting
- Send out thank you announcements to guests
- Have a post event meeting with committee and auctioneer
- Go over pluses and minuses
- Set the date for the next event
- Book the auctioneer for the next event if you were happy with him
- Send out a press release of the organization’s success
- Take a short vacation!