Difference between revisions of "Holding Events"

From sshcWiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m (Bot: Cosmetic changes)
Line 1: Line 1:
==Terms==
+
== Terms ==
  
 
'''External Event''' - an event hosted at an outside venue wherein SSH:C represents itself via table, booth, or panel (i.e. Maker Faire) OR an event hosted by an outside organization using SSH:C's space (i.e. Cryptoparty)
 
'''External Event''' - an event hosted at an outside venue wherein SSH:C represents itself via table, booth, or panel (i.e. Maker Faire) OR an event hosted by an outside organization using SSH:C's space (i.e. Cryptoparty)
Line 9: Line 9:
 
'''Social Event''' - an event held for the purpose of building member relationships and morale
 
'''Social Event''' - an event held for the purpose of building member relationships and morale
  
==How to Plan/Host a Successful Event==
+
== How to Plan/Host a Successful Event ==
===Preparation===
+
=== Preparation ===
 
Minimum 3 weeks in advance
 
Minimum 3 weeks in advance
 
::* Brainstorm by yourself or in a group
 
::* Brainstorm by yourself or in a group
Line 30: Line 30:
 
::* Check that all materials/supplies are in working order
 
::* Check that all materials/supplies are in working order
  
===Hosting===
+
=== Hosting ===
 
Day of the event
 
Day of the event
 
::* Be an active host at your event
 
::* Be an active host at your event
Line 40: Line 40:
 
::* Ask for suggestions for improving how events/classes can be run
 
::* Ask for suggestions for improving how events/classes can be run
  
===Follow-up===
+
=== Follow-up ===
 
After the event
 
After the event
 
::* Add improvements/suggestions to this page
 
::* Add improvements/suggestions to this page
Line 47: Line 47:
  
 
== DOs and DON'Ts ==
 
== DOs and DON'Ts ==
===DO:===
+
=== DO: ===
 
::* Use our [[Branding Standards]] to create marketing consistent with our standards
 
::* Use our [[Branding Standards]] to create marketing consistent with our standards
 
::* Have swag (buttons, stickers) available at the event
 
::* Have swag (buttons, stickers) available at the event
 
::* Make sure that all individuals participating as ssh:c representatives give a consistent image of hackerspaces and goals/mission of ssh:c
 
::* Make sure that all individuals participating as ssh:c representatives give a consistent image of hackerspaces and goals/mission of ssh:c
  
===DON'T:===
+
=== DON'T: ===
 
::* Try to organize and announce events in less than 2 weeks. Short timeframes tend to produce poorly planned events and lack of interest from potential attendees.
 
::* Try to organize and announce events in less than 2 weeks. Short timeframes tend to produce poorly planned events and lack of interest from potential attendees.
 
::* Use negative or pessimistic language when pitching the hackerspace. Avoid language such as "hoping to" or "trying to." Instead, say that we are "doing" and "working toward." Action vs inaction.
 
::* Use negative or pessimistic language when pitching the hackerspace. Avoid language such as "hoping to" or "trying to." Instead, say that we are "doing" and "working toward." Action vs inaction.

Revision as of 07:44, 16 March 2017

Terms

External Event - an event hosted at an outside venue wherein SSH:C represents itself via table, booth, or panel (i.e. Maker Faire) OR an event hosted by an outside organization using SSH:C's space (i.e. Cryptoparty)

Internal Event - an event hosted at SSH:C by SSH:C member(s)

Marketing Event - an event held for the purpose of promoting SSH:C and its mission

Social Event - an event held for the purpose of building member relationships and morale

How to Plan/Host a Successful Event

Preparation

Minimum 3 weeks in advance

  • Brainstorm by yourself or in a group
  • Determine whether your event is open to the public or only for members
  • Determine whether you need a liability waiver or not
  • Determine your budget
  • Determine if there is an attendance fee
  • Create marketing materials, such as flyers, postcards, stickers, pins, etc...
  • Create a timeline/itinerary/schedule for your event/class

Minimum 2 weeks in advance

  • Announce your event on facebook, twitter, the member mailing list, word of mouth, and meetup.
  • Distribute any marketing materials to local public places, such as universities, libraries, community centers, etc...

Day before the event

  • Announce your event as required
  • Send a reminder to any participants
  • Ensure all necessary paperwork is printed and ready for participants
  • Check that all materials/supplies are in working order

Hosting

Day of the event

  • Be an active host at your event
  • Greet all your guests with a smile
  • Collect all liability waivers as necessary
  • Stick to your timeline/plan as best you can
  • Follow the DO's and DON'Ts
  • Collect feedback during and after the event
  • Ask for suggestions for improving how events/classes can be run

Follow-up

After the event

  • Add improvements/suggestions to this page
  • Give a brief summary of your event at the next general body meeting
  • Send thank you's to participants and be sure to include them on future mailings/event invites

DOs and DON'Ts

DO:

  • Use our Branding Standards to create marketing consistent with our standards
  • Have swag (buttons, stickers) available at the event
  • Make sure that all individuals participating as ssh:c representatives give a consistent image of hackerspaces and goals/mission of ssh:c

DON'T:

  • Try to organize and announce events in less than 2 weeks. Short timeframes tend to produce poorly planned events and lack of interest from potential attendees.
  • Use negative or pessimistic language when pitching the hackerspace. Avoid language such as "hoping to" or "trying to." Instead, say that we are "doing" and "working toward." Action vs inaction.