As we get back to the world of in-person live events after a year and a half of living in the virtual world, it might be a good time to remind ourselves of the basics. And what better way to get back to basics than our ABC’s. Here’s a new Alphabet for event producers.
A is for app. More and more, custom apps are becoming a crucial part of fundraising events.
B is for bib. It’s a classic staple of athletic events for a reason. Participants in bibs make your event look cohesive, and look great in pictures.
C is for celebration. Don’t forget the fun!
D is for duct tape. It fixes everything (almost).
E is for events, of course.
F is for finish line.
G for GOOD. Have you heard about our new FOR GOOD event series? Read all about it here.
H is for hybrid. We’re glad, in-person live events are back, but making them hybrid with a virtual option can expand your reach.
I is for insurance. Don’t forget to add this important line item to your budget.
J is for jab. Thank you, COVID-19 vaccine, for making the return to live events possible. Did you get yours?
K is for kids. Incorporating a youth program into your events is a great way to infuse it with energy.
L is for labelmakers. Extraordinarily useful for organizing your event supplies from year to year. Do you want to have to open every plastic tub to figure out what’s inside?
M is for music. The right playlist can make the mood. Read our blog post about it.
N is for neatness. It counts! Participants may not comment on whether your signage is straight and your snack area is clean, but they’ll sure notice if it’s not.
O is for objective. Ultimately an event is about the end goal. What’s yours?
P is for peer-to-peer. Whether it’s fundraising or recruitment, that’s what fuels your event — your participants talking to their friends and family to spread the word.
Q is for questions. Arm your volunteers with an FAQ so they can easily answer participants’ questions as they come up.
R for runners. We’ve met some amazing ones producing the 5x5K FOR GOOD.
S is for sponsors. A good sponsor partnership can keep your budget down while keeping your event quality up.
T is for truss.
U is for unconventional. Event producers always see the world a little differently. Don’t be afraid to mix it up and get creative!
V is for volunteers. We 💗our volunteers. We couldn’t make our events work without them!
W is for water. Make sure you have more than enough on hand to keep your participants hydrated and healthy.
X marks the spot. You can use sidewalk chalk and tape to mark any tricky turns on your route.
Y is for yes. Let 2021 be the year of yes. Can Event 360 help your organization create an impactful, exciting, successful event? Yes!
Z is for zip ties.
Joann Buckley Collins
A graduate of Northwestern University and the University of Southern California, Joann Buckley Collins has been writing and implementing communications for nonprofits for more than 20 years. She’s been Event 360’s Senior Copywriter since 2004, bringing her expertise as both a writer and a strategist to our clients. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two sons.
