Event Planning Tips

Plan backwards

• Make a list of everything you want at your event, and work backwards from there.
• Create a timeline with all the tasks and track when you’ll need to start and finish each one.
• Calculate a budget.

Purpose

• Clearly define what you hope to accomplish with your action. Be specific.
• Make sure the type of action you choose aligns with your stated goals.
• Identify some numerical targets to shoot for (number of people, signatures, etc.)

Space

• Reserve your space well ahead of time (if needed)
• For protests, check route and laws.

Equipment

• Think about tables, chairs, and multi-media equipment.
• Make sure to reserve any rentals needed.

Materials

• Think about posters, signs, pictures, or clipboards.
• Have poster-making party before your event to paint signs and prep materials
• Make sure you’ve got your REAL FOOD NOW poster ready for your action

Outreach

• Use everything you got: phone, email, listservs, posters, fliers, facebook, web postings, campus-wide emails lists, web forums, etc.
• Involve other student groups. Collaborate on events of mutual interest.

Media

• Decide what type of media attention, if any, you want at your action (campus, local, regional?)
• Send out a press advisory earlier in the week; send a press release out the day before your action.
• Follow up with reporters by phone as much as possible.

Fundraising (if needed)

• Ask local businesses and farmers to donate food and supplies
• Check with academic departments and administrative offices to see if they have funds available to donate to your action.