3. WHAT DO WE DO IN A YEAR
10 Progress Through People Luncheons
On average 30+ ribbon cuttings
12 Business After Hours (2 that we handle everything for)
10 exhibit openings
4-8 workshops
9 Leadership Liberty Sessions (to include graduation & ATL visit)
Tourism Day at the Capitol
Film Day at the Capitol
Board Retreat
Cupcake War
2-4 Eggs & Issues Breakfasts
Chamber Annual Banquet
4. CONTINUED
Golf Tournament
Low Country Boil
1-2 Hail/Farewell events for Army
Celebrate at least 1 holiday per month membership wide
Legislative Appreciation every other year (2017)
3rd ID Day at the Capitol every other year (2017)
10+ SPLOST community meetings (2016)
Blues & BBQ
Christmas Parade
Christmas in the Park
Chili Cook-off (2016)
Chamber Backyard BBQ (2016 and ongoing)
5. HOW MANY WE DO IT WITH
A staff of 7 people puts together all of these events.
Some take place in the same week. Some in the same day.
Most of our volunteers come in with: Blues & BBQ, Christmas in
the Park & the Christmas Parade. This is an additional 5-10
planning folks and 5-10 volunteers per event.
MARY
7. WHY A “TO DO” VS A “HOW TO”
Because everything has to get done. It doesn’t matter who does it. Or
who gets credit for it.
Because while there is a semblance of “numbering” or sequencing of
tasks, it still must all get done and if you’re doing it as a TEAM then
everyone can be working on something.
How do you keep track of the “TO DO”
We use an Excel spreadsheet that we can all access at any time
If you are the “lead” for the event you set the deadline priority and assign tasks,
otherwise people can choose tasks that they are either familiar with or have time to
do amid their regular job duties.
If we don’t have file sharing how do I use this method? Use Google Docs/Sheets,
it’s free & easy! Click here
8. EXAMPLE
Task Done Who Follow-up
order sponsor sign
from xpress signs 28-SepLeah
Pick up on Mon
10/3 ($120)-
DONE by Mary
call sponsors to get
headcount Joey
get "stuff" from
sponsors per
agreement Joey
double check with
Shell House they're all
set; make sure we
have tea 28-SepErin
call 9/28 to verify
numbers, verified
tea and time for
oysters
Get Water
9. TO DO
What is the goal of your event?
To have a lot of people?
To make money?
To educate?
Just to be fabulous?
Why is this important?
Because without a goal you can’t plan. To educate, you may not want loud music
and/or entertainment. To make money, you need to keep costs low & search for
bargains more effectively. To have a lot of people, you might want to put more $
into marketing.
MARY
10. TO DO
Choose a date/time/location
A great idea when choosing a date is to check w/the Chamber & CVB for the
community calendar, to include things like City/County Commission meetings,
Ribbon Cuttings, Galas & more!
Be sure to check popular sports schedules locally & nationally. Especially
football.
Be sure to think about the time of year & the weather.
Make sure that your venue can accommodate your chosen date or guess what?
It’s not your date anymore!
Make sure your caterer can accommodate your date or same goes!
If you are using property other than your own, there may be a permitting
process. Be sure to check and see what process you have to go thru.
MARY
11. TO DO
Budget
Sample event bud
Why budget & how to track
Unless you’re independently wealthy
we all need to watch pennies.
Even if your goal isn’t to make money,
one of your goals should be to have a
great event as cost effectively as
possible.
Whether you are the bookkeeper or
someone else is, make sure that
expenses are tracked where you can
see them at all times.
Expenses Sunday Evening Event
Sound/lighting
Transportation (bus)
Tent Rental
Table cloths/cleaning
Entertainment
Facility cost
Fans
Printing costs/Binders
Invite printing
Food
Promotional Products/gifts
Light Rental
Table/Chair Rental
Centerpieces/décor
Postage
Security/Crossing Guards
Alcohol
Bartender
Postage
Liquor Rider for Insurance
Ice
Miscellaneous Expenses
Signs
Total:
12. TO DO
Committee/Staff Driven
Depending on the size of your event determine how large of a committee you
may need to plan that event.
Set a regular meeting schedule BEFORE or at the first meeting & stick to it.
Assign/request volunteers for sub committees.
Determine if you will need additional volunteers for your event beyond
committee members.
Sometimes it is MUCH easier to keep things internal and run them yourself.
Less opinions.
13. TO DO
Entertainment
If you need entertainment this should be done very early on. A lot of bands, solo performers
& other groups book months in advance. Waiting until 4 weeks before your event is not the
time! And most require a deposit.
Ask for a contract. If they don’t have one do one yourself. This should include the price, how
must they be paid, how long they will play/sing/perform and any other concessions you have
to make (food, beverages, merch tables, etc.)
For larger events you usually have a “rider” from the performer with certain requirements for
sound and equipment. Pass this info along to your sound technician and make sure the two
communicate well in advance.
Make sure you are aware of any electrical needs. Bands often plug in so much stuff that a
regular 110v wall outlet is not sufficient. You may have to get an electrician to install a “jump
box” to avoid tripping breakers.
TIP-negotiate with an artist who may be in your area already. (how do I know that?)
Make sure you understand the stage requirements for things like space needed & overhang
height
Make sure you understand any dietary restrictions of your entertainers.
MARY
14. TO DO
Permitting
City of Hinesville requires permits for 50 or more people. This is an Assembly Permit.
Click here. This should be done at a minimum of 30 days prior to your event by their
policy. Our recommendation is to do it at least 90 days prior. Especially if you are going to
need HPD/Fire/Public Works support.
Are you having alcohol at your event?
If your event is in the City of Hinesville limits then you are required to get a local permit for alcohol
consumption.
That local permit then has to go to the State for approval through an online process that takes at
minimum 30 days to complete. https://gtc.dor.ga.gov/
From there you can order alcohol, providing the approved permit to a distributor.
You are also required to get an “alcohol rider” on your insurance policy to protect yourself,
committee members, the facility and your business/organization.
Having alcohol at your event will require some type of security.
Having alcohol requires some type of ID check system (remember flashlights & separate colored
bracelet for drinkers who are of age)
ERIN
15. TO DO
Money
For large events an on-site banker is best. Someone who is behind the scenes,
collecting cash quietly and locking it away somewhere.
For ticketed events one person again handling the money is best. He/she sees to
the change needs and is ultimately responsible if money is misallocated.
ERIN
16. TO DO
Make a site plan.
Even if you don’t really know where everything is going to go exactly, it is useful
to have, especially for volunteers & those new to your organization/business.
Things like: where are the trashcans, vehicle parking, water sources, bathrooms,
emergency vehicle parking, first aid kit
And then eventually for a large public event: vendor layout, volunteer rest
station, registration, stage, etc.
TIP: A Mother’s Area is something we get requested a lot at large scale events.
TIP: Knowing the rules/laws/ordinances on pets based on your event location.
17. TO DO
Sponsors
If your event requires a budget outside of your organization/business then you
may have to find sponsors.
Sponsors are going to want bang for their bucks! And they’re going to want a
written package.
Make sure you require a sponsorship contract that clearly outlines what you’re
giving, what they’re receiving and when money is due.
Make sure you fulfill your obligation to the sponsor and follow up with a thank
you card afterwards. If you are posting on social media on their behalf, tell them
those results.
If they get free tickets, make sure you confirm the number who are attending, as
the number of free people can frequently get increased without your knowledge.
18. TO DO
Marketing/Collateral Materials
Name your event-this will be the “branded” name
Use of the word Annual before the 2nd year causes confusion & what if you decide not to do it again?
Incorporate the event into your existing advertising, public relations & marketing campaigns.
Let’s talk about Facebook events (https://www.facebook.com/events/876489165807233/)
Why/when should I create one
Why should I boost one
How do I track attendance
How do I cross post events
Why shouldn’t I create a separate Facebook page just for my event?
Create an individual press release on every production element of the event.
Sponsors
Entertainment schedule
Where do proceeds go
Be sure to use social media and cross promote with other community events/organizations where you
are able.
Remember that the Chamber/CVB does free flyer design for community events
If an invite is required, save-the-dates are great 2 months out & a regular invite a month out.
If you have to order signage for sponsors or marketing, order several weeks in advance & set a plan
to go pick it up.
19. TO DO
Security
Based on location of your event (Hinesville or elsewhere) you may be required to
have officers present.
The number of officers is determined by the law enforcement agency based on
the number of people you think maybe present.
To schedule officers for Hinesville you contact Kirkendall (368-8211) and for the
Sheriff’s Dept it’s Nestor
It is often helpful to have skilled traffic officers as well for large events to help with
parking.
Be sure to include paying these people in your budget. They do not work for free.
Traffic officers are typically $15 per hour and security is $20 per hour.
MARY
20. TO DO
Shopping List
Best to do several days before the event. After you have gotten everything from storage/office
supply closet, etc. ready to go. That way any “I thought I had them items” can be scratched off
& not duplicated.
Shopping lists are best done in DETAIL. Don’t just put salsa, put 16 oz of salsa or 24 oz,
otherwise you may get 5 gallons. If the detail doesn’t concern you then assure the “shopper”
that the detail is not important, i.e. string color.
For events that you do monthly or yearly, keep your shopping list so you do not have to
recreate the wheel each time.
We encourage people to shop local and shop Liberty, however, sometimes Sam’s is a
needed thing. And Sam’s is a Chamber member! Win-win!
A handwritten shopping list is NOT preferable if you are NOT the shopper. If someone else is
completing this task taking 5 minutes to type it to ensure that Leah Ground Meat is actually
Lean Ground Meat is one of those necessary evils.
Choose your shopping time wisely. Don’t head to Walmart at noon or 4pm, it’s going to be
busy.
Have a plan for the day to shop based on your space to store stuff. If you buy 15 pounds of
meat it has to go somewhere before your event. If you don’t have a refrigerator or space to
store you have just wasted time and money. Same goes for beverages that must be kept cold.
If you purchase beer cold you have to KEEP IT cold. MARY
21. TO DO
Alcohol Purchase
What to buy
We typically do beer & wine
Wine
We usually do a Moscato, Reisling & Merlot.
There are far more Moscato drinkers in Liberty County than the other types of wine.
You don’t chill the red. You do chill the others.
Make sure you have a corkscrew.
Make sure you have cups.
We usually do liter bottles a 2 to 1 ratio on the whites and 3 to 1 on the reds. So more moscato, then more
reisling and less merlot.
Koozies are gold.
We typically do a domestic and import beer
Usually Budlight & YuengLing are the most popular
We prefer kegs, less trash & less work
If you must order other, use cans, they WEIGH far less.
Remember if it comes cold, it’s kept cold. If it’s not cold, it needs to be iced at least 4 hours prior to the
event.
Icing beverages requires FAR MORE ice than you realize. You will need at least 10 bags for 2 large coolers
to fill them ONE time. Re-icing as it melts will require an additional cooler with bags inside.
22. TO DO
Storage/Supply List
Type out what you’re going to need from your closets, storage units, etc. and also use this
same list to solicit donations from board members, volunteers and others.
It’s best to go over the list with your entire group because what one person remembers
another may forget.
Remember to always pack & take a tool bag. Complete with: scissors, hammer/nails,
rope, fishing line, tape of various sorts and zip ties.
Gather stuff from storage/closets the week of the event. Early in the week so you can
replace missing or broken items.
For night time events don’t forget flashlights & test the batteries.
Extra pens/markers are also always helpful.
Make sure you have a vehicle or vehicles that are large enough to transport everything.
Or think about renting a Uhaul or other truck.
MARY
23. TO DO
Decorate
Ideas
Pinterest is always helpful
Local stores like Stacy’s Florist or Carla’s
Good websites to order from:
Save-on-crafts.com
Orientaltrading.com
Plan
Do you know where tablecloths are coming from if you need them? Do you have to clean them?
How much are they? Remember to add to budget.
Do you know where the tables/chairs are coming from if you need them? Do you have to clean
them? How much are they? Remember to add to budget.
Do you have to move them into place for your event? Plan manpower.
Have a decorating plan/vision so others can help you.
When storing decorations for later, labeled totes are great.
24. TO DO
Set up
If tables/chairs are required
Decorations
Signage
Sign in/Registration place
Trash receptacles
Sound system
Stage
Bathrooms
Vendors
Entertainment
Tents if required
MARY
25. TO DO
Take Down
If tables/chairs are required
Decorations
Signage
Sign in/Registration place
Trash receptacles
Sound system
Stage
Bathrooms
Vendors
Entertainment
Tents if required
MARY
26. TO DO
Volunteers
Volunteer matrix sent out at least a month prior
This should contain assignment duties
Time slots
Where to meet
What to wear (matching shirts, even if you can’t afford to buy one, just request everyone wear
one color is VERY helpful especially for large scale events)
Assign volunteers/staff to tasks that best suit their personality & lessen your frustration. i.e. a
timid staff person will not do well on Stage Management or Traffic Control.
Remind volunteers/staff to bring extra clothes just in case of inclement weather or south Georgia
heat.
Lost & Found & Question Booth
Helpful for large scale events for both event-goers & your volunteers
27. TO DO
Vendors
Ensure access to restrooms
Make sure they have a copy of the map. Emergency routes and routes in/out
Ensure access to trash/recycle bins
Ensure they understand your set-up and tear down times.
Ensure they understand any public dumping of things like grease/oil or water
could results in fines from the City and/or Environmental Health and that you may
not allow them back in.
Be sure to let them know about access to potable water or lack thereof.
Be sure to let them know about access to power or lack thereof.
Be sure to have a signed application. We have found that a charge of some kind,
even if it’s only $5 will hold people to the commitment. Or a refundable deposit.
Keeps you from scrambling day of to make up that “face painter that never
showed.”
Based on the event provide a list of suggested activities or restricted activities
(i.e. NO SANTA at Christmas in the Park)
28. TO DO
Catering/Food
Whether the caterer has their own contract or not, use your contract. Your contract outlines when
you expect to arrive, when you expect to leave, what they are serving, what the cost is to include
any hidden fees, if catering tables are provided, if tablecloths are provided, etc.
Have their contact info (a CELL number) and make sure they have yours (a CELL number). And
we recommend a second back-up person for both as well.
Choose the caterer as early as possible.
Menu choices should be based on preference and location. It’s the south…Mango Chicken will
not go over well. Most have menus that they should be able to provide.
We remind the week of, confirm final headcount several days prior and then cross your fingers &
toes that everything goes as planned.
The Chamber/CVB has a list of member caterers that we are happy to share and experience with
all of them.
We have found that with lunch and dinner events people will demand dessert. It is definitely an
expectation. Plan accordingly.
MARY
29. OTHER TO DO
Last minute reminders:
Sprinklers
Trash drop off and pick-up
Tent drop off and pick-up
Table/chair drop off and pick-up
Sign placement
Décor drop off and pick-up
Always have water extra. Caterers do not typically leave anything. And people are still thirsty
who don’t drink alcohol.
Don’t forget to assign someone to picture taking.
If you need a flag for the Pledge of Allegiance make sure to take one or ask the venue if they
one. Don’t assume.
Same goes for a podium and for a sound system.
If you need reserved signs and/or programs make sure to add them to the to do list.
Luncheons are always SO quiet, you can hear people chew. Good to bring an ipod and speaker
to break up the sound.
Always take extra extension cords. MARY
30. OTHER TO DO
Last minute reminders:
Barricades/cones
Possibly walk the area of your event, handing out reminders to businesses you may impact
Always bring extra trash bags
Bring staff & volunteer food. Nothing makes staff & volunteers grumpier than being hungry.
If you’ve identified “problem children” before the event make sure you focus special attention on
their reminders and handling them specifically. Not just a bulk email.
Large scale events may require things like street sweeping and/or community service workers
for trash pick-up. Be sure to coordinate that or else hear about it on Facebook the next day.
Large scale events may require light towers.
Large scale events may require golf carts, gators, 4 wheelers & Southern Lincs.
Fans are always appreciated.
To go boxes for extra food.
Citronella is also appreciated at times.
Door prizes if required. MARY
31. REMIND, REMIND, REMIND, REMIND
REMIND, REMIND, REMIND, REMIND
KEEP A FOLDER OF EVERYTHING
WITH YOU & TAKE IT WITH YOU. TO
INCLUDE CONTRACTS, VENDOR
APPS, ETC.
32. AND FINALLY
As long as your group of staff and volunteers work together as a
team to follow the plan you have set in place & agreed to
everything should go pretty smoothly.
HOWEVER, every single event is new and no matter how many
times you do it, there is ALWAYS going to be a snafu of some
sort. Remaining calm and cool and knowing who needs to handle
a situation is key.