A community event brings members together for a predetermined amount of time to collaborate, share knowledge, or connect with each other. Some community events may also raise funds or awareness for a specific cause. Examples of community events include peer learning workshops, guest speaker series or panels, socials and happy hours, and public film screenings.
Organizing a community event can be difficult without a strong volunteer pool, so it’s important to recruit community members early on. Use surveys, focus groups and pre-event polls to understand what interests your residents and identify any potential roadblocks that might deter participation.
Establish a clear scope of the project to set realistic expectations for your community and volunteers. Use your online event page to highlight important information like the location, objective, and agenda for the event. Add high-quality photos and intriguing event perks to encourage engagement. Promote the event in a variety of ways, including at the community board, in shared spaces, on social media, at local attractions, and with area businesses.
Determine your budget and start identifying the cost of things like venue rentals, permits, marketing costs, entertainment, supplies, and staffing (if applicable). Negotiate with vendors to secure pricing that is fair to both you and them. Don’t forget to factor in regulatory expenses, liability insurance, and security if necessary.
After the event, be sure to thank community members for their attendance. Send a post-event survey requesting feedback so you can learn what worked and what didn’t for future community events.
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