Insights ...

Jan Bonhomme
Executive Director
St. Lawrence 1812 Bicentennial Alliance

As I mentioned, Jan is busy these days as the Executive Director of the 1812 Alliance. Her role is to co-ordinate, facilitate and support any War 0f 1812 Bicentennial activities happening in Eastern Ontario over the next few years. As you can see, Jan has been and is very successful when it comes to all aspects of our wonderful festivals/events in Ontario. I asked her if she could share some of her “secrets” with us! She tells us …“My event experience has shown me that bigger is not better – you are better to do 10 activities well than 20 not well. Other tips include the importance of keeping your event fun, family and affordable. Your theme should be front and centre in all ways so that the experience becomes memorable – the wackier the theme, the better! Finally don’t be afraid to let other non-profit groups become involved in your event – these partnerships will help your event grow to a new level and add to your volunteer base”. With all that being said, I asked Ms. Bonhomme what “the most critical step in planning an event” were… Jan replies ... “Developing your theme – not only creating an event that is unusual and special, but make sure your visitor becomes immersed in what you are selling. Colours, smells, decorations, activities, food, vendors and marketing all should showcase your theme. Never compromise your theme or dilute your package!” Wow! … I told you this would be great SCOOP! Jan Bonhomme is very generous with this article and helping us get THE INSIDE SCOOP! I wondered what Jan thought would be the largest factor in making a festival/event successful? Jan was quick with this response … “Recognizing the importance of details! Take every aspect of the event and break it down so you know who is doing what, where, when and how. Not only have all the event requirements needed but a back-up plan if someone gets sick or the weather plays havoc or someone/something doesn’t show. One of my biggest mistakes when I first started out was having too much in my head and too many people standing around waiting for me to tell them what to do. I have never wasted a volunteer’s time again. I have also lived through my event site being wiped out hours before the gates open and still managed to go forward because of planning!”
(To Be Continued)