Event Development (continued)

“The following is a continuation of my Event Development Series. Several years ago, I started the series with the first section, “Initial Development” The second section is entitled “Research and Preliminary Planning”. Now that you and your team have decided to proceed with the event, it’s time to get serious! As suggested previously, any thoughts and idea are more then welcome!”

Research and Preliminary Planning

Research (Continued)

8. EVENTS LISTINGS – One of the elements you should definitely research is what other festivals and events are being held in your region. Too many similar events can saturate a market and lessen the chance of success. The same is true for too many events happening in the same region during the same time frame. When starting a new event, you want to have as much on your side as possible! Here are a few event directories that you can search, Ontario Travel, FEO and Ontario Event Directory (App and Website). 

9. LOCAL SUPPLIERS – This is an area that needs careful attention. Local suppliers, if approached in a professional way, can make or break an event. Local suppliers and businesses carry a great deal of weight in their community. Many are members of a service club or two and the local Chamber of Commerce. If you can get a number on your side, they can influence other business and local politicians. They can also be a great source of information about the pulse of the community. This is important when deciding what type of event you want hold. Many suppliers are not only willing to give their advice, but will be willing to become involved. Here are a few examples of what I mean. I know of one committee that wanted to build booths for their vendors. The cost of the building materials was going to be too expensive, so they approached a local building materials supplier who donated the use of lumber and sheeting. Without this generous supplier the event might not have been successful. This company also donated money. All they wanted in return was some recognition for their contribution. There are many such examples, so make sure you contact your local businesses and get them on your side!

(To be continued)