1. Decide what the purpose of your event is – to make money, communicate an idea or a message, to promote something.
2. Write this purpose down – communicate it to all those involved – this is your focus – stick to it.
3. Work out what you can spend on your event. Add a contingency of about 10% to the total – try to include as many costs as possible.
4. Start putting your event management team together. Try to choose people that have different skills – for example, some who can see the ‘bigger picture’ of the event – and those who are good at detail.


(Courtesy of Affinity Events)