Keep it short

One of the best ways to increase the chances of a successful event is to keep it short. Think about how much time events of a similar sort usually are and then cut it by 25-50%.

The event we did tonight was a business awards dinner. Two hours or longer is an average length for this kind of thing -- three hours or more is not unheard of.

Our event started at 6:30 and was over just before 8:00. In terms of the program, this included presentation of several awards and three speakers -- one scheduled for ten minutes, one for five minutes and the third one for two minutes. With the speakers, we emphasized the importance of staying on schedule at least three different times, verbally and in writing. This message was also driven home with the MC, who was inclined toward brevity, anyway.

Still, leaving nothing to chance, I stood at the back of the room, in the direct line of sight for the speakers, and they knew that if I stepped forward, that meant it was time to wrap up, immediately. All three had assured me that this would not be necessary because there was no way they would exceed their alotted time; for all three, giving the signal was absolutely necessary, and absolutely worked.

Streamlining the events does several things. It shows attendees and everyone else that we value their time. It gives little time for attendees to think of other things they could be doing, and forces speakers to use their best material.

In all cases, I would rather leave my guests wanting more, instead of wondering why that event couldn't have ended just fifteen minutes earlier.

- sean

Sean Spence
Community Events
www.commevents.com
seanspence@earthlink.net
573-823-1308