The Top 5 Things You Should Learn When Reviewing Your Past Events

Are you in charge of planning events for your company? Like anything, your first go around may be a bit rough. After all, you don’t know the ins and outs and for this reason it is common to make mistakes along the way.

Fortunately, the more events you plan the more experience you will gain. From there, it is much easier to learn from the past to ensure greater success in the future.

Here are five things you can learn by reviewing past events:

1. What went right?

Even if you made mistakes in the past, it is safe to assume that you did some things right as well. Make a list of everything that worked out in your favor so you can do the same in the future.

2. What went wrong?

As difficult as it may be to own up to your mistakes, if you want to ensure greater success down the road you have to make a list of what went wrong. With this in front of you, it is simple to determine areas where changes have to be made when planning subsequent events.

Hint: Help qualify your assumptions by running your Hit and Miss lists past your colleagues or several attendees you trust will provide unbiased feedback. 

3. How can you get more value for attendees?

There are many ways you can learn this information. Primarily, don’t be shy about asking attendees and others what value they walked away with. But remember, you must also ask what they anticipated getting out of your event, but did not! You can gather this information in person, via email, or by survey.

Remember: You need to put yourself in the shoes of those attending the event. This will allow you to offer greater value in the future.

4. Did you have enough help?

When planning an event, this is one detail you can never afford to overlook. Would planning and execution have gone more smoothly if you had several interns or a co-chair, or if you had requested co-sponsors provide additional manpower? If you did not have the right staff in place for your last event, this is a mistake that can be easily avoided the next time around.

5. Could you have chosen a better venue?

When it comes to planning an event, selecting a venue is one of the most important decisions you will make. From location to size to amenities, there are details to consider when choosing a venue. Were you happy with your past choices? Were spaces too large, or too small? Was the venue staff well trained, did they provide the services you required? Was there adequate parking or public transportation options? If you made a venue mistake in the past, avoid doing so again in the future.

Before you plan your next event, take a strong look at the past. You never know what you will find!