Eventeny Blog

7 steps to managing time as an event organizer

Written by Will Davis | Aug 1, 2023 8:01:03 PM

As an event organizer, you can find managing time daunting, but you can make it much easier with the right tricks and tips. Time management is vital to a successful event and can throw off the entire event without it. In this blog, we'll explore 7 steps that event organizers can follow to seamlessly integrate time management into their event planning.

1. Start with a plan 

Before you plan a successful event, create a detailed plan that includes all the tasks you must complete. This plan should have all the information that is going to clearly communicate the needs for each step, like 
  • Learning to say no
  • Deadlines for each task
  • Resources each task will require 
  • Team members working on each task 
  • Budget needs.

This outline ensures that we pay attention to detail and do not forget anything.Plus, when you hand off tasks, communication is easy, but we'll get back to that soon.

2. Use Time-Management Tools for Efficient Event Management 

Many tools are available that can help event organizers manage their time effectively. These tools include project management software, calendar apps, communication tools, and to-do list apps. Some famous examples are Asana, Trello, Google Calendar, and Todoist.

These tools enable you to prioritize your tasks and complete everything on time. To avoid jumping between apps and take the stress out of your event, use Eventeny. Tailor-made for event planners, it grows with your success.

3. Delegate Tasks 

One of the event organizers' most significant mistakes is trying to do everything themselves. By assigning tasks to others, you can improve time management and ensure more efficient completion. 
  • Identify- Find individuals who can take on specific tasks and ensure they know the essential things they need to do and when they need to be done.
  • Deadlines- Without them, you can end up with a mess. 
  • Communications- Give everyone a clear understanding of how communication will work and how often to be in touch.

4. Be Realistic 

When creating a plan, be realistic about the time required for each task. Don't try to cram too many tasks into a short period. Being overly optimistic about new tasks will only lead to stress and burnout. Be honest about how long each task will take, and allow yourself enough time to complete each.

Also, as you hand those tasks off, consider your team's skills and experience. Brand new challenges deserve more time. This is also the perfect time to consider your communication with a platform with specific tools for communication and planning, such as Eventeny.

5. Use the 80/20 Rule 

The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto principle, states that 80% of the results come from 20% of the effort.

For example, if an organizer is planning a conference, they may prioritize securing a well-known speaker in the industry with a large following, as their presence alone may attract a significant portion of the target audience.

Additionally, the organizer may prioritize providing high-quality food vendors and fast entry lines, as these factors are often highly valued by attendees and can contribute to their overall satisfaction with the event. By focusing on these key elements, the organizer can ensure that the event is more successful overall and that attendees are more likely to have a positive experience.

Translation; you should focus on the tasks that will have the most impact. Identify those tasks that are critical to creating a great event and focus your efforts on them. Take time to break down your lists, rate them, and then consider which projects you absolutely need to move to the top of your list.

6. Prioritize Tasks with Your Type of Event in Mind

Prioritize your tasks based on the order in which they must be finished. This helps you stay focused on the tasks that must be completed first. The 80/20 rule differs slightly from this in that there may be parts of the event that you must do, but you cannot do them first, such as permits. Permits won’t excite your attendees, but they are a necessity.

Ensure that you allocate enough time for each task and proceed to the next one only after completing the current task. Some tasks are just going to take longer or need more people involved. When you consciously prioritize those items, you ensure you will complete them on time for your attendees.

7. Learn to Say No 

As an event organizer, you will receive many requests for your time. While it is important to be accommodating, it's vital to learn to say no when necessary.

Prioritize your time and only take on tasks critical to the event's success. Are you allowing others to pull you away for issues only you can solve? If someone else can take care of it, you're best staying where you can manage the event.

Saying no to these distractions lets you focus on the most critical tasks. In conclusion, managing time as an event organizer can be challenging, but it is possible. Start by creating a detailed plan and using Eventeny to stay organized and prioritize your tasks.

Delegate tasks to others, be realistic about your time, and use the 80/20 rule to focus your efforts. Prioritize your work list and learn to say no when necessary. Following these 7 steps will help you manage your time effectively and ensure the success of your events.

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