Checklists

Gary Stephenson

An event planning checklist is extremely important when it comes to organizing a baby shower. If you are in charge of hosting, there are many details so an event planning checklist is definitely the way to go.

About six weeks before the baby shower, start planning the event and details so you the last minute is not a rush situation. On your even planning checklist for the shower, you can:

1. Find a suitable location for the baby shower

2. Choose a date for this special event

3. Make up a guest list so you know how many people are invited and you do not miss anyone

4. Select the baby shower invitations

5. Plan the menu so you can prepare the food ahead of time

6. Select a baby shower theme such as teddy bears

7. Games should be decided upon

About two or three weeks before the shower, you should put on your event planning checklist the following:

- Mail out the baby shower invitations

- Make your final choices and test your food menu

- Purchase the materials for decorating

- If you are making a baby shower cake, find a great recipe or if not, order your cake

- If you are having party favors, make them now

You are on event planning checklist countdown now at one week before the baby shower. If the shower is held in a hall, or somewhere else, double-check the reservations. Make sure you not only have the final guest list but also have enough seating for all the guests. Buy and wrap gifts you are giving for the shower.

The day before the shower set up any table and seating needed, decorate, purchase the beverages and set out any supplies. Finally, on the day of the shower, your even planning checklist should have: pick up any food or cakes ordered, put out food, set out a notebook for listing gifts and enjoy the party.

An event planning checklist is extremely important for special events, and should be given top priority before getting started with any occasion.

Yvon Douran

Allow time for set-up and rehearsal and allow time between sessions to re-set meeting rooms. Book all meeting rooms in 24 hour time blocks. Verify when presenters will arrive and if they need rehearsal time before their scheduled start time.

1. Seating Plan. Are the tables and chairs arranged in the correct manner for the meeting format? Is the size of the room adequate for the number of people who will be in attendance? Are there removable walls and is the room sound proof from adjacent rooms and the foyer? Movable walls are not usually soundproof. A soundproof solution is to run two parallel air walls to create a narrow corridor between them

2. Location of additional chairs. Check that extra chairs are available and easily accessible.

3. Room Temperature Locate the room climate controls (air conditioning/heating). Start with the room cooler than usual, the room will warm-up with more people in the space and once the doors are closed.

4. Teleprompter, translation equipment and Audio-Visual Make sure that all of the equipment needed for the meeting is on-site and ready to go.( Hand-held microphone with stand, lavaliere microphones, white board with markers or projector and screen with laser pointer)

Check power capability and power outlets. Are electrical outlets available for plugging in laptop computers? Is there telephone connectivity and is it needed? Internet connectivity? Wireless facility?

5. Podium with light and riser. Check to make sure that these items are available if requested by the speaker or facilitator.

6. Presentation table with water pitcher, drinking glasses, pencils and note pads.

7. Decorations that reinforce the meeting theme and color scheme. Check that all decorations conform to fire regulations.

8. Floral arrangements and plants.

9. Signage Check the location of signage – is it clear and visible?

10. Tape recorder if an audio recording is being made and operator. Depending at the length of the presentation make sure there are adequate supplies/audio tapes to accommodate.

11. Lighting e.g., over head, obscured, variable beam, spotlights, strobe lights, special effects, lights with dimmer switches

12. Position of light switches

13. Is there closed circuit TV ? Is the security adequate?

14. Radio and TV broadcasting, Videotaping?

15. Wheelchair access and space allotment on aisle

Careful planning makes for flawless execution and a chance for attendees to get the most out of the sessions they attend.