Claude
Skills
Sign in
Back

event-planner

Included with Lifetime
$97 forever

Event planning with timelines, budgets, vendor coordination, logistics checklists, and post-event evaluation. Use when organizing conferences, workshops, galas, or corporate events.

Productivity

What this skill does


# Event Planner

Comprehensive frameworks for planning, executing, and evaluating events of all types and scales.

## Event Planning Timeline

### 12+ Months Out

- [ ] Define event purpose, goals, and success metrics
- [ ] Establish preliminary budget
- [ ] Select event date (check for conflicts)
- [ ] Form planning committee / assign roles
- [ ] Begin venue research and site visits
- [ ] Identify target audience and estimated attendance
- [ ] Determine event format (in-person, hybrid, virtual)

### 9-12 Months Out

- [ ] Book venue and sign contract
- [ ] Secure keynote speakers / entertainment
- [ ] Select and book caterer
- [ ] Begin sponsorship outreach
- [ ] Register event domain / create landing page
- [ ] Establish event branding (logo, theme, colors)
- [ ] Research and book AV vendor

### 6-9 Months Out

- [ ] Finalize budget allocations
- [ ] Open registration / ticket sales
- [ ] Book hotel room blocks (if overnight event)
- [ ] Hire photographer / videographer
- [ ] Plan menu with caterer (dietary accommodations)
- [ ] Design and order promotional materials
- [ ] Begin social media marketing campaign
- [ ] Recruit and train volunteers

### 3-6 Months Out

- [ ] Send formal invitations / email campaigns
- [ ] Confirm all vendor contracts and deposits
- [ ] Finalize event agenda and session schedule
- [ ] Arrange transportation / shuttle services
- [ ] Order signage, banners, and name badges
- [ ] Set up registration management system
- [ ] Coordinate speaker logistics (travel, AV needs)
- [ ] Plan networking activities / icebreakers

### 1-3 Months Out

- [ ] Send reminder communications to registrants
- [ ] Finalize floor plan and seating arrangements
- [ ] Confirm final headcount with caterer
- [ ] Prepare printed materials (programs, handouts)
- [ ] Brief all staff and volunteers
- [ ] Create day-of run sheet (see template below)
- [ ] Test all technology (AV, streaming, Wi-Fi)
- [ ] Finalize emergency and contingency plans

### Final Week and Day Before

- [ ] Final vendor confirmations and venue walk-through
- [ ] Print name badges, registration packets, programs
- [ ] Confirm all speaker presentations received
- [ ] Send final logistics email to attendees
- [ ] Test AV equipment, microphones, projectors on-site
- [ ] Set up registration area, signage, and wayfinding
- [ ] Brief volunteer team with assignments
- [ ] Charge all devices, prepare backup batteries

## Budget Template

### Budget by Category

| Category             | % of Budget | Budgeted | Actual | Variance |
| -------------------- | ----------- | -------- | ------ | -------- |
| Venue Rental         | 20-30%      |          |        |          |
| Catering & Beverage  | 25-35%      |          |        |          |
| AV & Technology      | 10-15%      |          |        |          |
| Speaker Fees/Travel  | 5-15%       |          |        |          |
| Marketing & Printing | 5-10%       |          |        |          |
| Decor & Signage      | 3-8%        |          |        |          |
| Entertainment        | 3-10%       |          |        |          |
| Photography/Video    | 2-5%        |          |        |          |
| Transportation       | 2-5%        |          |        |          |
| Insurance & Permits  | 1-3%        |          |        |          |
| Staff & Volunteers   | 2-5%        |          |        |          |
| Contingency          | 10-15%      |          |        |          |
| **Total**            | 100%        |          |        |          |

### Revenue Tracking

| Source          | Projected | Actual | % of Total |
| --------------- | --------- | ------ | ---------- |
| Ticket Sales    |           |        |            |
| Sponsorships    |           |        |            |
| Exhibitor Fees  |           |        |            |
| Other           |           |        |            |
| **Total**       |           |        |            |

## Venue Selection Matrix

| Criteria             | Weight | Venue A | Venue B | Venue C |
| -------------------- | ------ | ------- | ------- | ------- |
| Capacity             | 15%    |         |         |         |
| Location/Access      | 15%    |         |         |         |
| Cost                 | 15%    |         |         |         |
| AV Capabilities      | 10%    |         |         |         |
| Catering Options     | 10%    |         |         |         |
| Parking              | 10%    |         |         |         |
| Ambiance/Aesthetics  | 5%     |         |         |         |
| Accessibility (ADA)  | 5%     |         |         |         |
| Wi-Fi / Connectivity | 5%     |         |         |         |
| Flexibility (layout) | 5%     |         |         |         |
| Staff/Service        | 5%     |         |         |         |
| **Weighted Total**   | 100%   |         |         |         |

Key venue questions: capacity (seated vs. standing), what is included in rental fee, catering restrictions, AV options, setup/teardown allowances, cancellation policy, insurance requirements, and outdoor backup options.

## Vendor Management Tracker

| Vendor           | Service     | Contact     | Contract Date | Deposit | Balance | Status    |
| ---------------- | ----------- | ----------- | ------------- | ------- | ------- | --------- |
|                  | Venue       |             |               |         |         | Confirmed |
|                  | Catering    |             |               |         |         |           |
|                  | AV/Tech     |             |               |         |         |           |
|                  | Florals     |             |               |         |         |           |
|                  | Photo/Video |             |               |         |         |           |
|                  | Entertain.  |             |               |         |         |           |
|                  | Transport   |             |               |         |         |           |
|                  | Rentals     |             |               |         |         |           |
|                  | Printing    |             |               |         |         |           |
|                  | Security    |             |               |         |         |           |

Contract essentials: scope of work, pricing and payment schedule, cancellation terms, liability and insurance, setup/breakdown times, day-of contact, force majeure clause, and substitution policy.

## Day-of Run Sheet Template

```
EVENT RUN SHEET: [Event Name] — [Date]

TIME     | ACTIVITY                  | OWNER      | LOCATION    | NOTES
---------|---------------------------|------------|-------------|-------
06:00 AM | Venue opens, setup begins | Event Mgr  | Main Hall   |
07:00 AM | AV setup and sound check  | AV Lead    | Stage       |
07:30 AM | Catering setup begins     | Caterer    | Kitchen     |
08:00 AM | Registration opens        | Vol. Team  | Lobby       |
08:30 AM | Volunteer briefing        | Event Mgr  | Green Room  |
09:00 AM | Welcome / Opening Remarks | Host       | Main Stage  |
09:15 AM | Keynote Speaker           | Speaker A  | Main Stage  | 45 min
10:00 AM | Break / Networking        |            | Foyer       | 30 min
10:30 AM | Breakout Session 1        | Speakers   | Rooms A/B/C |
11:30 AM | Breakout Session 2        | Speakers   | Rooms A/B/C |
12:30 PM | Lunch                     | Caterer    | Ballroom    |
01:30 PM | Panel Discussion          | Moderator  | Main Stage  |
02:30 PM | Workshop                  | Facilitator| Room D      |
03:30 PM | Break                     |            | Foyer       | 15 min
03:45 PM | Closing Keynote           | Speaker B  | Main Stage  |
04:30 PM | Closing Remarks / Awards  | Host       | Main Stage  |
05:00 PM | Networking Reception      |            | Rooftop     |
07:00 PM | Event ends                |            |             |
07:30 PM | Breakdown begins          | All Staff  | All Areas   |
```

## Attendee Management

### Registration Data 
Files: 1
Size: 14.5 KB
Complexity: 18/100
Category: Productivity

Related in Productivity