Credit: Godwin Torres
I’m assuming you’re here because you’re either thinking of or planning to host an event for your next PR campaign. If so, great! This is the perfect place to be.
First, it’s important to understand when you need to plan an event. You’ll typically want to plan an event for product launches, team building/corporate events, fundraising, spreading awareness or big milestones and anniversaries. This list is most definitely not exclusive, but here’s a small overview for each of them so you know what type of event might best suit your needs:
Product launches are the most well known amongst beauty brands, often holding pop-ups or influencer events based around their new product. Think the Laniege pop-up in NYC that let consumers try out their new donut applicator lip serum.
Team-building corporate events might not seem that exciting, but they’re just as important as any other event. Ensuring a good work environment for your employees shows good corporate social responsibility and can improve how consumers see your brand. Google is one of the prime examples of this, providing many amenities and corporate events for its employees to foster a positive work environment.
Fundraising and spreading awareness for a cause often go hand in hand as much of fundraising includes informing people about what they are fundraising for. For example, in the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s walk/run event, locals can participate in a walk/run, spreading more awareness and fundraising for Parkinson's disease research. This is a great type of event for non-profits or certified B-corporations that are fighting for a specific cause.
Anniversaries can also be a great opportunity for your brand to get its name out there. It’s an excuse to throw a big celebration, spreading big information. Disney is already a household name, but goes all out during its anniversary celebrations. Disney celebrated its 100th anniversary a few years ago, creating limited merchandise and short films.
Laneige Pop-up in NYC
Credit: laurasfuchs
Michael J. Fox Foundation Run/Walk
Credit: Michael J. Fox Foundation
Again, event occasions are not limited to this list. If you have an idea for an event, DO IT! This is just to give examples and ideas. But since now we have an idea and reason to hold an event, here are tips and challenges you should consider.
Firstly, set your budget and plan out your expenses. Some big purchases to keep in mind are venues, staff, decorations, food/catering, activities or any other add-ons that are exclusive to the type of event you want to hold. Your budget can be flexible, but listing out what you need will help break down where your budget will go, depending on what you prioritize most. This is also when you can start to make a timeline of when you need to have each task done. For example, the date of your event, when you want to have a venue set by or finalizing the food menu.
If you’re struggling to visualize your event, I would recommend opening up Pinterest. Pinterest is a great way to get ideas for decorations, activities and different aesthetics you might want for your event. It can also serve as a guideline for what you’ll need to get to make your vision come to life.
An example of a Pinterest board I made for a previous event
Credit: Lita Sone
Additionally, get your invites out. Influencers are always a great way to increase user-generated content if that’s your goal, but also think about the important stakeholders and intended audience. Is this event for the public? Is it for your employees? Who else in the media can you invite to cover your event?
Lastly, be careful of the risks. In a post-COVID world, it’s always good to take extra precautions to make sure those who are sick stay home (no party is worth another pandemic) and ensure there is ample space for your guests. Additionally, there can never be too much preparation. Analyze what potential dangers can happen during the event such as weather, legal issues or dissatisfaction with an idea or why your stakeholders may or may not be receptive to your idea. No amount of thinking or planning will help you avoid everything, but it will help you prepare for blind spots just in case. Lastly, take a deep breath: You got this! I can’t wait to see where your ideas lead you.