The Grand Lodge Public Relations Committee
Public Relations Event Planning
Elks Media Relations
2750 N Lakeview AVe
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (773) 755-4892
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.elks.org
INTRODUCTION
So You’re Planning to Stage a Event or Activity ….
Are you planning a youth activity for your lodge? Or a charity program to raise money for your state project? Perhaps your lodge is celebrating a significant anniversary, and you want to have an evening to
Commemorate the occasion. Or you are planning regular events like Installation of Officers, Inaugural Ball, etc.
This guidebook, contains easy steps to plan and stage your next event or activity. These steps range from the idea and theme to project completion. By reading through this booklet, and filling out the basic worksheets. We know that you will have a plan of action for the present and the steps to complete the project. For more information contact your Area Grand Lodge or State Association Public Relations Committee.
Once you pick an event, selecting a date is one of the most important decisions you will make as you begin the process of planning and staging a successful event. It can affect all subsequent steps and is worth very careful thought. Before you make your decision, here is some important thing to consider:
· Decide who you want to attract to your function. If it is a specific group of people, consult their schedules before selecting a date.
· Allow plenty of preparation time. If possible, give yourself at least two to three months to make all the arrangements.
· Be aware of major holidays, and avoid holding an event on those days. Also, if you are trying to attract local business owners or government officials, take note of special holidays when their offices may be closed.
· Try to avoid a conflict with major community events and activities such as fairs, parades, sporting events and other community celebrations. Most important, check on other scheduled Elks events that might conflict with your event.
· The best days of the week to get good attendance are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Members and friends frequently find themselves too busy on Mondays to leave work, and on Fridays [particularly in the summer] they may leave town to begin the weekend a little early. Although, with Elks weekend events often work well.
STEP 2: Choosing the Best Time of Day
The time of day you choose to hold your event is also crucial to its success. It's an important step in the planning process and helps determine the type of special event you will conduct. You must also consider whom you want to attract to your event.
Morning functions, for example, will have an entirely different atmosphere and style than an evening cocktail reception. Luncheon gatherings may naturally require more food and beverage. Consider the following when making your decision:
· Very few successful special events are held in early morning (7:00 to 7:30 AM) unless a special breakfast is planned. Otherwise, morning events should begin no earlier than 8:00 AM
· Luncheon events often turn out well, since most everyone eats a midday meal, but they require more advance notice in sending out invitations. Many people schedule luncheon appointments weeks ahead, and they'll need to be notified as early as possible to get your event on their calendar.
· Lateâafternoon or earlyâevening functions appear to be the most popular and successful. Perhaps it's because guests can stop by the event on their way home, or that the day is over and there are no more business matters to interfere with guests attending your event. The best time for an evening event is 5:00 to 6:30 PM, allowing everyone a chance to "drop by". Unless your event is a major one, few people will want to go home, change clothes and go out again, so avoid late evening functions beginning after 7:00 PM. Always consider your guests' driving distance and their approximate arrival time.
· Avoid midâmorning or midâafternoon time periods. Many people are reluctant or unable to break away from their own work in the middle of the day.
· One more consideration: If media coverage is important to you, give serious consideration to their deadlines before selecting a time for your event.
STEP 3: Developing an Invitation List
Your event can be considered a success if you get the "right" people to attend.
The "right" people will vary from event to event, but they would normally include the following:
· Potential and current members (your most important group)
· Friends and family â this is a big day for you, and you will want them there to share it with you.
· Your employees and their spouses
· Those who helped you get started â your banker, accountant, attorney or other advisors.
· Fellow members from other Lodges in your area.
· Representatives from the State Association and Grand Lodge.
· Key government officials, city council members, and county officers from the district in which your Lodge is located.
· Military dignitaries â particularly if your event has to do with veterans.
· The media.
Once you have identified your guest list, here are some tips to remember when inviting them:
· Prepare a nicely written letter of very basic invitation, but whatever you do, keep it simple and to the point. A formal, preprinted invitation should also be clear and concise.
· Check to make sure that all information is included: who, what, when, where and why.
· Be sure to include an RSVP. You may be in for a real surprise if you don't ask people to either return a reservation card or call you to confirm their attendance by a certain date (i.e. please RSVP by June 1). This will also help you in knowing how much food and beverage to order.
· Allow ample notice, between six and eight weeks is ideal for most events, although longer would be preferable if you are planning to invite Past Grand Exalted Rulers, legislators and others whose calendars are typically full.
· Be sure to include a good map or clear instruction on how to get to your lodge or site of your event. A street address alone is not sufficient.
· If you choose to generate a fancy or elaborate invitation, do it right. Get professional help
from a graphic artist or designer.
· Indicate in your invitation whether the event is casual, semiâformal (often called
"business attire"), or formal.
· If spouses are invited, say so. Otherwise, it will be assumed that they are not.
· Send your invitations by firstâclass mail, if at all possible. Bulk mail can take up to a week or longer, and delayed delivery of your invitation could seriously hurt your attendance.
· Now is the time to prepare a news release and make contact with the media. A sample news release is included in this kit.
And a few other things to remember:
· When creating your guest list, always consider the amount of space available for your event. Being forced into cramped spaces can irritate your guests and create a negative impression of your event.
· While it is impossible to predict how many people will attend, you can usually figure that between 25 and 50 percent of those invited will show up. The percentage of friends and relatives who attend will be much higher than the percentage of those to whom you have sent courtesy invitations or whom you don't know very well.
· Always provide easyâtoâfind and accessible parking for your guests. People will start
off in a bad frame of mind if they experience difficulties in finding a place to park.
STEP 4: Serving Food and Beverages
Although it's an added expense that you may want to avoid, serving food and beverage of some kind is almost a necessity for a successful event.
No matter what time of day your function is held, people will expect something to eat and drink. It's become traditional, and your event will be remembered as the exception to
the rule if you choose not to offer refreshments. Here are some hints:
· For morning events, coffee, juice, fruit and pastries are perfect. Unless you are in the restaurant business or wish to go overboard to impress your guests, a full breakfast is not necessary.
· At luncheon events, remember that this is the midday meal for most of your guests, and they will expect (and deserve) some kind of sandwich or buffet meal at minimum. Do not hold an event from noon to I p.m. and then force your guests to go elsewhere to each lunch.
· During late afternoon or early evening events, light hors d'oeuvres or finger foods are appropriate. Chips, dips, cheese, vegetable plates or cold cut meat trays are perfect. Avoid messy foods that might spill.
· If you choose to have a formal dinner or late evening party for your guests, make it exceptionally nice. If you are asking people to spend most of an evening with you, they deserve something special.
· About alcohol â late afternoon or early evenings are the only time alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, mixed drinks) are advisable. Many people enjoy an after work cocktail, and it can add to the enjoyment of your event. Beer and wine are often served at luncheon gatherings, but alcohol is hardly ever served in the early morning. At events where alcoholic beverages are served, always have something nonâalcoholic for those who do not drink. Be sure to check with your local liquor store to determine if a permit is required. NEVER TAKE PICTURES WITH PEOPLE HOLDING BEVERAGES … regardless of content!
· It would be smart to enlist the help of a professional caterer for medium or large events or if you haven't the time, manpower or talent to provide your own food and beverage. Caterers can give you good, solid advice and are not as costly as you might think. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce for a list of their catering members.
· If you do decide to provide your own refreshments, be sure to have an ample food and beverage supply for your guests, as well as sufficient plates, cups, napkins, trash cans and other items. Running out of food and drink is a bad way to end an event.
STEPS 5: Planning a Program
Whether you are staging a groundbreaking, an open house, fundâraiser or an anniversary celebration for your Lodge, it adds a nice touch to an event to have a brief program of some kind. (See Ritual Manual)
It provides not only valuable recognition for you and your key people, but it makes the event more purposeful and allows you to explain more about your Lodge. But consider these points when planning your informal program or formal ceremonies:
· The shorter, the better. People have brief attention spans at events such as these, and you might lose a large part of your crowd if the program drags on too long. As a rule of thumb, no program or official ceremony should last longer than 20 to 30 minutes, with 10 minutes being the ideal.
· Your program should be led by an effective master of ceremonies.
· Limit the number of speakers and the length of their speeches. People get bored easily when speakers ramble on for too long a period, so set a time for all those you ask to take part in the program.
· Introduce only those who need to be introduced, even though the temptation will be to acknowledge nearly everyone in attendance that you know. Otherwise, it slows down the program and you will invariably forget someone.
· Conclude your program with some appropriate ceremonial or symbolic activity to commemorate the event: a ribbonâcutting for a grand opening, shoveling the first load of dirt for a groundâbreaking, or cutting a cake for an anniversary of your Lodge. These are nice ways to let guests know the formal program is over and they also create good publicity opportunities for your photographer.
· If your event includes an open house or tour of your facilities, be certain that friendly and knowledgeable members conduct group tours. Unguided selfâtours by your guests are not nearly as valuable as guided tours.
· Speakers taking part in any formal program should include appropriate city or county government representatives, State Association and Grand Lodge representatives, Exalted Rulers or appropriate members of your Lodge.
· Be sure to send thankâyou letters the day after your event to anyone who played a key role in staging it, particularly those who took part in any official program or ceremony.
· Indoors or out, any group of 50 or less usually does not need a microphone system. More than 50 people usually will require voice amplification. A portable podium or lectern is often very helpful
to speakers.
· Rain can do more than just dampen your spirits â it can drench your guests and your program as well. Always try to have a backâup plan for a rainy day, which may involve moving indoors or erecting a tent.
· Consider having some kind of door prize or drawing as part of your program. It can help attendance.
STEP 6: Getting Media Coverage
Without discouraging you unnecessarily, we need to be frank. The media cannot be counted on to give extensive coverage to your special event.
It's not that they view your function as insignificant, or that they are deliberately ignoring it âit's simply a matter of manpower available to cover the event and a lack of sufficient air time or print space to carry your story. The media are often swamped with business community news of grand openings and groundbreakings, and they are unable to provide good coverage to them all.
Armed with that realism, remember that there are some concrete things you can do to enhance the chances that it's your event that they choose to publicize:
· Send your invitation to the news director or city editors at least three weeks ahead of your event, and include a personal letter or note explaining some of the details about your Lodge, and why your event is different or has some significance to the overall community.
· Include a brief letter or press release that contains the journalistic basics of who, what, where, when and why. Your release or letter doesn't need to be fancy, just factual (see sample).
· A followâup letter or reminder call the day before your event is a good idea, although some media people consider it an imposition or a waste of their time.
· See Grand Lodge Public Relations Manual for more information.
Sample News Release
July 3, 2XXX
Contact: John Doe
Exalted Ruler
503-777-6161
River City Elks Lodge to Hold Grand Opening
River City Elks Lodge is announcing its Grand Opening for its new building at 727 Boeing Blvd.
The Grand Opening and Tour will be held at the new building from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, 2XXX. Ribbonâcutting ceremonies will be at 6 p.m. The event is open to the public. Tours and refreshments will be provided.
Members of the local Elks Lodge recently completed construction of their new building after only six months of fundâraising and planning activities. Their previous site was damaged due to the earthquake last June and was condemned by building inspectors shortly thereafter.
Exalted Ruler John Doe is pleased with the modern and seismically updated facility and believes the public should have an opportunity to take a tour of the building.
River City is one of nearly 2200 nationwide Lodges in the Chicagoâbased BPO Elks of the USA. Last year, the nearly millionâmember organization contributed more than $200 million to charitable and philanthropic programs. These include youth athletic and drug education programs, college scholarships, veteran's service, and aid for people with disabilities, the major project of the State
Elks. The primary beneficiary of the River City Elks' charitable work is the Children's Hospital. The Lodge annually raises about $ 10,000 for the hospital.
STEP 7: Using State Association and Grand Lodge
Public Relations Committee Services
By reading this information you are already taking advantage of some of the help available to you from the Grand Lodge Public Relations Committee.
And there's more. We'll be happy to speak with you and help you make some of the decisions we mentioned earlier, and also describe some of the other ways we can be of service. Some of these include:
· Providing invitation lists. Besides the people you will invite on your own, we can offer lists of our state officers, area Grand Lodge representatives, trustees, state chairmen, committee people, etc.
· Providing a list of possible speakers for your event.
· Recommendations on media coverage and releases.
SOME FINAL THOUGHTS ...
The previous pages provided a picture of the basic elements in staging successful special events.
They don't happen by accident â they take careful thought, planning and attention to detail.
If you simply follow the advice we've offered, and call upon the State Association and/or Grand Lodge Public Relations Committee to help you in any way that they can, your event will be a memorable one for both you and your guests.
As a next step, use the following Event Worksheet and Project Form, letting it serve as your "road map" from start until your event is finished.
SPECIAL EVENT WORKSHEET
Event__________________________________________________
Key Contact:__________________________________ Phone ___________________
Address:______________________________________________________________
City/Zip:______________________________________________________________
1. Date/Site Selected:____________________________________________
2. Time Chosen:________________________________________________
3. Invitations:__________________________________________________
Format style (letter, formal, etc.)_________________________________
Guest list to be developed no later than____________________________
Invitations to be mailed no later than______________________________
Name of graphic designer, printer (if any)__________________________
Number of invitations to be printed mailed_________________________
4. Food and Beverage:___________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Type of meal served: _________________________________________
Name of caterer to be used (if any)______________________________
5. Program/Ceremonies:_________________________________________
How Long?_________________________________________________
Format: ____________________________________________________
Master of Ceremonies:_________________________________________
Length of each speech: _________________________________________
Others on the program: _________________________________________
Special "props" needed (ribbon, scissors, etc.)
6. Media Coverage: _____________________________________________
Notice of event to media no later than: ______________________________
PROJECT FORM
The purpose of this form is for use in PRE-PROJECT PLANNING to record the goals and objectives of the project. Then the form is to serve as a reference and guide during the progress of the project.
PROJECT PROPOSED ______________________________
Purpose of Project:
Estimated Number of People Working on Project and for What Use?
Benefits and Comments Concerning Project Proposal:
Estimated Project Starting Date _________________________
Estimated Project Completed Date ______________________
PLAN OF ACTION
Steps to Be Taken to Complete the Project (meetings included):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Publicity and Promotion (2 to 3 months in advance):
1. Flyers (several; each different)
2. Bulletin Board Signage
3. Lodge Bulletins (at least 2-months in advance for attendee planning)
4. Direct Member Mailings (separate from Lodge Bulletin); USPS + e-mail
COMMITTEE'S SUMMARY OF ACTION
List your important activities and functions during the planning and operation of this project. Give approximate time period in which these activities occurred. Make copies of this page if needed.
Date Action Taken:
_______ _________________________________________
_______ _________________________________________
_______ _________________________________________
_______ _________________________________________
_______ _________________________________________
_______ _________________________________________
_______ _________________________________________
_______ _________________________________________
_______ _________________________________________
_______ _________________________________________
_______ _________________________________________
_______ _________________________________________
_______ _________________________________________
_______ _________________________________________
_______ _________________________________________
_______ _________________________________________
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
The purpose of this form is to illustrate in chart form the basic committee organization of the project. The chart is to represent the actual structure used, including both titles and names from Chairman down. This organizational chart should be prepared at the first project committee meeting.
Chairman ____________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________
Home Phone ______________Work Phone_________________
Fax ________________E- Mail ___________________________
______________________________________
Project Chairman's Signature
Special Materials Needed:
BUDGET
Income Proposed Budget Actual
Appropriation from Lodges ______________ _______
Appropriation from State ______________ _______
Appropriation from Other ______________ _______
Appropriation from Other ______________ _______
Total Income ______________ _______
Expenditures
Total Expenditures ________________ _________
Profit or Loss ________________ _________
COMPLETED PROJECT REPORT
Name of Project: _______________________________________
Name of Lodges/State: __________________________________
____________________________________________________
Planning:
Number of Committee Meetings: ___________ General:________
Subcommittee: ______________
Publicity and Promotion Used (Plus any photo/newspapers/other)
Dates of Project: From ______________ To____________
Number of Project Hours: Elks _____________ Others________
Number of Committee Members___________________________
Number of Elks Participants______________________________
Number of Other Participants_____________________________
Miles Traveled ELKS __________ Other __________
Budget: Income Lodges/State ________
Income Other ________
TOTAL INCOME ________ Expenses_______
Final Summary: Briefly describe the project, explain what was done, give recommendations and comments, benefits to the Lodge and the community Send all work sheets to Lodge Secretary.
This last work sheet should be used for end of the year report.
______________________
Project Chairman's Signature
NOTES & IDEAS
After the event, while the activity is fresh in mind, list:
WHAT WENT WELL:
WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED:
LESSONS LEARNED:
ATTENDANCE:
VOLUNTEERS:
COST SAVINGS POSSIBILITIES:
NEW ELEMENTS FOR NEXT TIME:
THANK YOUs FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS:
PICTURES OF EVENT FOR CONTEST BROCHURES, BULLETIN, and HISTORIAN:
MEDIA COVERAGE:
PR Event Planning: rjg 2008