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An event plan is a guide for all the components of your event. Also called an event management plan, this tool organizes all of the steps and key information that go into running an event. 

Whether you’re neck-deep in conference planning or setting up your first small park event, an event plan serves as your North Star as you prepare for the big day. Regardless of the size of your event, a good plan covers the same essential components (which we’ll cover in the next section!). 

These components become an event management plan when they’re worked into SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals and objectives, as well as a timeline. To identify your timeline, we recommend working backwards from your event date with a workback schedule. 

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A big part of knowing how to run an event successfully is keeping all of the components in one place—which is where an event plan comes in! With a clear event plan example, all you need to do is fill in the blanks. 

Your event management plan should cover: 

• Event goals and objectives 
• Individual roles and responsibilities 
• Volunteers and volunteer training 
• Budget 
• Date and time of the event 
• Event master plan 
• Event location 
• Event management software 
• Event Branding 
• Event speakers and special guests 
• Partnerships and event sponsorship opportunities 
• Promotional, advertising, marketing, and publicity plan 
• Day-of processes 
• Vendor information 

While this may feel like a daunting list, we’ve created a step-by-step breakdown of each element and everything you need to know to get started. 

13 Key Steps For Event Planning 

Planning a successful event comes down to following these 13 steps: 

1. Set your goals 
2. Organize your team 
3. Recruit and train volunteers 
4. Establish (and stick to!) your budget 
5. Choose a date 
6. Create an event master plan 
7. Choose your event software 
8. Book your venue 
9. Brand your event 
10. Confirm your special guests 
11. Connect with partners and sponsors 
12. Execute a strong event marketing plan 
13. Set up your day-of processes 

Ready for the complete breakdown on how to plan an event with these steps? Let’s dive in! 

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