Over the weekend, Zeal West hosted our first Events Bootcamp – an epic workshop to train young people in how to run huge U18 events. Also, there was food.
Zeal Event Bootcamp is coming to Wellington, New Plymouth & Hawke’s Bay!
Young people come from across Auckland, Hamilton and beyond. Eleven seasoned Event Management professionals held six workshops throughout the day, covering everything from the dream, all the way to the reality.
For those who weren’t able to make it, and for the others who are thinking of attending one of our other Bootcamps in July, here’s some tips we picked up on the day.
Listen to this song to enhance your reading experience and make it feel like you’re planning and stuff.
1. Have a solid vision in mind
It’s important to know exactly what you want to achieve when you first start planning your event. School ball. DJ night. Hardcore show. Whatever the event, write down everything that comes to your head!
How many people do you want to attend? Who do you want to perform? Where and when are you going to hold your show? Plan out how you’re going to promote it and what your budget is (be realistic!).
Another thing to consider is whether there are any similar events going on at the same time as yours – you’ll want to avoid clashes as much as possible.
2. What’s the game plan?
Whether it be on the back of an envelope, the notes app on your phone or an old typewriter you found on TradeMe, you’ve gotta write out your plan (actually, you’ll probably want it digital so your team can make changes and you can send it out to performers later. Don’t do the typewriter thing).
3. Events are a team effort
Doing events on your own isn’t impossible, but it may leave you so stressed that all of your hair falls out, and if you’re in to having hair, this may not be the desired result. Find yourself a solid crew of people who can help you out.
4. Tell your friends about it
A wise man once said, “if you book them, they will come.” That quote doesn’t really relate to getting punters to come to your show, but it’s a good movie.
5. Try not to panic
If you’ve got a solid plan, you’ll be able to avoid a lot of common issues that come up on the day, but it’s impossible to predict how it’s gonna go until it’s actually happening.
Bonus round
- Get a photographer – it’s the best way to keep event hype going.
- Drink plenty of water on the day and have enough for your team.
- Give away a few free tickets. People will come if their mates will be there.
- Bring earplugs. Tinnitus is way lamer than hearing the music kind of quietly
Attend the free Zeal Event Bootcamp
TSB Showplace (Bryan Robb Room)
Tuesday 11th July
9:00am
Wellington – ticket link
Dowse Musuem, Lower Hutt
Thursday 13th July
9:00am
Hawkes Bay – ticket link
Napier Conference Centre
Monday 17th July
9:00am
If you want some help with your upcoming event, find your closest Zeal centre and come and see us!
