How to Plan a Successful Blogger Event
Before the event
Obviously, this is where the majority of your time will be spent, start planning well in advance so things don’t get too hectic in the build-up to your event.
Decide on a clear brief
Make sure you know exactly what it is that you’re trying to achieve from your event. Once you identify what your aim is, start thinking about how you’re going to achieve that and what you’d like to actually do during the event.
Determine a budget
Figure out the budget you have available and what is actually possible with that budget. This will give you a clearer idea about which of your initial ideas would be possible to pull off. Things to consider include venue, refreshments, outside hire, goodie bags, travel costs etc.
Who should you invite?
Once you know what the aim of your event is, this should determine the audience you are trying to target. Think about the influencers and bloggers in that audience, and whether you have room in your budget to cover the cost of their travel, or if you should just invite bloggers from nearby the event.
How is the event going to run?
It’s really important to run through how the event will run from start to finish. Note down everything that you want to happen during the event, with timings of how long you think everything will take, to make sure all the time is filled. Don’t forget to allow time for bloggers to arrive and network, and make sure your event is held at a time they will be able to attend, in case they have full-time jobs etc.
During the event
Arrive early
Make sure you get to the venue in plenty of time before the event is due to start, especially if you aren’t able to check out the venue in person beforehand. Arriving early will allow you to set up the room and sort out any issues that may arise beforehand.
Brief your team
It’s good to run through the plan of the event with anyone else that is working on it. Make sure everyone knows what they are responsible for and be sure to greet any external staff (eg. Videographer) so everyone is clear on what is happening.
Know your bloggers
Having a list of all the bloggers that have confirmed or might attend the event is really useful. Include a picture, their website or blog, and a small bio about each person so you know who they are when they arrive and can network more easily.
Paperwork
If you are photographing or videoing the event, with the aim of publishing this afterwards, then make sure everyone who attends has signed a waiver giving their permission to be filmed.
WiFi
If you want your bloggers to live tweet from the event then make sure WiFi is available and that the login details are clearly displayed.
After the event
Follow up
Be sure to follow up with everyone that attended your event, especially if you want them to blog about the event. If you have any photos or videos from the event or other information they may find interesting, then send this over. It also encourages a good relationship in the future.
Debrief
It’s important to have a debrief with your team after the event to discuss the successes and learnings that can be improved on next time.
Follow these simple steps and you’re sure to pull off a successful blogger event!
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