Words from the Wise:
Hints and tips for a successful event from Children’s Day organisers

Whether you’re a Children’s Day newbie or an event organiser extraordinaire, there’s always something new to learn. We’ve gathered together some words of wisdom from those in the know – past Children’s Day event organisers - so read on for hints and tips to set you on the road to success in 2009.

1. It’s never too early to start planning for your event. Around about now is a great time! Set objectives for what you want to achieve from your event, how you will go about achieving them and how you will measure the results.
2. Share the load. Establish an organising committee, with one person taking a lead role with other individuals responsible for specific areas such as media liaison, sponsorship and so on.
3. Ah, the autumn splendour as March arrives. Well, as we’ve discovered, it can also bucket down with rain – so be prepared for all weather. Plan your event with indoor and outdoor activities so at least something can go ahead if (when) it rains. Alternatively, have a contingency plan with an indoor location. On the other hand, it could also be a glorious day of sunshine, so have sunscreen handy.
4. The more people you get involved in your event, the better. Promote it to the wider community and encourage local businesses to get involved.
5. And if there are other events on the same day, try to work together, particularly if you’re from a small town.
6. Local schools and early education providers are some of the best places to publicise your event. Ask them to display posters or put your event in their newsletter. And make sure you check out the Children’s Day Communication Toolkit (link) for more practical, cost-free ways of publicising your event.
7. Offer a variety of activities for different age groups – and encourage parents and caregivers to take part too. Who says dad can’t get his beard painted? Children’s Day is a fantastic opportunity for families to spend time together, so look out for older children too. Activities which normally cost money, such as a rock climbing wall for example, when available for free can be a huge draw for your event.
8. Kids have a limited attention span, so short activities with lots of variety tend to work better than a single concert or performance for example.
9. Show your appreciation after the event to sponsors (and anyone else who donated time, money etc) with a thank-you letter. Include photos of the event, particularly if any of your supporters couldn’t make it on the day.
10. It gets easier every year, so the quicker you get started on this year’s Children’s Day, the easier organising next year’s will be.
11. Encourage written feedback from people who came to your event (consider offering a prize as an incentive.) Evaluate their feedback and have a debrief with your team as soon as possible after the event while it is still fresh in your minds.
12. Finally… please do use the free resources available on the Children’s Day website. The Communications Toolkit is packed with practical advice to help you with fundraising, generating publicity for your event and event planning. You also have access to posters and Children’s Day images if you want to create your own marketing material, plus Children’s Day goodies such as activity booklets, flyers and balloons. And remember, you can contact us for further information and expert advice is only a freephone call away (0800 10 33 22); we want your event to be a success!