Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Reflecting on the Event Using the Three C's
After holding an event, it is always important to look back and analyze what was done in planning and execution. One way to do this is through theory. A theory we discussed in class was the three C's of event planning.
First is CUSTOMER. For this event, the customer was the parents of children with special needs. This was a large concern for deciding when to hold the event. It was important not to make the event too late at night when parents need to get home to tend to their children and go to bed for work the next morning. However, we couldn't have it too early when parents would be still at work or eating dinner.
The second C is CAPABILITIES. Part of capabilities is realistic goals. While we would have loved to have all the parents of children with special needs in all the surrounding areas, this was not a realistic goal. Similarly, it would have been great if all 35-40 of our vendors agreed to come, but this was also not realistic. It was important for us to set realistic goals so we would be prepared for what was going to happen at the event.
The last C is COMPETITION. We did look ahead to look at what other events were going on that would compete with ours. For example, we avoided the Thanksgiving week and also the teacher conference week. However, competition is always present. For example, a parent may have a sick child or they may be running late from work. Additionally, anything from traffic to cold weather could be considered competition, and we needed to plan accordingly.
First is CUSTOMER. For this event, the customer was the parents of children with special needs. This was a large concern for deciding when to hold the event. It was important not to make the event too late at night when parents need to get home to tend to their children and go to bed for work the next morning. However, we couldn't have it too early when parents would be still at work or eating dinner.
The second C is CAPABILITIES. Part of capabilities is realistic goals. While we would have loved to have all the parents of children with special needs in all the surrounding areas, this was not a realistic goal. Similarly, it would have been great if all 35-40 of our vendors agreed to come, but this was also not realistic. It was important for us to set realistic goals so we would be prepared for what was going to happen at the event.
The last C is COMPETITION. We did look ahead to look at what other events were going on that would compete with ours. For example, we avoided the Thanksgiving week and also the teacher conference week. However, competition is always present. For example, a parent may have a sick child or they may be running late from work. Additionally, anything from traffic to cold weather could be considered competition, and we needed to plan accordingly.
Monday, November 17, 2008
THANKS
We wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the PEPtivities Fair- it was a great success. We had over fifteen vendors, two different breakout sessions (the IEP panel and a presentation by Career and Community Studies of TCNJ) and a wonderful keynote speaker (Susan Melamed, see our previous blog post about her). The attendance was wonderful as well. We want to thank those who helped with the event and everyone who took the time to come out. Don't forget to keep checking back for updates on upcoming events!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
We Want Your Feedback!
Thank you so much for attending our event! We want to know your thoughts. Please add a comment to this post and feel free to remark on any aspect of the event, especially:
How did you hear about the event?
Did you feel the keynote speaker was beneficial?
Did you feel the breakout sessions were beneficial? (Which did you attend?)
Did you feel the activities/organizations were beneficial?
Do you have any suggestions?
Are there any other events you would like to see PEP host?
Please provide us with your email if you are interested in learning about future PEP events.
Thank you so much for any and all feedback!
How did you hear about the event?
Did you feel the keynote speaker was beneficial?
Did you feel the breakout sessions were beneficial? (Which did you attend?)
Did you feel the activities/organizations were beneficial?
Do you have any suggestions?
Are there any other events you would like to see PEP host?
Please provide us with your email if you are interested in learning about future PEP events.
Thank you so much for any and all feedback!
The Event is Finally Here!
Tonight is our event and we all are so excited for it! We can't wait to see all of our preparations come together! We have already posted about how excited we are for our keynote speaker, but the breakout sessions are going to be so important to the success of this event!
We have the IEP Panel, CCS, and Value Options for these sessions!
We have the IEP Panel, CCS, and Value Options for these sessions!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Happy Halloween!
Halloween Pumpkin Maker & MySpace Layouts
In class we learned various theories in Event Planning. The most important are the Six Dimensions of the Event Experience. After learning about the Six Dimensions, we analyzed our event through this theory.
Anticipation- To build anticipation, we want to ensure the the event has proper placement on the Ewing School District website. Fliers could be hung at community bulletin boards and local newspapers could be informed to place the event on community calendars. A save the date could be created to distribute to PEP members. Other local school districts and colleges should be informed. Depending on budget, a formal invitation could be sent to PEP members.
After the initial contact, an email or mail reminder could be sent out a week before the event with a preview of speakers/vendors at the event.
Arrival- Once we see the venue, we will know better what will be needed in regards to parking and guiding the attendees from the parking to the correct room. We would like to have greeters as the attendees come into the room, handing out a program including a list of the vendors and contact information. The greeters can point them to a registration desk where they can sign in and get a name tag.
Atmosphere- Once we know whether the event will be just for parents or whether children will be attending, we can determine whether there will need to be an area for the kids. The room, which is inside, will likely need tables and chairs. Other important aspects are a coat rack and signs pointing to the bathroom. We will be able to consider the flow of the room after wee have seen the room, but we want to make sure that the room is inviting and engaging.
Appetite- Since the event will be after dinner, we thought that coffee, tea, and water would be appropriate. We also thought that little, simple desserts such as cookies would be good. For those that might not have had time for dinner, some pretzels and maybe a small arrangement of vegetables would be appropriate. Napkins and cups are important to not overlook.
Activity- the main activity for this event the keynote speaker followed by breakout sessions. If the breakout does not include the activity fair, this would be afterward. As the attendees come in to the event, there could be a few minutes for mingling. During this time, a slide-show could be played in part of the room if the technology is available.
Amenities- All attendees should leave with information about PEP and all of the community activities they are interested in. Each person should have a list of all the activities that were present. Depending on budget, we would like to provide attendees with a PEP magnet that could include the PEP website and an email contact. A tote bag would also allow attendees to place all of the information they received in the same place. If there is an upcoming PEP event planned, attendees should receive a save-the-date for this event.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
20 Days!!
SAVE THE DATE!
Our event is 20 days away and we are all so excited!! Already, we have a number of organizations coming, including VSA arts NJ, Family Support Organization, Challenger Little League, Special Olympics NJ, and many more!Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Welcome Susan. E. Melamed!
YAY! We finally found an amazing key note speaker! Welcome Susan E. Melamed! She is a RN, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner for the Division of Neurology/Pediatric Epilepsy Program at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Susan will address the relevant topic of how to be better prepared, proactive and aware of your rights as parents during your child's doctor visits!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Our Team!
Our team is working with Parents Educating Parents (PEP) to plan an exciting event devoted to educating parents on the options their children have as children with special needs.
Janna Raudenbush - Team Leader
Senior Communication Studies Major, Psychology Minor.
Janna is the caption of Synergy Dance Company and is also involved with Lambda Pi Eta, The National Communication Association, Golden Key International Honour Society, and the Council for Exceptional Children.
"I like event planning because I've always been a 'planner.' It is exciting to see all of the details come together in a great event," Janna said.
She was interested in PEP because she loves working with children and has experience with children with special needs through CEC and a past summer job at a Therapeutic Charter School.
Tara Beth Anne Kieffer
She is a senior Communication Studies Major - Concentration: Television, Film, and Radio, Professional Writing Minor.
She enjoys the organization needed in order to plan a successful event. Tara is excited to be part of such an important, fledgling organization as PEP.
Planning the "PEPtivities Fair" since the beginning and being able to see it made her realize how amazing it will be!
Robin Streit
Robin is a senior Psychology and Communication Studies major.
She is involved in TCNJ Women's Volleyball, Student Ambassador Program, and Psi Chi, the National Honors Society in Psychology.
She loves event planning because she enjoys interacting with people and collaborating to reach a end goal. "It's exciting to see your vision become a reality!" Robin exclaimed. "I'm so excited for our event because everyone who is participating in the planning has wonderful ideas! This is an event from the heart - those who are involved really care about the children with special needs and their families. I know that with our heart and determination, we will make this event spectacular!"
Mercedes McCurdy
She is a senior Communications Major, Deaf Studies Minor.
Why event planning? She loves the details of life, loves working with people, and will plan events in the future.
As for PEP, Mercedes loves what PEP stands for and wants to aid in their cause. In her spare time, Mercedes is involved in Campus Ministry, Deaf-Hearing Connection, Acting, and enjoys time spent with friends and family.
Katie Kim
Katie is a Career and Community Studies Junior.
She is active in Best Buddies, Council for Exceptional Children and Special Olympics. She likes event planning because she enjoys working together as a group to plan an event. She also likes to go to the meetings with the client and plan the event as they see it.
"As a person with a disability, I am excited to plan an event that will help children with disabilities. I love all of the actitivies that I am a part of, so I thinkn that it is important for other people with disabilities to be involved in fun activities and sports," Katie said.
Bridget Reilly
She is a senior, special education and psychology major.
Bridget is active in Career and Community Studies, Council for Exceptional Children, and Kappa Delta Pi. Why does she love event planning? Well, she loves seeing the outcome of the event and how it affects the cause or people at the event. "It is a great feeling to put a lot of hard work into an event and then be able to enjoy the results," Bridget said.
Bridget is excited to be involved in PEP and this event because she is eager to plan an event that will benefit children with disabilities and their parents. The PEPtivities fair will allow children with disabilities to feel included and accepted in fun and exciting activities!
Janna Raudenbush - Team Leader
Senior Communication Studies Major, Psychology Minor.
Janna is the caption of Synergy Dance Company and is also involved with Lambda Pi Eta, The National Communication Association, Golden Key International Honour Society, and the Council for Exceptional Children.
"I like event planning because I've always been a 'planner.' It is exciting to see all of the details come together in a great event," Janna said.
She was interested in PEP because she loves working with children and has experience with children with special needs through CEC and a past summer job at a Therapeutic Charter School.
Tara Beth Anne Kieffer
She is a senior Communication Studies Major - Concentration: Television, Film, and Radio, Professional Writing Minor.
She enjoys the organization needed in order to plan a successful event. Tara is excited to be part of such an important, fledgling organization as PEP.
Planning the "PEPtivities Fair" since the beginning and being able to see it made her realize how amazing it will be!
Robin Streit
Robin is a senior Psychology and Communication Studies major.
She is involved in TCNJ Women's Volleyball, Student Ambassador Program, and Psi Chi, the National Honors Society in Psychology.
She loves event planning because she enjoys interacting with people and collaborating to reach a end goal. "It's exciting to see your vision become a reality!" Robin exclaimed. "I'm so excited for our event because everyone who is participating in the planning has wonderful ideas! This is an event from the heart - those who are involved really care about the children with special needs and their families. I know that with our heart and determination, we will make this event spectacular!"
Mercedes McCurdy
She is a senior Communications Major, Deaf Studies Minor.
Why event planning? She loves the details of life, loves working with people, and will plan events in the future.
As for PEP, Mercedes loves what PEP stands for and wants to aid in their cause. In her spare time, Mercedes is involved in Campus Ministry, Deaf-Hearing Connection, Acting, and enjoys time spent with friends and family.
Katie Kim
Katie is a Career and Community Studies Junior.
She is active in Best Buddies, Council for Exceptional Children and Special Olympics. She likes event planning because she enjoys working together as a group to plan an event. She also likes to go to the meetings with the client and plan the event as they see it.
"As a person with a disability, I am excited to plan an event that will help children with disabilities. I love all of the actitivies that I am a part of, so I thinkn that it is important for other people with disabilities to be involved in fun activities and sports," Katie said.
Bridget Reilly
She is a senior, special education and psychology major.
Bridget is active in Career and Community Studies, Council for Exceptional Children, and Kappa Delta Pi. Why does she love event planning? Well, she loves seeing the outcome of the event and how it affects the cause or people at the event. "It is a great feeling to put a lot of hard work into an event and then be able to enjoy the results," Bridget said.
Bridget is excited to be involved in PEP and this event because she is eager to plan an event that will benefit children with disabilities and their parents. The PEPtivities fair will allow children with disabilities to feel included and accepted in fun and exciting activities!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
