Planning a Successful Event

Plan, Plan, then Plan some more!

Is the plan really that important? It often feels like the only consistent action during an equine event is to change the plan, so why bother wasting too much time on planning early?

You’re a great leader, with fantastic ideas and a great work ethic. You could just bring in a few people who can do what they’re told to help, and you can direct them to deal with the issues as they arise.

It sounds obvious but experience has taught me that planning isn’t just a details the difference between a standing ovation and standing awkwardly in the rain.

You may have a great captain steering the ship, but without a well prepared and clearly communicated plan, the event usually turns into a Titanic-style disaster - minus the romance.

Whether you are setting up a brand-new event or running an annually recurring event, there are six key elements to planning a quality, enjoyable, safe and sustainable equine event.

1. Set Clear Objectives

2. Own your Budget

3. Venue and Infrastructure Planning

4. Compliance & Risk Management

5. Marketing and Communications Strategy

6. Plan for Change

Each will have their own timelines for action from sourcing information to event implementation and post event review. Keep an eye out for follow up thoughts on how to build the detail behind each of the key elements.

Happy planning.