Skip the primary navigation if you do not want to read it as the next section.
Skip the main content if you do not want to read it as the next section.
How to organise an event
Before you get carried away
It is very important to make sure that any events or activities that you organise to raise money for Epilepsy Society are run legally and safely. Epilepsy Society cannot accept liability for any accidents. It is the responsibility of those organising the event to ensure compliance with legal and safety standards. Your local authority can help you with the specific licences you may require for your particular event. You may also need to get permission from the owner or manager if your event is taking place on private property.
Make it fun - people will give more if they are having fun
In case you need something to spark your imagination, we have come up with some ideas. While you find your feet, you may find it better to start with something small and then build on your success. Whatever you decide for your fundraiser, the following may help:
A good idea
Check out your idea by talking it through with a few friends. Before you make any commitments it is worth researching your idea and making sure that you have access to all the resources you will need to make the event successful.
Spread the load
Why not involve other people and get them to help run your event? Planning things together may help keep the team informed and motivated. Allocating tasks is a great way to make the most of individual talents, and sharing a written task list amongst all the team members helps everyone to know who is doing what.
People to attend
It helps to have an understanding of who might take part in your event. You can then focus your publicity on getting them along. It is good to consider the minimum number of people you need to make the event viable, and also to have an idea of the maximum number you can cope with.
Find a good time
Check out other forthcoming events happening in your local area by scanning your local paper and investigating notice boards. It may be a good idea to avoid clashing with national sporting events so you may need to research your chosen day carefully.
Understand the finances
You will want to minimise your spend and maximise your takings, so get as much as you can for free – whether it is people’s time, a venue, publicity, printing, business sponsorship or prizes. In return you may need to offer a few free tickets, plug a company on the day or mention them in publicity material. You can maximise your income by selling advertising space in programmes, getting sponsors for a particular activity and by holding a raffle.
Plan B
In case things go wrong it is worth thinking of a back up plan. For example, it might be worth thinking about what you would have to do in the event of bad weather.
Say thank you
Don't forget to thank everyone who has been involved in your event, and let them know how much all their efforts have contributed. You can also ask them if they would like to be involved again, and how they think things could be improved next time. It is worth making a few notes so that you can refer back to them when the next time comes along. If you let us know the details, we can note the particular involvement of individuals with a special mention in our official acknowledgement.
