#cheatsheet Created at 220623 # [Anonymous feedback](https://www.admonymous.co/louis030195) # [[Epistemic status]] #shower-thought Last modified date: 220623 Commit: 0 # Related - [[Nick Gray - The 2-Hour Cocktail Party]] # Organising events cheatsheet Here's a markdown cheatsheet for organizing events: | Best Practice | Description | |:-:|:-:| | Set the runway | Give guests plenty of advance notice, at least 3-4 weeks. This makes it more likely they'll attend and can plan ahead. | | Choose the right day | Avoid Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Pick a Tuesday, Wednesday or Sunday. Start at 7pm so people can come after work but still leave early. | | Make it a cocktail party, not dinner | Cocktail parties are easier to host and allow more mingling. Keep the focus on conversation, not a meal. | | Host at your place | You'll feel more at ease and in control. It's more intimate for guests. You can control things like noise and cost. | | Build your core group | Invite close friends and supporters first. They make you look good, laugh at your jokes and provide moral support. Try joining a local club or volunteering to make new core group friends. | | Curate your guest list | Do invite friends, neighbors, colleagues and their partners. Don't invite important new contacts or work relationships. Do invite new acquaintances you'd like to see again. Don't invite people just for what they can do for you. | | Include "super connectors" | Invite people like real estate agents, salespeople, nonprofit fundraisers and recruiters. They have big networks and like meeting new people. | | Aim for diversity | Once you're comfortable, invite people from different occupations and backgrounds. A mix of interests and experiences makes for good conversation. | | Get RSVPs | Requiring RSVPs leads to better attendance. It reaffirms people's commitment to come, creates social obligation and builds hype. | | Choose an upbeat theme | Play positive, energetic music. A theme like "Cocktails and Icebreakers" sets the right casual, social tone. | | Pick the right icebreakers | Avoid anything too personal or vulnerable. Stick to light questions like favorite breakfast food, first job, screen name or drink. Keep things playful. | | Follow a schedule | Welcome guests as they arrive. Do an icebreaker at 7:10pm, 7:40pm and 8:20pm. Take a group photo at 8:20pm. Announce the end at 8:50pm and end at 9pm. Icebreakers give people a chance to change conversations and meet new people. | | Get feedback | Ask guests what they enjoyed, what went well, which elements were most helpful, which snacks and drinks were popular, if they'd come again and what you can improve. See who else they'd invite. |