So, you have an incredible vision of hosting a DEI event to take your work to the next level, but now you’re worried about how to make it a success.
You’re filled with questions,
“What do I do next?”
“How do I set it up?”
“With so much on the line, how can I ensure success?”
There are many DEI efforts that we can implement within an organization like awareness campaigns and ERGs, but nothing is more impressive and creates more proven authority and trust than an event. Events allow us to create an engaging environment to get our ideas across, promote our brands, and develop a base of new customers, further enlarging your networks and partnerships, or creating an army of allies and supporters.
Though there are many aspects to planning and hosting a successful event like budget, planning, and marketing, I wanted to give you the three most critical keys to ensure not only success but to bring your vision to life, allowing you to effect significant change in the world.
Before and during the brainstorming stage of your event, remember the 3 Ws: Why, What, and Who.
Why?
Just like with health and fitness or any other journey of self-improvement, your why is the most crucial aspect because it acts as your north star, guiding you and keeping you focused especially in the difficult moments. Your why is also your purpose and any good program, initiative, and event needs to have a purpose anchored by values.
Remember, you don’t just want to have an event and you don’t want just a good event. You want an event that has a purpose, achieves an objective, and creates believers.
What?
What are you offering and providing – what is your benefit?
How is this event and its information helpful and needed?
Remember, this isn’t about you and what you want, it’s about the audience’s experience and benefit. Oftentimes we assume everyone has the same feelings about DEI, or are somewhat on the same page, but this leads to “preaching to the choir”, resulting in blind spots and an underdeveloped approach. You will miss vital information and valuable opportunities to reach, inform, and convert people.
Who?
Events are driven by special guests. Think of any event you’ve ever gone to and you’ll realize that regardless of the topic, you were primarily attracted by the guest speakers, lecturers, performers, and hosts. Who you pick is vital especially if this is your first event. Your decision on the speaker will be based on fame/name, resume and expertise, perspective and the special “it” factor, or charisma and oratorical prowess. Your ideal speaker will have a mix of most, if not all of these traits.
Remember, the first event sets the tone and leaves the first, most crucial impression, so be purposeful in your approach, plan with intention, and drive it all home with a great guest speaker.
Once your first event is a smashing success, you’ll have the trust of your audience and support from leadership and/or sponsors, making the success of every initiative and event that much more easy to achieve.
As a speaker with more than 17 years of experience, I can make hosting your first DEI event unforgettable and a talking point for years to come. Let’s talk soon to get your best event started!
