This document provides guidance on planning special events at Georgia Southern University. It discusses defining special events, maximizing their benefits through attention-grabbing planning and evaluation. Tips are provided on determining the desired outcome and audience, naming event leaders and teams, setting realistic budgets and goals, using technology, and recognizing success. Examples of special events include inaugurations, anniversaries, groundbreakings and donor recognition events. Careful planning, communication, and evaluation are emphasized to ensure events shine a positive light on GSU.

1. Georgia Southern University Special Events: Engage and Go Beyond

2. Maximizing Special Events Get to talking! First chances, first impressions Defining Special Events Why even bother?

3. Creating events that grab attention Maximize your benefit Planning, evaluating, etiquette and protocol Give GSU time to shine What Now?

4. Who… Takes the lead? What… Kind of event? When… Is the best time? Where… Do you go? Planning, Planning….Planning!!

5. Event Steps

6. What is the desired outcome? What are the expectations? Who is the audience? What is the role of Advancement? Goals and Strategies

7. Name the Players Right Leaders Recognize the wrong leaders Build a strong team Set a schedule Communicate 2010 A Day for Southern $1,338,650.00

8. Crunch the Numbers Realistic goals yield realistic budgets Keep up with the Joneses Get creative Accounting is important

9. History repeats itself Copy and steal everything Charge the committee Use technology Divide and conquer Design and Invite

10. Evaluate Critique Document Say “THANKS” Spread the word Lay the foundation for next year Recognize Success

11. Proof everything Be consistent Invest in the WOW factor Think quality “Free” often has a cost Keep everyone on the team in the loop Prepare the president TIPS:

12. Inaugurations Anniversary Celebrations Groundbreakings Press Conferences Donor Recognition What are Special Special Events?

14. Video compliments of http://welcome.georgiasouthern.edu/foundation/. Photos compliments ofhttp://news.georgiasouthern.edu/identity/standards/photography Special thanks to University Advancement at Georgia Southern University. Bibliography

15. Allison Hood University Advancement Georgia Southern University FRIT 8530 Dr. Ken Clark