FREE resources and tips for planning events in 2024.
2024 Event Planning Tools
Jumpstart planning for your next event in 2024 with these FREE helpful resources and tools.
Utilize our downloadable 2024 calendar complete with holidays and monthly themes to spark ideas for your organization's event and theme.
Want to know what hot topics are trending? Looking for rock solid experts in your organization’s industry? Browse our Trending Topics web pageand Newsletter web page where you can find the best of the best speaker recommendations on various topics.
Need help getting started? Download our 7 Simple Steps for Speaker Selection to learn step-by-step how GDA will guide you to make booking a speaker a seamless process.
Pro Tips
Plan ahead: Start your planning process early! The sooner a speaker is confirmed, the sooner you can promote your event. Now that in-person events are back in full swing, speaker availability is more limited due to travel.
Define event goals: Establishing clear, quantifiable goals and objectives you want for your event helps us make the best speaker recommendations to you.
Know your audience: The best way to ensure targeted messages resonate with your attendees is to be very clear with the speaker on who and what they are addressing. The more details the better!
Maximize attendance: Check local school district holidays and breaks to be mindful of attendees with children and allow them plenty of time in advance to arrange for childcare if needed.
Gather feedback before planning: By routinely performing post-event surveys, you can use that information to inform your decisions for future events.
Establish a marketing plan: Make sure to craft a multi-platform marketing plan to guarantee you will reach all potential event participants.
Build a budget: Create a budget on the front end of planning and don't forget to factor in increased food and beverage costs.
Showcase your sponsors effectively: Look for ways to give recognition to sponsors with special benefits.
