Resources
Guides, templates and real examples for event planners
Practical help for planning your first event, stepping up to lead planner, or simply getting organised. New guides every month.
Featured case study
Sounds for Shelter: the six steps, end to end
How Jess planned a 250-person fundraising gig, with every template completed and the lessons she learned.
Worked example · fictional event
Sounds for Shelter
When
Saturday in March
Doors
7pm–11pm
Venue
250 capacity
Line-up
Three local bands
Admit one
$12
For charity
The library
Browse by topic
Topic filters arrive with the blog: once posts are published, this grid becomes a Posts widget grouped by the six content pillars.
Basics
Guide
Planning your first event? Here’s the 6-step system that works
An introduction to the Event Operating System and where to start.
Case study
Worked example
Sounds for Shelter: planning a 250-person charity gig
A full walkthrough of one event through all six steps.
Template
Free
The one-page Event Brief template
Get your purpose, objectives and audience down in one place.
Systems
Coming soon
How professional event managers plan: a look at each step
Deep dives into Purpose, Design, Plan, Build, Operate and Review.
Event day
Coming soon
Writing a run sheet your team will actually use
Timings, cues and contingencies for the day itself.
Career
Coming soon
From assistant to lead planner: the skills that make the jump
What changes when the event is yours to run.
Basics
Coming soon
How to set an event budget when you’ve never done one
Income, costs, contingency, and the questions to ask first.
Operations
Coming soon
Contingency planning for small events
What to plan for, and how much is enough.
Template
Coming soon
A starter risk assessment for community events
A plain-English starting point for your first risk assessment.
Video library
Watch and learn
Practical event planning videos from my YouTube channel.
The 5 Areas Every Event Organiser Must Get Right
Is owning an event venue profitable?
7 Tips for Planning a Community Festival
Free downloads
Take something useful with you
EOS Map + Event Brief
The six steps on one page, plus the one-page Event Brief template.
Planning checklist
A step-by-step checklist to keep your event on track.
Coming soon
Risk assessment starter
A preview of the Starter Kit’s risk template.
Coming soon
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