Event Management
10 Essential Tips for Planning College Club Events
Learn ten essential tips for planning successful college club events, from setting goals to promoting and gathering feedback.
by Mitchell Whalen
Last Updated on
Feb 4, 2025
Planning a college club event can be tough, but these 10 tips make it easier. From setting clear goals to gathering feedback, this guide covers everything you need to know to host an event students will actually want to attend.
Key Takeaways:
Set SMART Goals: Define specific, measurable, and achievable objectives.
Build a Team: Assign roles like Event Chair, Budget Manager, and Marketing Lead.
Plan Your Budget: Track expenses, reserve emergency funds, and seek sponsorships.
Choose the Right Time & Place: Book venues early and pick times that maximize turnout.
Create a Schedule: Structure activities with time buffers to keep things running smoothly.
Use Digital Tools: Leverage platforms like Trello, Slack, and DoorList for planning and promotion.
Collaborate: Partner with other groups or local businesses to share resources.
Promote Effectively: Combine social media with campus flyers and pre-event activities.
Run the Event: Stay organized with a command center, clear roles, and safety measures.
Gather Feedback: Use surveys to improve future events and track your success.
By following these steps, you can overcome challenges like low turnout and limited budgets while creating memorable, well-organized campus events.
How to Create an Event Planning Checklist
1. Set Clear Goals
Every great event starts with a well-defined purpose. By outlining your goals early, you ensure every decision supports your vision.
Use the SMART framework - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For instance, you could aim to "increase attendance by 50% compared to last semester's event" or "raise $1,000 for the club's charity initiative."
Here’s a simple approach to set effective goals:
Align with Your Club's Mission: Make sure your goals reflect the purpose of your club. For example, an engineering club might focus on hosting hands-on workshops to encourage practical learning.
Engage Your Members: Survey members to understand what interests them and ensure the event aligns with their preferences.
Learn from the Past: Look at previous events to set achievable targets. If 30 people attended your last event, aim for a 50% increase to reach 45 attendees.
Track your progress using metrics like:
Attendance numbers and new member sign-ups
Funds raised versus your goal
Social media activity and post-event feedback scores
Be prepared for unexpected hurdles. Set both primary and backup goals to handle issues like bad weather or last-minute venue changes.
With your goals in place, it’s time to build a team that can turn your vision into reality.
2. Build Your Planning Team
Putting together the right team is crucial for organizing a successful college club event. Assign tasks to members based on their strengths to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
Team Structure and Responsibilities
Tip: Choose roles based on each member's skills, availability, and experience.
Building an Effective Team
Assign Roles Strategically: Place members with social media expertise in marketing, detail-focused individuals in logistics, and those good with numbers in budgeting.
Stay Aligned: Schedule regular check-ins and use clear communication tools to keep everyone accountable and on track. This helps resolve issues early and ensures team members stay focused on their duties.
A well-organized team ensures every part of your event, from logistics to promotion, is handled without unnecessary stress. Once your team is in place, you're ready to move on to creating a detailed budget.
3. Plan Your Budget
After assembling your team, the next step is to craft a detailed budget to guide your event planning process.
Core Budget Components
Smart Budgeting Tips
Set Aside Emergency Funds: Reserve 15-30% of your budget for unexpected expenses to keep things running smoothly.
Track Every Dollar: Use digital tools to monitor everything - estimated vs. actual costs, revenue, payment deadlines, and reimbursements.
Funding Sources
Internal Sources: Apply for grants through student government or programs like the Student Activities Assistance Fund (SAAF).
External Support: Approach local businesses for sponsorships or donations; many are willing to support student-led initiatives.
"A well-planned budget ensures resources are allocated efficiently and spending aligns with your goals." - Thorben Grosser, VP of Partnerships and Channel at EventMobi
Service Costs
Account for standard campus service rates, such as $30/hour for custodial services and $45/hour for technical support. Submit service requests at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability and accurate budgeting.
Lastly, consult your student activities office for specific policies on financial transactions. Many universities require purchase orders before making commitments, ensuring transparency and proper management of funds.
With your budget in place, it’s time to focus on scheduling and securing the ideal venue for your event.
4. Pick Time and Place
With most campus events now featuring in-person elements, choosing the right venue has become even more important.
Venue Selection Checklist
Timing Tips
According to research from the Office of Education Abroad, Tuesdays often see the best turnout due to reverse chapel hours. When setting your event date, keep these tips in mind:
Book Early: Secure smaller venues at least 8 weeks in advance, and for events with 150+ attendees, aim for 9 months ahead.
Be Strategic: Avoid peak class times (12-2 PM) and consider offering multiple sessions to fit different schedules.
Team Up: Work closely with your planning team to finalize a time that works best for your audience.
Choosing the Right Venue
Pick a venue that suits the size and purpose of your event. Large auditoriums work well for big gatherings, while smaller, department-specific spaces are ideal for focused events. When evaluating venues, focus on:
Layout flexibility to accommodate your activities
Availability of in-house services like tech support and furniture
Contingency plans for outdoor events in case of bad weather
Location convenience for your target audience
Campus venues are often booked on a first-come, first-serve basis, so planning ahead is crucial. Once you’ve locked in the time and place, you’re ready to create a detailed schedule to ensure your event runs smoothly.
5. Create Your Event Schedule
A well-thought-out schedule keeps your event running smoothly and ensures your team stays aligned with the timeline.
Time Block Structure
Activity Flow Guidelines
Mixing up activities keeps energy levels high. For example, follow a presentation with small group discussions, or balance serious topics with interactive sessions.
Key Scheduling Tips:
Build in 10-15 minute buffers for transitions and technical setup.
Schedule the most important content during peak energy times (usually early in the event).
Keep individual activities to 45-60 minutes to match attention spans.
Managing Multiple Sessions
For events with multiple sessions happening at once, make it easy for attendees to navigate. Use digital tools for real-time updates and clear signage at the venue. Research shows that sessions lasting 45 minutes or less are most effective for maintaining focus and allowing smooth transitions.
Helpful Communication Tips:
Share simplified schedules with attendees that highlight the main events.
Place clear signage throughout the venue to guide traffic.
Position volunteers at key locations to assist and answer questions.
Contingency Planning
Be ready for the unexpected. Add buffer time to handle delays and have backup plans for outdoor activities in case of bad weather. Set clear criteria for when to switch to indoor alternatives.
Once your schedule is finalized, you can focus on streamlining the planning process with digital tools.
6. Use Digital Tools
Running events on tight budgets and packed schedules? Digital tools can help simplify planning, keep costs low, and save time.
Event Management Tools You Should Know
How to Make the Most of These Tools
Registration tools like DoorList make guest management easy by tracking attendance in real-time. They also provide data on peak arrival times and popular activities, helping you make smarter decisions for future events.
Task management platforms like Trello let you break down responsibilities into clear categories - like pre-event prep, event-day tasks, and post-event follow-ups. This ensures everyone knows their role and nothing gets missed.
Stay Flexible with Mobile-Friendly Tools
Mobile-friendly options let you update guest lists, monitor attendance, and share last-minute changes instantly. This kind of on-the-go access is especially helpful during the event, when quick decisions are often needed.
7. Team Up With Other Groups
Working with other groups can boost your event's appeal and create a stronger sense of community on campus, which helps drive student involvement.
Finding the Right Partners
Look for clubs or organizations that share your event's goals and bring complementary strengths to the table. You can find potential partners through student unions, campus activity offices, or by networking at events.
Real Success Stories
Events like NYU's Diwali and Lunar New Year celebrations highlight how partnerships between cultural and student life groups can attract large audiences.
Making Partnerships Work
Communication Tips
Establish clear communication channels early on. Digital tools, as mentioned earlier, can help streamline coordination. Assign a point person from each group to ensure everyone stays on the same page.
Measuring Success Together
Evaluate your partnerships by tracking combined attendance, member feedback, and how they help reduce individual club expenses or improve efficiency.
Beyond Campus
Consider teaming up with local businesses or community organizations. For example, local radio stations can provide sponsorships and promotional support, while community service groups can add meaningful opportunities to your event.
Once your partnerships are solid, focus on promoting your event to maximize its impact.
8. Promote Your Event
Getting the word out about your event takes a mix of strategies to connect with your audience and boost attendance. Start your promotion 2-3 months ahead to build buzz and get people excited.
Digital Promotion Strategies
Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are your best friends for event promotion. Share eye-catching posts, track RSVPs, and keep followers updated in real time. Focus on creating posts that people will want to like, comment on, and share - especially within campus circles.
Campus Promotion
Don't just stick to online efforts - go offline too. Put up posters in busy spots like dorms, libraries, student unions, and academic buildings. Want to make it fun? Host pre-event activities like scavenger hunts or trivia games to get people talking and excited.
Partnering for a Bigger Impact
Team up with other campus groups to spread the word further. Pooling resources and networks can make a big difference. Get support from campus media outlets and organizations by:
Featuring the event in the student newspaper
Announcing it on campus radio
Including it in department newsletters
Sharing through student life office communications
Track What Works
Use tools to measure how well your promotion is doing. Check social media engagement, email open rates, and RSVP numbers to see what’s working. If one channel is driving more interest, shift your focus there to get better results.
"Creating a promotional video showcasing the event's highlights can be more engaging than a text-only announcement"
Make It Inclusive
Make sure everyone feels welcome by using inclusive language and providing materials in accessible formats. Think screen-reader-friendly content and multiple formats to reach as many people as possible.
Once your promotion is in full swing, you’ll be ready to focus on running the event smoothly.
9. Run the Event
The big day has arrived! This is where all your planning comes together to create a smooth and enjoyable experience for attendees. Start by arriving at least two hours early to oversee setup and tackle any last-minute changes.
Command Center and Team Coordination
Establish a central hub where your team can easily communicate and access resources. Tools like Slack are great for sending quick updates. Assign team leads for critical areas such as logistics, registration, and tech operations to keep everything running smoothly.
"Effective management of volunteers and staff involves clear communication, defined roles, and thorough training. This ensures that everyone knows their responsibilities and can execute their tasks efficiently"
Pre-Event Checklist
Before welcoming attendees, make sure to:
Test all equipment and confirm safety measures, including clear emergency exits.
Set up check-in stations with all necessary materials.
Double-check final details with caterers and service providers.
Event Timeline
Stick to your timeline, but be ready to adapt if needed. Here's a general outline:
2 hours before: Complete setup and test equipment.
1 hour before: Hold a team briefing and assign final tasks.
30 minutes before: Conduct a walkthrough and open the doors.
During the event: Monitor the schedule and manage transitions.
Flexibility is key - unexpected changes can happen, so stay prepared to adjust.
Safety and Support Essentials
Have these items on hand for a safe and stress-free event:
First aid kit
Contact info for campus security or local authorities
Backup equipment
Written emergency procedures
Documenting and Monitoring
Assign team members to take photos and videos during the event. These can help you evaluate what worked, fine-tune future plans, and boost your marketing efforts. Keep an eye on how the event flows and address any issues quickly to ensure attendees have a smooth experience.
Once the event wraps up, the next step is to gather feedback and use it to improve your next event.
10. Get Event Feedback
Collecting feedback after your club event is key to improving future events and keeping attendees engaged. Use tools like Google Forms or SurveyMonkey to make gathering feedback simple and efficient.
Immediate Post-Event Survey
Ask attendees for their thoughts on the event right after it ends. Focus on overall satisfaction, the quality of the content, the venue, and the timing. You can also ask for suggestions to improve future events. Tools like DoorList let you export event data, making it easier to combine attendance stats with survey results for more actionable takeaways.
Crafting Your Feedback Form
A well-designed feedback form can give you both quick metrics and in-depth insights. Here’s how to structure it:
Turning Feedback Into Action
Once you’ve collected feedback, use it to make real improvements. Here’s how:
Group feedback into categories like logistics, content, or timing.
Spot trends in the responses.
Prioritize changes based on how often issues are mentioned and their impact.
Document decisions so you can refer to them later.
"Sharing how feedback is used builds trust and encourages participation."
Tracking Event Success
Evaluate how well your event performed by looking at these metrics:
How many attendees showed up compared to RSVPs
Satisfaction ratings from your survey
Engagement levels during the event
How likely attendees are to return for future events
Closing the Feedback Loop
Let your club members know how their input made a difference. Share updates through:
Social media posts
Email newsletters
Announcements at future events
Discussions during club meetings
Be specific about the changes you’ve made based on their feedback - it shows you’re listening and helps build a stronger connection with your members.
Wrapping Up
Once feedback is gathered and analyzed, take time to review the entire process and apply what you've learned. Organizing successful college events requires a mix of thoughtful planning and fresh ideas.
The key to success lies in prioritizing people, making decisions based on data, and always looking for ways to improve. This means focusing on your team and attendees, evaluating engagement beyond just attendance, and using feedback to fine-tune your approach. While research shows that 91% of organizations gauge event success by attendance numbers, real success goes deeper. It includes engagement, participant satisfaction, and achieving your club's goals.
Tools like NPS make it easier to collect and use feedback to improve future events. Keep detailed records of what worked and what didn’t, and use those insights to build a checklist for planning upcoming events.
"By focusing on these factors, you can not only conduct a thorough assessment of event success but also lay the groundwork for improving strategies for upcoming ventures." - Cvent Blog
Treat each event as a step toward your club's larger mission. By applying these strategies, your club can host engaging, well-executed events that enhance campus connections. Learn from each experience, refine your methods, and ensure every event builds on the last to create a lasting impact.
FAQs
How do you promote a club on campus?
Getting the word out about your club or event is key to drawing a crowd and building excitement. The best approach? Mix digital tools with traditional campus resources.
Digital Promotion
Social media is your best friend here. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook can help you reach a wide audience:
Share Instagram Stories to give quick updates, event details, or even behind-the-scenes moments.
Tag club members, partners, or sponsors in your posts to spread the word further.
Create eye-catching graphics that clearly showcase event details, like time, location, and what makes it worth attending.
Use location tags to make your posts more visible to people nearby.
Campus Resources
Don’t underestimate the power of on-campus tools:
Post flyers on bulletin boards around campus or submit announcements to newsletters and radio stations.
Work with the student activities office to get your event listed in official campus calendars.
Promoting your event well doesn’t just fill seats - it also helps your club stand out on campus and builds momentum for future events.