How do I set goals for my event?

Oftentimes, the goals of the event will be clearly defined by the meeting organizer (your boss, etc.).  Additionally, the same meeting may have been held in the past so it will be easy for you to identify the goals.
However, if none of the above applies, here are some simple guidelines you can follow when thinking about goals for your event:

First, ask yourself why the event is being held. It is for a group of executives who are there strictly for business (a board meeting, for example)?  Or, is it a training meeting, where attendees will be learning new processes or techniques.  An incentive meeting–where attendees are being rewarded for past performance.

Second, think about how many will be attending. This will make it big difference in which properties you can look at and where.  If you have a huge event, for example, you will not be able to use small, boutique hotels.

Third, think about where guests will be coming from. Will they be flying in from different parts of the country? If so, is a property close to an airport important to you?   If not, how far from the airport are your attendees willing to travel?

Finally, determine what your budget will be for the event. This will also help narrow down the types of properties you can and want to consider once you begin searching for a location.

Need more information?  You can find a budgeting checklist and other meeting and event planning tools in the Event Know-How section.

Good luck!