I have spent the last three years as a Resident Advisor (RA) at my university. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this once-in-a-lifetime position, I am charged with the responsibility of creating a maintaining a healthy community within the residence halls. That ranges from enforcing university policies to, my favorite, planning spectacular events and informative programs. Lucky me, for the last three years, I have fulfilled this role for the university’s apartment communities, inhabited by upper classmen and both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. This has made event planning, well… interesting. Either residents are too busy or just not interested in university planned events. I am then faced with the challenge that many people face when planning events, how to make your event interesting for your audience.
Whether you are planning and sweet 16 party or a dinner party, it is important to keep your audience in mind. Hosts often make the mistake of planning an event based on their own tastes and preferences. The purpose of such events is to engage your guests and to make sure they have the time of their lives. In other words, this event is not about you. Do your homework. What do your guests enjoy doing? What things catch their attention? When are they available? I have always found it best to plan events around my resident’s hobbies and activities. Post or pre game parties to encourage support and resume builders where upper classmen can prepare for a job or internship, network and have some dinner.
So, as your prepare for your next event, take the time to consider the interests of your guests. Your event will certainly be a success and your only worry will be how to top it next time!
This post is from by Laurice Shelven of Murder Mystery Maniacs, Inc. She is our intern and responsible for all things “social”.
