Designing a Workshop

Things to remember:

• Know your goals.
• Work back from the date of your event when you're planning.
• Look for opportunities to make the event easier.

Plans for a Successful Workshop

• Develop a concept for the workshop and set clear goals.
• Create a detailed master task list and a timeline that includes all logistics.
• Set a date and choose a site for the event.
• Develop a message and publicity campaign.
• Create a budget for the workshop if necessary.
• Make a plan for recruitment and turn out.
• Create a media plan to get the event covered.
• Brainstorm all materials you will need and create them.
• Have a clean-up crew ready and send out thank you notes to everyone that helped.
• Do an evaluation with everyone involved in the workshop and keep good notes.

Sample Timeline:

• Set workshop date and look for workshop location.
• Get addresses of potential attendees.

• Reserve workshop location, if not already set up.
• Print up announcement flyers for mailing, posting, and handouts.
• Write up press release.

• ¨ Personally deliver general interest article to the community paper. *A sample newspaper ad for an event can be found in Appendix v.
• Post announcements around town-in particular at supermarkets, city/county hall, soil and water conservation office, extension service, farm supply stores, hardware stores, colleges or universities.
• Visit people in the community who might be interested.
• Contact local radio stations about community announcements, public service announcements, interview shows, and any other publicity they can offer.

• Personally deliver press packets announcing the workshop to community newspapers and radio stations.

• Confirm workshop location-see if any additional arrangements are necessary (chairs, slide projectors, etc.)
• Send press releases to local media sources. Follow up with personal phone calls, the day before the event.