Signs of a Successful Event

I remember the very first conference I ever attended. Do you?

It was POWERFUL!

It was a mountaintop experience for me. It was the catalyst that jump-started my daily reading of His Word. And, it can be the place God meets you in the very depths of your soul if you allow Him access. Now, that is success!

Yes, one event can change a life!

However, too often, we measure success on the numbers such as how many women were in attendance, how much money the event brought in, the amount of giveaways, or how much merchandise was sold. Although, all these areas are important factors in planning a successful event, they shouldn’t be the main focus.

God’s Word defines success differently. In Joshua 1:8-9 we read, “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.”

So, along with the logistical planning of an event, be sure to include devoted prayer for your team, the event, and attendees. Determine the “take-away” you desire the women to leave with. And, certainly wrap it all up with love for one another.

First, let’s consider success on a spiritual level.

I love hearing how a woman’s life is impacted and the value of the event day. Nothing brings more pleasure to my heart than seeing a life lived out because of a personal touch from God. A woman changed from the inside out. Success is viewing a transformed life—

one of: freedom, softened heart, personal revival, impacted marriage, accepted forgiveness, or an increased passion for God, etc. Be cautious to not support an “experience” that does not have God as its Source. Is Jesus Christ Lord of your experience, or do you place your experience above Him?

Secondly, know the measurable signs of an effective and successful event from a logistics perspective.

Impactful evaluations: It’s always important to provide attendees with a well-crafted survey that allows them to provide you and your team feedback. This allows you to see the event through participant’s eyes and helps you gauge if you accomplished your event goals and ultimately event mission.                  

 Number of returned attendees: Retaining attendees speaks volumes to your events. It helps you know if you are meeting a need in the communities around you. When individuals re-engage with you and your events it shows they are invested in what you are providing them.

 Repeated volunteers: Having people around you that say, “Yes! Count me in.” goes a long way. It will help you learn more about yourself as a leader, too. Although you may not have contact with each volunteer, you and your team set the climate. Having individuals that get on board and stay on board is a great indicator that you are in tune with those around you.

 Personal growth: After the event is over, do you see women living fruitful lives from what they experienced the day of the conference? You may not always be able to know the full effects, but hopefully, there will be some in an bird’s-eye-view.

 Women can’t stop talking about the event: Did your event create a buzz? Word of mouth is powerful and having others talking positively about what they experienced shows they genuinely enjoyed it. Not only is this great feedback for that specific event, but it’s great marketing for future events! A good experience goes a long away and will help you when it’s time to promote your next event.

In the end, what do all events have in common? People! Who do you interact with and work with in the process of planning events? People! Who attend your events? People! Successful event planners are personable, engaging, good conversationalists, and intentional listeners. Being personable is a must when relating to your team, vendors, venues, and attendees. Ultimately, people remember the individuals they interact with and that interaction can make or break an experience. An others-focused mindset will allow all you do to be a benefit to others. And, while focused on others, remember your attitude and heart matter. God calls us all to be Christ to others. So, “Wear kindness as a necklace. Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart (Proverbs 3:3).

May you and your team go out with prayerful hearts and intentional steps to pursue all the planning that is ahead. For you may be the tool God uses to jump-start someone’s faith-walk, revive a stagnant heart, or fulfill a desire for more of Him in their life.  

And may the Lord our God show us his approval

   and make our efforts successful.

   Yes, make our efforts successful!

Psalm 90:17 (NLT)

 

Journeying with Him,

Jessie