# 51club Community Event Planning Guide
## 1. Event Strategy
### Goals
- Foster meaningful connections between members
- Enhance engagement with the 51club community
- Provide value through learning and networking opportunities
- Strengthen the 51club brand and attract new members
### Target Audience
- Current 51club members
- Prospective members in relevant industries/roles
- Industry experts and thought leaders
## 2. Event Types
Consider rotating between different event formats:
1. **Networking Mixers**
- Casual format for making connections
- Interactive icebreakers and group activities
2. **Speaker Series**
- Invite industry experts for talks/panels
- Q&A sessions and meet-and-greet opportunities
3. **Workshops/Skill-sharing**
- Hands-on learning experiences
- Leverage member expertise for teaching
4. **Themed Social Events**
- Fun, themed gatherings (e.g. wine tasting, cooking class)
- Encourage casual networking in a relaxed setting
## 3. Venue Selection
- Choose central, easily accessible locations
- Ensure appropriate capacity and layout for event type
- Consider amenities (A/V equipment, catering options, etc.)
- Aim for unique or inspiring spaces that reflect 51club's brand
## 4. Scheduling
- Conduct member surveys to determine preferred days/times
- Avoid major holidays or conflicting industry events
- Rotate between weekday evenings and weekend daytime slots
- Plan 4-6 weeks in advance for proper promotion
## 5. Event Promotion
- Create eye-catching event graphics for consistency
- Utilize multiple channels:
- Email newsletters to 51club mailing list
- Social media posts and paid ads
- Partner cross-promotion with relevant organizations
- Encourage members to share and invite colleagues
- Send reminders 1 week and 1 day before the event
## 6. Innovative Networking Ideas
1. **Speed Networking Sessions**
- Timed, rotating conversations to meet multiple people
2. **Interest-Based Breakout Groups**
- Form small groups around shared topics/industries
3. **Gamification Elements**
- Networking bingo or scavenger hunts to encourage interaction
4. **Collaborative Problem-Solving**
- Group activities that require teamwork and idea-sharing
5. **Mentorship Matching**
- Pair experienced members with those seeking guidance
## 7. Ensuring Inclusivity
- Offer a range of ticket prices, including early-bird discounts
- Provide accommodations for differently-abled attendees
- Ensure diverse representation in speakers and panelists
- Create a code of conduct to maintain a respectful environment
- Offer virtual attendance options when possible
## 8. Enhancing Participant Satisfaction
- Provide name tags with conversation starters
- Offer high-quality refreshments and snacks
- Create comfortable seating areas for in-depth conversations
- Have staff/volunteers available to facilitate introductions
- Collect feedback through post-event surveys
## 9. Follow-up and Continuity
- Share event highlights and photos on social media
- Send thank-you emails with key takeaways and upcoming events
- Create a members-only online forum for continued networking
- Encourage formation of interest-based subgroups within 51club
By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be well-equipped to organize engaging and successful events that strengthen the 51club community and provide lasting value to its members.