Event Planning Made Easy: Tips for Choosing the Perfect Date!
Event Planning Made Easy : Expert Tips for Choosing the Perfect Date
Planning an event but are stuck on the date to have it? Discover how to select the ideal date for your next event to ensure maximum attendance and success. Learn how to factor in weather, local events, and your audience’s needs in the tips below
Why May is Prime Time for Events in Northern Ireland
May in Northern Ireland brings brighter days, bustling outdoor activities, and iconic events like the Balmoral Show and North West 200. With ice-cream sales soaring and crowds flocking outdoors, it’s clear: timing is everything for event planners in Belfast and beyond.
How to Choose the Best Date for Your Event
1. Know Your Audience and Their Schedules
Identify your target audience-are they families, professionals, or sports fans? Avoid clashing with busy periods like school holidays or major local events unless your event is designed for those times. For example, if you’re targeting parents with young children, steer clear of back-to-school dates or hectic holiday periods unless your event is a themed activity for kids.
2. Consider Local Weather and Venues
Northern Ireland’s weather is famously unpredictable. Decide if your event is better suited for indoors or outdoors, and always have a backup plan for rain or extreme sun. Providing shelter or shade can make your event more comfortable and appealing.
3. Check for Competing Events and Traffic
Major events like the Balmoral Show and North West 200 draw huge crowds and can cause traffic congestion. Check local calendars to avoid scheduling conflicts or, if relevant, create a complementary fringe event to attract overflow audiences.
4. Align with Local Holidays and Awareness Days
Leverage local and national holidays to maximize attendance. In Northern Ireland, many take holidays around the July 12th fortnight, while England and Europe typically slow down in August. Consider tying your event to recognized awareness days-such as hosting a menopause workshop during Menopause Awareness Month in October.
The 14th May is European Coworking Day and I’m speaking on the subject of building relationships through conversation, connection and collaboration at a coworking space called SPACE, which hasn’t been open long, so that’s great promotion for them!
5. Be Decisive and Flexible
Don’t let indecision delay your event. Pick a date that suits most of your audience, and offer online or one-to-one alternatives for those who can’t attend in person.
📅Ultimately, we are very good at making excuses not to choose a specific date and delaying when we want to hold our events, but sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and just do it.
Need help planning your next event, book a free event exploration call to see how I can help!
Alison
VirtuAli
