Form a committee to oversee the event and help give advice.

Select a time, date and location for the event. Develop a timeline for completing specific tasks.

Check with the event location to determine cost, layout, and whether a contract or agreement needs to be signed. Make sure the location is accessible for the handicapped/disabled. (If it is an outdoor event, have an alternative location arranged in the event that it rains.)

Develop an invitation and/or flyer.

Draft an agenda for the event. If there are speakers, you may want to provide background or talking points about Family Connection.

Identify key community leaders to be invited. Personally contact individuals that you want to make sure attend. If there are speakers, make written and personal contact.

Send invitations. Think about key audiences and audiences you may not have worked with before. Make follow-up phone calls, as needed.

Write a press release. Deliver to the media about two weeks before the event; follow-up with the media to ensure coverage. Ask about having photo coverage.

If you are serving refreshments, have someone on the committee be responsible. You may be able to get refreshments donated. Plan for more than you will need, and don't forget trash cans and trash bags.

Assign designated "greeters."

Set up a table with information on Family Connection.

Make sure that program participants have agendas.

Do a walk-through of the event location before the day of the event. Check for electrical outlets, trash cans, table locations, entrances/exits, parking, handicap accessibility, etc.

Keep the event on schedule. Start and end on time.

After the event, if the press did not cover the event, send an article and photos.

Send thank you notes to all participants after the event.

Place a note in your event file about things you learned or wish you had known.