What's Next Event Coordination Guidelines

Thank you for suggesting such a great idea for a What's Next Event!

Please take a look at these guidelines and let us know if you want to proceed.

Event Scheduling and Planning . Since it's your event, you can set the schedule and venue. If you are planning an outdoor event, we suggest you have a rain date. If there are any permitting or other needs for the venue, please make sure you contact the appropriate person/agency. We also suggest you think through the event and make a list of everything you'll need to make it a success.

Promotion. Write up a description of your event that can be used on the website and the newsletter. Send it to hello@whatsnextbaltimore.org. Include date, time, cost (if any), location and a couple of sentences to entice people to come. We have three ways to get the word out. Once your event is scheduled, we will list it in all three formats.

WN website -- Events Page WN
Email Blast WN
Facebook Page. Your event will be listed on our website as soon as it is scheduled and will be included in our regular email blast that goes to our entire list. We also post events on our FB page. It helps for you to comment on the FB post since it keeps the interest up. You are also welcome to post to the WN page but please not to your personal FB page, since we are concentrating on our membership. NOTE: We DON'T create an "official" FB event because it creates confusion with our in-house RSVP system.

RSVPS If you want to have an RSVP list for your event, all responses will be directed to hello@whatsnextbaltimore.org. Once we receive a response, we will forward it to you with the person's email address. Please send an acknowledgement and give them your e-mail address so that they can correspond directly with you after that.

It's not necessary, but it helps to send reminder e-mails to What's Next members. Personal emails often get more attention than the newsletter. You can always include a link to the Events Page description on the website. If you do send reminders, since we don’t have permission to share our e-mail list, either do it individually or use the BCC field (blind carbon copy) so that you are not sharing anyone’s e-mail address without their permission. You can also list your event and not ask for RSVPs, just let people show up.

Expenses. Possible expenses include supplies, venues or presenters. If your event will involve expenses and you want reimbursement, the Program Committee will need to approve the expense. Although it's not huge, WN does have a budget for programs and we are happy to discuss using it for your event.

Evaluation and Notes. After your event please write up some simple notes about how it all went and send it along. It will help us in future planning. NOTE: WN Board members -- we may have an evaluation template to send with this.