TIPS FOR HOSTING A SUCCESSFUL EVENT

Thank you for considering hosting an Active Spirit event!

The success of Active Spirit is reliant on generous members who volunteer to co-ordinate an event.  It doesn't take too much organising, and if we all chip in and host an event every now and again, it will help make Active Spirit bigger and better than ever (and add a wide variety of events to the calendar!).

Here are some tips for hosting an event;

1.  Before you start contributing to the forums, ensure your first name only (and photo if you wish) is visible to members for comments you make on the Forum.  To do this, log onto Active Spirit, and "View profile".  Click on "Edit Profile", "Access by Others" and click in the "Members" column under first name (and photo if you wish).  This way members can see your first name on the forum and know who we are corresponding with (it will not be visible to the general public).

2.  If you have an idea or suggestion for an event, "test the waters" first by adding it to our Event Ideas forum to get some member feedback.  Write a brief description of the activity you are planning in the title (e.g. "Rowing"), and in the body of the comment add some suggested dates, locations etc, and ask for some feedback from other members. 

3.  If you get a good response, and decide to go ahead with the planning, add a comment to our "Upcoming Events" forum.  In the title write a brief description and the date it is planned for (e.g. "Rowing Sunday 3rd August 2008).  Add the details in the body of the comment (e.g. time, location, meeting point, any costs which may be involved, what to wear (if applicable) and any other relevant information). 

4.  It is a good idea to have some "identifying" feature for when you are meeting the group so those who haven't met you before can identify you, and write what this is into the post.  For example, I carry a bright orange baseball cap - hard to miss, and makes me stand out from the crowd!

5.  It is a good idea to add your contact details here too so members can see how to contact you directly.  However, if you do not wish to show your mobile number / email address here, then forward it to Melissa who can co-ordinate giving this to only the attending members for you.

6.  Members will let you know they are attending by replying to your post.

7.  We recommend you don't prebuy tickets unless you have already collected the money from those who have RSVP'd - it's preferable for everyone to be responsible for their own ticket, or else collect the money beforehand (contact melissa@activespirit.com.au if you need help with organising this).  You don't want to be left with extra tickets and no payment if someone cancels!

8.  At the event, introduce any new members to others in the group, so they can relax and start enjoying themselves.

If you need any further tips, contact melissa@activespirit.com.au.

Good luck, I'm sure your event will be a great success!