*Updated*
Tues. Feb. 20th, 6:30PM - "Planning & Production"
Tues. Mar. 12th, 6:30PM - "Social Media & Messaging"
Tom Tom Foundation, 100 W. South St.
Creating memorable events that build community and make impact
Chances are, you’ve hosted an event or a gathering, and experienced first hand how much time and energy it took. It might even have surprised you; bringing people together is not so easy!
You stress over the guest list. Then you lose sleep about who’s actually coming, or if they will at all. When the big day comes, you’re focused on so many little details and logistics, you just pray you haven’t missed anything major. Finally, when things are going (smoothly!) you face possibly the biggest worry: are people actually enjoying themselves?
When the dust settles, you bask in rollicking success! Maybe you raised funds for a worthy cause, provided entertainment or education, or just brought people together to be friends. But it was a big lift! And you wonder... what could have been easier? What could have been better?
If you’ve had any of these thoughts before; then this workshop is for you. And if you’re actively planning an event and needing inspiration or a sounding board for ideas, then this workshop might just be tailor-made.
Since starting the Tom Tom Festival in 2012, I’ve been host, collaborator or supporter on literally thousands of events; from large festivals to intimate dinners. There are definitely some tricks of the trade that I can share with you to help you plan, prepare and de-stress. In this workshop, we’ll dive into those.
One of my core philosophies for events is to make them relational and collaborative. This workshop will provide the opportunity for you to meet other change-makers in Charlottesville. So come learn some new tricks, and just maybe meet a collaborator that helps you along the way!
This is a workshop about taking your events to the next level, so bring it!
Format and Topics
This 90 min workshop will give you some of the basics of event planning, from inception to execution. There will also be ample time for networking and idea sharing. We want to connect you with other organizers and hosts in Charlottesville.
We will start with a series of introductions and connection exercises. If you have an event you are planning, please bring that idea with you!
This will be followed by a presentation on:
How to create a philosophy for gathering
Visioning desired outcomes
Identifying partnerships and collaborators
Practical tips for programming
Developing a Production plan
Developing a Marketing plan
Throughout the evening, we will also do smaller break-out sessions to workshop specific ideas and share experiences and insights from those gathered.
This workshop is offered on a Sliding-Scale Donation ($15 - $35). Thank you for your generosity in supporting the Tom Tom Foundation, and making what we do possible.
Tom Tom Community Partners
In September, we launched the Tom Tom Festival’s 2024 theme: TOGETHER. This speaks to our community’s interconnection and shared future. It is also a statement of how we are building the Festival from the ground-up with the community.
Our Community Partner Program invites individuals and organizations in the community to create events at the Festival.
If you are a Community Partner with us at Tom Tom, the Events 101 workshop is a FREE offering. Bring the team! This workshop will help everyone think about how to cultivate and build community through events. We want you to feel resourced as you plan your event at April’s Festival, and at other events you host throughout the year.
Please reach out to request free tickets.
Bio
Paul Beyer is the founder of the Tom Tom Foundation and Tom Tom Festival, and in his role as executive director, is responsible for its strategic vision and community partnerships. Beyond Tom Tom, Paul works on a variety of gatherings and events ranging from festivals, dance parties, dinner series, meditations, men's groups, conferences, seminars, and concerts.
Previous Events
Wed. Dec. 13th, 6:30PM
Tues. Nov. 7th, 6:30PM
Tues. Jan. 23rd, 6:30PM - "Marketing & Promotion"