Event Planning Module

Or, How to Catch a Badger

It can be a little overwhelming to think about planning a brand-new chapter event. However, recent alumni research shows that grads want variety — new and unique events. So you can’t just pull out last year’s to-do list, repeat it and expect success. You have to step back and think strategically about your event line-up. So we’ve put together a process that will help you plan more creative get-togethers.

• Why does your chapter plan events (connect to area Badgers, connect to UW, professional development, community service. fun)?
• For whom do you plan events (who is the audience for various events)?
• Who aren’t you reaching with your programming?
• Who hasn’t been involved in the process (e.g., students, parents, young alums, etc.)?

• Local alumni are interested in a variety of events — they’ve asked for activities beyond the traditional game-watch. They want to be engaged socially, intellectually and professionally.
• Numbers are not the sole measure of an event’s success. If an event involves a small group of people who become highly engaged, then that can be considered a successful event. Particularly if they are people who have never attended a previous chapter event.
• It is important to provide a welcoming environment. If new attendees don’t feel connected right away, they are not likely to return to future events.
• Make it fun! UW alumni list “fun” as the number one reason for attending chapter events.