Planning a conference can be a large undertaking, but with careful planning and a well-organized team, it can be a successful and rewarding experience. There are many important factors to consider when planning a conference, from finding the perfect venue to determining the best time of the year to host the event. Creating a comprehensive checklist will help ensure that no important details are overlooked.

Some of the key elements that should be included on a conference planning checklist include:

❖ Identifying the purpose or goals of the conference

Identifying the purpose or goals of the conference is essential to its success. Planners need to be clear about what they hope to achieve and then design the conference accordingly. The goals might be something as simple as providing attendees with information about a new product or service, or they could be more complex, such as increasing brand awareness or fostering relationships between potential business partners.

❖ Selecting an appropriate venue and date

Selecting an appropriate venue and date is important when planning an event. The venue should be large enough to accommodate the expected number of guests, and it should be located in a convenient location for guests. The date should be chosen based on the availability of the venue and the schedule of the guests. It is also important to consider the weather when choosing a date. If the event is outdoors, it is important to choose a date when the weather is likely to be good.

❖ Creating a detailed budget

Creating a detailed budget is one of the most important steps you can take in ensuring the financial success of your event. By carefully estimating and allocating your event’s income and expenses, you can avoid overspending and ensure that your event is as profitable as possible.

Make sure to include all potential sources of income, including ticket sales, sponsorships, and donations. Estimate your costs as accurately as possible. Take into consideration the budget for language needs and the costs that might need to be allocated for ASL, interpretation, and interpretation equipment. Have a contingency fund in case of unexpected expenses. This will help you avoid going over budget if something unexpected comes up.

❖ Developing a promotional plan to market the event

Developing a promotional plan to market the event is an important task that needs to be completed in order to ensure the success of the event. The promotion of an event will vary depending on the type of event, the target audience, and the budget. This can include print advertisements, online advertisements, radio advertisements, television advertisements, word-of-mouth, distributing flyers and posters in high-traffic areas, creating social media campaigns that include information about the event and links to the event website or ticket page, etc. Overall, it is important to choose a type of promotion that will reach the largest number of people in the target audience.

❖ Identifying and inviting potential speakers or panelists

As you work to identify potential speakers or panelists for your event, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, it is important to make sure that the person or people you are considering are knowledgeable about the topic at hand and that they can offer valuable insights and perspectives. Additionally, you will want to consider whether the person is likely to be well-received by your audience and whether they are someone who can help to promote your event. Once you have identified a few potential speakers or panelists, reach out to them directly to discuss the possibility of participating in your event. In many cases, people will be happy to participate if they feel like their expertise can be of value to others.

❖ Making arrangements for transportation, lodging, and other logistics

Assuming you have your travel dates set, the next step is to start making arrangements for transportation, lodging, and other logistics. Depending on your destination(s), this may involve booking flights and/or train tickets, as well as reserving a hotel room or other accommodations.

When making reservations, be sure to ask about cancellation policies in case your plans need to change. Once your transportation and lodging are sorted out, you can start planning other aspects of your trip, such as what attractions you want to see and what restaurants you want to eat at.

❖ Planning activities and events for attendees during downtime

One of the most important aspects of event planning is finding ways to entertain and engage attendees during downtime. This can be anything from scheduled activities and events, to impromptu gatherings and opportunities for mingling. Make sure there is a variety of activities available so that everyone can find something they enjoy. Consider the location of the event when planning activities. Indoor activities may be necessary if the weather is not ideal or if the event is taking place in a remote location. Think about the timing of activities and events. It’s important to have some downtime built into the schedule so that attendees can relax.

❖ Equipment needs

Take into consideration the equipment needs. Think about microphones, projectors, laptops, screens, audio systems, and other necessary items. Make sure that you have enough equipment for the entire event. Moreover, be sure to include speaker management and that you have contact information for all speakers including their speaking time slots. Additionally, if you have an international audience and you will be broadcasting the event, be aware of the all language services requirements.


In conclusion, taking the time to create a comprehensive conference planning checklist will help ensure that your event is successful and runs smoothly. Be sure to involve key stakeholders in the planning process and consult with experts, if needed, to make sure all important details are considered.