- Make sure everyone understands who is paying for what!
- Networking event for speakers so that they spend time with attendees on the main event day
- Give out shirts
- Thank you to speakers for participating
- Make sure non-smoker friendly
- Have name badges to aid networking
- Try to pay for at least appetizers
- Ask sponsors to pay for the party (give the 5-10 mins to speak if they want)
- Don't run an open tab without controls
- Better to let attendees pay for own drinks (unless sponsor will)
- Try to pick a location that has dinner food, many will be arriving at dinner time
- Contact site at least 45 days in advance, reserve space - Friday nights can be challenging, sometimes needs cash guarantee
- Multiples reminders about the dinner, get RSVP's (handled informally via email), include directions
- Try to reserve a section away from main dining area (outside works good), be conscious of noise level, try for open seating not bench seating
- These often run long, make sure wait staff gets a really good tip. Consider 35% tip.
- Introduce people to each other, encourage networking
- Try to have it located close to the published hotel and/or SQLSaturday event.
TODO: Past places that worked or didnt