Imagine being part of a TV cast or crew. And then the show you\u2019ve worked so hard to produce gets canceled. One of your first thoughts might be: What could we have done differently?<\/p>\n
Reflecting on finished projects \u2013\u2013 with an open mind \u2013\u2013 can help you pinpoint improvements and double down on what worked well. This type of post-experience evaluation is especially useful following resource-heavy activities like\u00a0 events.<\/p>\n
The process of analyzing wins and losses for an event is often formalized through debrief meetings with internal and external stakeholders. These meetings help leadership teams analyze the event from every angle and determine whether or not to repeat it.<\/p>\n
With all the people and details involved, event debriefs can be complicated. But, if well organized, they\u2019re valuable sources of feedback that, when combined with your event data, can provide productive insights.<\/p>\n
Read on to learn how to run a seamless post-event debrief that provides a comprehensive understanding of how your event went \u2014 from the big picture down to the details.<\/p>\n
The sheer number of people involved in a TV production is jaw dropping. The same often holds true for large-scale events. But even with smaller experiences, a core cast of characters brought the event to life.<\/p>\n
Getting every member of the team in the same debrief room \u2014 virtually or in person \u2014 can be a scheduling nightmare<\/a>, but it\u2019s worth the effort to understand each stakeholder’s point of view. Schedule these meetings during the event planning process so they\u2019re locked in well in advance.<\/p>\n Begin the debrief process by listing everyone who handled event production and management. You\u2019ll want to consider feedback from those responsible for major functions, as well as team members who were on the ground experiencing the action.<\/p>\n Depending on the size of the event, debriefs can include feedback from:<\/p>\n Core event leads, such as:<\/strong><\/p>\n The event marketing team, including representatives from:<\/strong><\/p>\n Logistics staff, including:<\/strong><\/p>\n The sponsorship partnership team, such as:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The tech and A\/V team, like:<\/strong><\/p>\n The finance team, including:<\/strong><\/p>\n Producing events takes a village, so consider inviting all contributors to participate, including your legal team, relevant agencies, and contractors. Each team member plays a critical role, so ensuring everyone is heard and understood can be the difference between shelving the event or renewing for a second season.<\/p>\n After binging the show of the moment, don\u2019t you find yourself eager to chat about it with anyone who will listen? Your team likely feels the same way right after an event. Ride this wave by conducting your debrief as soon as possible after the event wraps. That way, details will be fresh in everyone\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n Sponsors, vendors, and team members often have packed schedules. Consider saving a spot on their calendars \u2013\u2013 and preventing future headaches \u2013\u2013 by organizing, planning, and scheduling the debrief before the event even happens.<\/p>\n Begin the debriefing process by meeting with your internal team first<\/strong>. Consider these tips when planning the meeting to help ensure a thorough review:<\/p>\n Consider the following for the session with your external team<\/strong>:<\/p>\n At the end of the day, there\u2019s always room for improvement. So, find the opportunities that make it possible to \u201cfail forward,\u201d and use those lessons to level up your next event.<\/p>\n\n
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Be intentional about your timing<\/h2>\n
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Be thorough<\/h2>\n