1. Future Availability?
First, make sure to contact your venue and ask for future availability. You’ll need to make sure that your deposits transfer over and that the new date works for the type of event you were hosting. If it’s an outdoor event, make sure the weather will work for your new date. Also, make sure to reach out to the city department of special events. You’ll need to update your permitting with the new date and they will also be able to let you know if your new date conflicts with any other events.
Your event has been postponed and after months of planning, where do you begin to make adjustments? Before your logistics get out of hand, here are three things that you should do first if your event has been cancelled.
2. Vendors and Staff.
The second thing you need to do if your event has been cancelled is reach out to all of your logistics vendors and your staff. Your vendors will need to make sure that the items you require for your event are available on your new date. Your staff will also have to be updated as soon as possible so they can check their calendars and, hopefully, be available for your new date.
3. Participant Messaging.
Once you’ve got those first two things done, prepare the messaging to your participants. Consider spreading the message through multiple channels to make sure your participants get the news. Use email with “NEW DATE” on the website to capture their attention. Change your social media bio, header and profile images stating the new dates. Also, make sure you create a banner on the homepage of your website that stands out.
Getting your event cancelled is a stressful occasion but following this first three steps will keep you on the right track for planning your event!
