Organization is key when you're putting together an event, regardless of the size or type. The best advice I can give you from all my years of experience is this: the more you pre-plan, the less headaches and issues you will have as you go along. This article breaks down a few helpful tips on how to organize an event.

Make sure to gather volunteers

A successful event is only as strong as its committees and volunteers, so make sure you recruit dedicated and skilled volunteers to help you acquire sponsors, fill the field, and run a smooth tournament from tee to green.

Prepare a budget

All possible incomes should be considered, including sponsors and contingent expenses.

Prepare a draft poster

This draft should include a tentative date, time, venue, chief guest, name of event, theme, and tagline for your event.

Prepare a draft schedule of the activities

In the schedule, add a timeline with deadlines for each activity.

Keep your team members and supervisors "up to speed" with your plans

Collaboration will definitely make your job easier and keep everyone on the same page.

Take Action

As your event date approaches, remember these items.

Confirm the date, venue, name of your event, and tagline

Make sure your sponsors and important guests have all confirmed.

Get approval for your budget and schedule

Meet with whatever committees you need to and touch base with your team leaders, supervisors, and sponsors.

Meet with team leaders and volunteer committees to brainstorm any issues that might arise

Plan for the day ahead and try to think of any issues that might arise, and work through those issues. This is also the perfect time to create an action plan for the day of the event.

Delegate work and let an experienced person coordinate all activities

Try not to micro-manage. If the event is large, several different people can coordinate different activities under the supervision of one person. Your team leaders should be trusted by the team and experienced in their areas.

Update all websites connected to the event

In this day and age, you cannot have an out-of-date website or no presence on the web and on social media. Make sure that before your event occurs, your website is updated at least once, and that it has all the correct information for your players to check, especially any last-minute updates or changes to schedule or times.

Collect sponsors and other sources of money from delegates

Your sponsorship team can help you solicit money and discover sponsorship opportunities you might have originally missed.

Market the event

Prepare your brochure (if you have one), release advertisements, inform the media, send mailings, make phone calls, send messages, and visit potential participants and sponsors. Get yourself out on social media.

Check in with the administrative side

Make sure you have all your ducks in a row. Poor accounting or lack for correspondence or a strong paper trail can create problems, especially down the road, for any event.

Keep communication lines open with team members

Stay in touch with all team leaders as well as team members and volunteer, especially to keep any internal issues from flaring up.

Arrange photography and video for day of event

Make sure that you arrange for photography and video for your event, so that your participants have something to remember your event.

Don't forget the food and refreshments

People always remember the food and drink at events, so make sure that you have enough. Prepare special accommodation for those who might have food allergies or certain dietary restrictions such as vegans, vegetarians, or certain food intolerances

Arrange for amenities, A/V, and items for day of event

Make arrangements for someone to set up chairs, tables, backdrops, microphones, speakers, computers, projectors (if needed), and podiums for the event. Remember to include any items you might need for any pre- or post-tournament activities such as awards ceremonies.

Create a contact list of team members

Prepare a list with all relevant phone numbers, emails, and any other relevant information of team members. Create a similar list for any VIP guests, sponsors, or suppliers of goods and services.

Visit the venue

Visit the venue with your team members, look around and mark parking, toilets, green rooms, contacts, and various entrances and exits. Look for nearby places where you can make copies, phone calls, or buy any emergency items.

Discuss emergency response with team members

Make sure you have at least one meeting with your team members to brief them on how to handle any situations that might arise day of, and who to contact in case of emergency. Also communicate with your volunteers and suppliers how to reach the venue and what time you expect them to arrive.