Wayne State University Office Building Photo By: Constance Thomas
Midtown Detroit, is the home Wayne, State University college campus. The university is known for their excellent programs in the medical, engineering and theater program along with many others. Every winter and spring semester countless undergrads go through the ceremony of walking across the stage becoming graduates and alumni of this illustrious university.
Graduation is a large event. However, so many other events happen every day on campus during the school semesters. Many organizations put together events to engage students in campus life, social causes, and special presentations of speakers.
When it comes to a university of this capacity, there are many guidelines that need to take place. Unfortunately many are not prepared for what is in store to plan and execute as well ran event.
LaShawnda Wrice, special events, program specialist at Wayne State University spoke with us about some of the issues that she has come across when working with clients on their events:
- Having small budgets on an elaborate event
- Last minute request for planned event in a couple days, ex: Celebrities or dignitaries.
- How will things get paid for rendered services?
- Not having enough support staff to run the event.
The Office of Special Events and Services has a guideline for anyone with an inquiry to host an event on the campus. It nicely gives a timelines in three categories such as: 16-20 weeks, 20-25 weeks and 1 year or more. It also gives all the needed information on other resources that can and would need to be used.
Often times, one thinks once the location is finalized there isn’t much else needed. However, signage and banners to direct your attendees is needed. The use of microphones, screens and projectors if someone needs to show a PowerPoint presentation; in which audiovisual should be high on the to do list.
Community Arts Center Art Marque Photo Taken By: Constance Thomas
Another issue that many smaller events tend to forget is parking. Having adequate parking would help save a long haul across campus to just a walk across the street.
A great way to plan an event is to write all ideas and thoughts down. Once the ideas are written down, then the planning process begins. Having an expertise in the planning business or utilizing the on-site coordinator can cause for a successful event as well.
Getting the needed the requirements for an event is key. May it be a large graduation of 4,000 students and family or a tea for a group of 20, having a solid plan will always lead to successful event.
