Planning an event can feel like herding cats, but for nonprofit and community planners, it’s an art form—a comedic art form. There’s always something going awry, from guest speakers canceling at the last minute to unplanned disruptions. If humor isn’t currently in your event planning toolkit, it’s time to get your punchlines ready! Here’s a humorous guide to make your next event not just a success, but a riotous one.
1. Embrace the Chaos
If your event starts smoothly, you’re probably having an out-of-body experience. Dive into the madness with arms wide open. A malfunctioning PA system? Perfect opportunity for some impromptu stand-up. Event planners know the importance of being adaptable—consider it comedy’s greatest muse.
2. More than Just an Agenda
Your event itinerary might look like a rigid menu, but why not spice it up with a humorous dish of “Waiting for the Wi-Fi” or “Unplanned Fire Drill Follies”? Keep your audience engaged by giving your sessions and breaks quirky, fun names, making them memorable even when they run off-schedule.
3. The Costume Conundrum
Who says theme events are only for kids? Throw in a theme that allows for adults to unleash their creativity—Epic Fails, Memes IRL, or the nostalgic 80’s Comedy Icons. Costumes set the tone for a lighthearted atmosphere and make networking less about business cards and more about who can pull off a Jerry Seinfeld hairdo.
4. Comedic Relief Teams
Deploy “Laughter Task Forces”—volunteers equipped to diffuse any tense moments with whimsy and humor. Whether it’s the “Oh-So-Late Lunch Squad” narrating the delay as a soap opera episode, or singers turning mishaps into ballads, comedic relief is within arm’s reach.
5. Comic Timing: The Unsung Hero
Timing is everything. Schedule guests who know how to tickle your audience’s funny bones in between heavy topics. Few things break the monotony like a cleverly placed joke or an anecdote that everyone can relate to. Encourage speakers to sprinkle in humor to keep spirits high.
6. Enlist the Audience
Nothing beats crowd-sourced comedy. Interactive games, humorous polls, meme caption contests—get your attendees involved in the laughter. Whether it’s your audience telling disaster stories or sharing funny anecdotes in real time, the sense of community and shared joy triumphs.
7. Curtain Call with a Cast of Characters
When it’s time to wrap up, keep it convivial with a round of thank-yous to not just the usual suspects, but those who added the unexpected laughs—the errant crow in the conference hall, the guest speaker who lost his slide-clicker, and the beloved, unpredictable tech-in-charge.
In event planning, a well-timed chuckle is often the best laid plan. By acknowledging that things will go off the rails (and sometimes that’s the better plan!), you’ll not only create memorable experiences but also learn to roll with whatever punches are thrown your way. So go on, embrace your inner comedic genius and plan an event full of laughter!