Some inspiration

This morning the event management team visited youth center MSC Ahlan (“Welcome” in Arabic). It is hosted by the Arabic community, but apart from the colourful tiles around the bar, it doesn't look so different from many other European youth centres. Sport is the most popular activity here, volunteer Shakerullah told us while showing us the gym. But many kids also come here to learn Arabic,  to play Counterstrike in the fully equiped computer room, or simply to meet with friends and play some pool in the central hall. The key to MSC Ahlan’s success is their cooperation with other organisations, with the city and with schools. “If you’re not open to the community and to what’s out there, you don’t stay open for fifteen years like we have”, Shaker says. “Everyone is welcome in Ahlan, and we have volunteers and kids from all kinds of nationalities.”

Great, but how do we start organising our own event? Sarah from Den Eglantier has more than enough experience with that, setting up parties and gigs for a center that attracts over 10.000 visitors each year. The group told her that event management works differently in every country. In some countries, the ideas come from the youngsters, in others, the centre is in charge; and some just improvise with whatever comes up. But no matter how you work, Sarah told us, you have to have a strategy. Start with a brainstorm (the Walt Disney-method, anyone?), establish a timeline, work out a financial plan. Don’t forget a promotion strategy: a good event needs more than posters and leaflets these days! Oh, and always have an evaluation afterwards, to avoid making the same mistake twice.

The group grew a bit nervous under all these tips. So many things to do, and the final event is only three days away! Sarah: “No need to worry, I organised my first party in two weeks and it was a success.” Since Den Eglantier is the place to be for the final event, the group could fire away with questions. Is there security? How much can we charge for a beer? How much do we have to pay? Some participants tested their negotiation skills, but to not much avail. Time to start organising! “I’m not worried”, says Caoimhe, ”we’ll get it done by Sunday!”

But maybe take a powernap first…