Planning an inauguration event involves meticulous organization and attention to detail.  It often is on a tight budget and a limited time window.

With nearly four decades of experience, Linder Global Events is here to help you gain confidence in your signature moment. With all the energy building around the upcoming elections, Linder’s goal is to take some of the pressure off while you plan for what happens after January 20.  Linder has perfected the art of creating transformative experiences, so whether you have been planning for years or two months before the event, we recommend starting with our comprehensive checklist to ensure your inauguration event is a resounding success.  We also recommend that you take a big breath, too!

  • Define the Purpose and Objectives – Why are you having this event? What do you want your attendees to take away from the event? It is essential to clearly outline the goals and purpose of the inauguration event and identify the key messages you want to convey to your audience.
  • Establish a Budget – In your planning, determine a realistic budget to cover all aspects of your event. Make sure to allocate time for everything, such as venue, catering, entertainment, décor, and technical support. Do you want to include additional experiences unique moments, or takeaways?
  • Venue Selection – When choosing a venue, choose one that aligns with the style and scale of your event. Ensure the venue has the space you need and is accessible to all guests.
  • Create a Detailed Timeline – Develop a timeline that outlines all key milestones and deadlines, including pre-event, event day, and post-event tasks and vendor information regarding your timeline.
  • Invitations and Guest List – Plan ahead! Are there others involved in building out the guest list? Invitations should be sent out in advance, so gather all the information you need from others to compile a comprehensive guest list, including VIPs and key stakeholders, months before the event! Managing RSVPs and registration will also be vital to ensuring your event is successful for your goals an your attendees’ expectations.
  • Event Design and Décor – Conceptualize a design theme that reflects the significance of your inauguration event. Hire event designers to help bring your vision to life and include those at the table who may be as invested in the success of your event as you are!
  • Catering and Menu Planning – Select a reputable caterer offering a diverse and appealing menu that considers your guests’ dietary restrictions and additional preferences. Explore menu options from each aspect, and in consideration of your event program – will there be a sit-down dinner? Tray passed hors d’oeuvres? A dessert buffet? The possibilities are endless, and your caterer should know the suitable suggestions for a memorable event for your guests.

“With Linder’s partnership in creating an inspirational atmosphere for our multi-day inaugural youth conference, our organization was able to focus on creating life-changing moments for thousands of attending scholars.”

Amanda Freitag Thomas, Envision
  • Entertainment and Activities – Activations are essential in creating lasting impressions well after your event. Plan engaging activities and entertainment to keep guests entertained and talking about it all week! Hire performers, speakers, or bands that align with the event’s theme.
  • Technical and Audio-Visual Setup – Ensure high-quality audio-visual equipment is available. Discuss options with your venue partner and establish additional needs for what they may or may not provide. Hire a technical team to manage sound, lighting, and projection needs.
  • Logistics and Transportation – If applicable, arrange transportation for VIP guests and speakers. Remember to provide clear instructions on parking if available, and make sure to consider accessibility for all of your attendees. 
  • Marketing and Public Relations – Develop a marketing plan to promote your event – include all platforms on which you’d like to market your upcoming event, from social media to email to personalized messaging. Create a media contact list to share details if you want media coverage for your event.
  • Rehearsals and Walkthroughs – Always, always remember to conduct a full rehearsal with all key staff to ensure all elements run smoothly. Perform a final walkthrough of the venue to feel confident that the event will be a success!
  • Day-of-Event Coordination – Assign roles and responsibilities to staff and volunteers with a thorough staffing plan – and provide training or information sessions for essential details before your event. Have a contingency plan for unexpected issues, such as weather changes, technical malfunctions, or last-minute changes in the program. A lot will be happening in the city, and it’s important to be flexible and prepared to handle these situations professionally.
  • Post-Event Follow-Up – Within a week after your event, send thank-you notes to attendees and key contributors! Collect feedback from all key internal staff and partners to assess the event and build on the success for future events.

After reviewing this comprehensive list, you may have already checked many of these tasks off your checklist. Even if you are just starting, we are confident that if you prepare, you can ensure that every aspect of your inauguration event is meticulously planned and executed, creating a memorable and impactful experience for all attendees. We believe in your ability to plan a successful event, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

With nearly four decades of inaugural events, Linder is the right partner to assist with your planning, even if it is just a quick question consultation from a local expert. We are happy to support your team and help you transform your vision into reality. For more information on how we can help make your inauguration event extraordinary, visit here.

About Linder Global Events

Sitting firmly at the intersection of strategic convening and design, the Linder Global Events Team is dedicated to transforming lives through the power of strategically designed events. We create moments of inspiration, wonder, and influence that elevate each client’s brand, mission, and strategy.