Welcome to the Event Planning Resource

Any member can plan an event at any time. We are open to almost all event ideas. As an all-volunteer organization, the best way to ensure that an event happens is to offer to host the event. Please refrain from hosting events soliciting goods or services.

Our members plan RNK events; they live, play and socialize throughout the region. The best way to be sure there are events near you is to offer to host an event at a location near you!

The host takes complete responsibility for the planning and implementation of an event. You can get ideas and help by contacting Below are the kinds of things you may want to consider when planning an event for NK members.

• When would it be best to offer the event you have in mind? Some events are weather dependent; others are only offered at a certain time of year.
  Check the NK events calendar for your chosen day. While there is no problem having concurrent events, it may limit your attendance.
• How large a group can the facility accommodate?
  If you host an event at your home, feel free to limit attendance.
• Can the facility be flexible with expected attendance? Some people wait until the last minute to sign up for an event; others will sign up and not attend.
• What are the costs associated with hosting the event? No Kidding has no membership dues so there are no funds to use for an up-front deposit. Please do NOT sign anything obligating the No Kidding group to a financial outlay.
• Is there a place for attendees to gather as they arrive to fill out name badges and sign in? How will you set up the room? Will everyone be seated together? It’s best visit the site, see the facility and decide how things may need to be handled.

It’s a good idea to have an opportunity for people to interact (often a meal) before a performance or activity. If it’s a large group (8 or more), it can take us quite a while to do almost anything. Ask the facility how long they recommend for group dining. Many facilities will require a limited menu for larger groups. If that’s the case, please keep in mind that some members are vegetarians and plan a meal choice for them, too.

Consider reconfirming with the facility several days prior to the event. When you contact the facility, provide them with updates on expected attendance and reconfirm the schedule for the day.

If traveling between two locations is required, prepare and copy directions to distribute to attendees. You may also want to include this information in the event confirmation you send prior to the program.

It’s simple! Send an email with details (description of the event, date, time, location, facility address and telephone number, estimated costs to participate and a website link for the facility) to the . If you don't have all that information, that's okay; you can specify that more details will follow once you've been able to gage the amount of interest from the group.

If your event requires people to sign up for participation (such as a Potluck), consider using our wiki. Members can quickly & easily add their contributions, and view other's contributions as well. The RNK Web Master can offer any assistance with the wiki.

Using the details from your email to the list, the RNK Web Master will add the event to the web site and notify you that it's been added. An event email address will be created on your behalf for people to RSVP.

Please note it is our policy to post only NK exclusive events on the web page. If you have invited other guests (non-NK members, parents, children, etc.) the event is not exclusively an NK event and therefore will not be posted. You are welcome to send an invitation using the . However, please mention that non-NK members are also invited.

Also, while we appreciate your interest in reaching our members, it is our policy to not post events which promote the sale of merchandise or services to our members. Our group is devoted solely to providing a social forum for the child-free.

Feel free to request help composing a post or to receive sample e-mail event postings by contacting .

• Arrive at least 15 minutes early to be sure everything is set up as you asked and to greet your first guests.
• Consider nametags. This may or may not be appropriate based on the group size or the location.
• Keep the group on schedule. Sometimes this can be tricky because we tend to be having so much fun, we lose track of time.
• Separate checks are strongly recommended if your event includes a meal. From past experience it is difficult to ensure enough funds are collected to pay the bill in full, including tip. For some restaurants this is not a problem, others may refuse.
• Thank people for coming!

• Send a reminder a few days prior to the event, either to the list or individuals who responded; whichever is appropriate.
  An initial e-mail and a reminder (maybe two…depending on how far out the event was planned) are all that’s necessary when sending to the entire member list. The website will have the event posted until the event is over.
• Create a local message board thread for those who are interested and share ideas. This helps minimize e-mails to the entire member list.
• If appropriate, provide your contact information to confirmed attendees. Someone may be running late or have to cancel at the last minute.
• Show everyone else what they missed!! Bring a camera. Pictures can be posted on the website by the RNK Web Master