Step 1: Define Your Event
What is the purpose of your event? Is it for fun? A business purpose? Incentive? The answer to this question will serve as the foundation for your event. Once you know what the purpose of your event is, then the planning can begin. You'll want to consider the following:

• Group size, gender mix, ages and any special needs
• Determine event details-make sure to avoid dates that coincide with other company or industry events or holidays
• Be sure to plan your event in advance to secure the most desirable space

Step 2: Create a Master Event Calendar
The Master Event Calendar will serve as the blue print for your meeting. Creating this timeline will ensure everything is completed in a timely fashion. Some of the items to put on your Master Event Calendar are:

• Invitations
• Event promotion
• Registration and production of event materials, including entertainment and recreation needs
• Group activities

Step 3: The Special Events Layout
Once your Master Events Calendar is complete, you can focus on the actual event details. The Special Events Layout is an outline of your activities. Items to include in your Special Events Layout are:

• Expected attendance
• Seating arrangements
• Setup times required
• Starting and ending times
• Audiovisual/Presentation requirements
• Food/Beverage requirements
• Entertainment requirements

Step 4: Plan Your Budget
Now that you see what your event needs are, it's time to budget your event. This will give you a clear picture of your event as it begins to take shape. It will also be instrumental in selecting a event location. Items to include in your budget are:

• Staff time
• Marketing expenses
• Air and ground transportation
• Accommodations
• Food and beverage
• Entertainment/Recreation
• Audiovisual/Presentation equipment or Production costs
• Taxes, gratuities and service charges

Step 5: Select Your Destination
You should now have a solid foundation for your event details. The next step is to select a location. We suggest choosing a location that is near major airports and local attractions. It should also contain all the necessary event space to accommodate your event needs. Step 5 also requires the selection of a hotel for your guests. Things to consider when choosing a destination and hotel are:

• Proximity to local airports
• Travel time and costs
• Ground transportation
• Number and type of guest rooms or suites needed
• Number and size of meeting rooms needed
• Hotel services and amenities offered

When selecting your location, be sure Scream at the Beach is at the top of your list. Scream at the Beach offers 12,000 square feet of event space and five of the region's best haunted houses. Our location is in close proximity to Portland's airport and is only footsteps away from dining, shopping and entertainment. We also have on-site Scream at the Beach Event Specialists to help you customize the perfect event.

Step 6: Submit Your Request for Proposal (RFP)
Once you have completed Steps 1 - 5, it's time to submit a Request for Proposal, or RFP. This form allows us to see, in writing, all the pertinent information about your event and to see if we can accommodate your needs.

Scream at the Beach Event Specialists work with you one-on-one to customize the perfect event for your group based on your specific needs.

Step 7: Plan Event Details
Planning the event details ensures that your event is successful. Communication is the key at this step, as this is where you make sure all food and beverage, audiovisual and presentation needs are met.

At Scream at the Beach, our highly skilled Scream at the Beach Event Specialists see to every detail and make sure that all your event needs have been taken care of so you don't have to worry about a thing.

Step 8: Market Your Event
This step is perhaps the most important because it ensures that your guests are informed and have the best possible event experience. An hour by hour schedule should be included. Your guests should receive this information two to four weeks prior to the event as to give ample time for any questions they might have.

Step 9: Event Day
By this time everything should be in place and your event should be a huge success. At Scream at the Beach, our Scream at the Beach Event Specialists will be on hand to answer any last minute questions or tend to any detail.

Step 10: Post-Event Follow-up
This crucial step allows your guests to provide feedback about every detail of the event. This will help you to gauge your success as well as ensure future event planning success. Some areas for feedback include:

• Content and format
• Event facility
• Catering
• Entertainment