When we started our Farm Where You Live festivals, we had no clue what we were getting ourselves in to. To say our first fair was a disaster is a gross understatement. We thought 200 people were coming and 1,000 people came. Grandparents, parents and children funneled in a one-lane road in Spartanburg and were met by my poor father and friend who got stuck collecting ticket fees with no directions or resources.
Our food truck didn’t show up so there was no food and no water. We remembered portable toilets, but didn’t to offer a place to wash their hands because the handwashing sink was in pieces in our truck. One thing after another.
If I told you each event after was seamless, I would be lying. Every event we have learned another way NOT to do something. We work hard to think of every aspect of the event, but there is always something that pops up. It’s the nature of events, I believe.
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So here are our tips that we have learned from hosting events this far:
Choose the Right Location
Selecting the perfect outdoor location is crucial for hosting a homesteading workshop. Look for a space that offers ample room for activities. Consider factors like accessibility, parking, and restroom facilities. You may have to pay more for these amenities to be in place, but it will be worth it to not have to rent portable toilets or worry about drop-off and pickup times.
Plan for Inclement Weather
It’s essential to have a contingency plan in case of rain or extreme weather. Rain or wind will really ruin an event quickly. Renting a tent or canopy can provide shelter for activities and presentations. Don’t forget to advise participants to dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Most homesteaders aren’t bothered by rain, but it’s best to plan for anything.
Provide Adequate Supplies
Make a list of the materials and equipment needed for each workshop activity and ensure you have an ample supply on hand. I like using those large, heavy-duty black and yellow totes for all of our events. Each container has a list of what needs to be included in it. From gardening tools and seeds to crafting materials and animal feed, having everything readily available will keep the event running smoothly and allow participants to fully engage with your guests.
Provide Refreshments
Hosting an outdoor workshop can be physically demanding, so be sure to provide refreshments to keep participants & staff hydrated and energized throughout the day. It doesn’t have to be a full buffet, but at a bare minimum, grab a few cases of water to have on hand if someone doesn’t bring their own.
Keep Expenses Low
We have learned the hard way that you need to start small. Don’t go straight to the moon with your budget. It is not worth it to put your personal finances and jeopardy of your credit on the line for a workshop. Start small and build on each. The homesteading movement is growing and you will grow with it!
Be Flexible
I wish I could say that your hours of planning and notes will be enough to pull of a perfect event, but the rule is that if it could go wrong, it likely will. Take a breath, think on your toes and be flexible. This community is some of the most encouraging and forgiving group. If something happens, be flexible and make the best of it. It is worth it to push through and learn from each event you pull off.
Get Feedback and Keep Improving
Once the dust settles, ask your guests for feedback. What did they love? What could use some tweaking? Use their input to make your next event even better.
TRUST ME, it doesn’t feel good to hear the critical input, but it’s vital for building a brand that guests will want to keep coming back to.
A Few of Our Favorite (Event) Things:
It’s going to be complicated, surprising and fun. You may learn lessons you never expected to learn. People will surprise you in good ways and bad. We are ROOTING FOR YOU!! We need more groups taking up the torch for homestead education in our world. You are doing great things. I hope we can help you get there.
If you need help learning the in’s and out’s of online marketing currently, be sure to check out my Digital Marketing Handbook (below). It’s a no-fluff guide to marketing your business online. It would come in handy for workshops as well.
