Thread: Workshop Hosting checklist

Okay, I'm hosting my first workshop this Thursday, and I'm thinking on what I need to bring with me to the venue, I've got a good list going but I'm sure I'm going to forget something. Do you workshop-hosting veterans have anything to add?

- pre-registration list
- extra registration forms (with liability waiver attached)
- pens, lotsa pens
- my business cards
- brochures from the studio I teach at
- sign for "make checks payable to:"
- signs for the windows of the venue
- invisible tape for posting the signs
- chairs (couple for the door, couple for the merch table)
- tables (one for the door, one for instructor's merch)
- money bag with extra $1, $5, and $10 dollar bills for change
- stereo (just in case venue's system is tough to work with)
- information on instructor's hotel, copy of contract
- my checkbook

Thanks, wish me luck!!!

Good luck. Who are you bringing? I don't think I heard about this?

Ah, I see it's on a Thursday which would rule me out because of work, but I'm still interested to know who you're bringing!

how about signs for where the ladies room is? Extra power strips? Amplifier and microphone? Hand stamps to prove that a person should be in the workshop?
I've never sponsored a workshop, but I've been at enough of them to see what's needed and what people forget.

cheque book
List of people who owe you money, and who you owe money to
Notebook incase someone tells you something & you can write it down instead of trying to remember it
water, snacks (like nuts and chocolate) (for guest teacher and self)
Big black marker pen
spare CD player x2
Big bags /boxes to put all stuff in

Put all the stuff you *know* you need in one bag to bring with you. Put any *just in case items* in another bag to be left in the car.

Trying to carry too much stuff = loosing things.

Valuables (money, cheque book, keys, attendee list, mobile phone) in bum bag (I believe you call them fanny packs) - don't take it off.

Ooh yeah, power strips and restroom sign... Good idea! Don't think I need sound cause it will be a smaller workshop. I had thought about hands stamps too. I was condsidering it, especially if I found something cute at the hobby shop like a camel stamp or something. But I don't know if it's totally necessary because of the way this venue is set up, would just be cool. Another thing I considered was a cooler with free water bottles, I was at a workshop that did that and I was really impressed (and very thankful). I think I would if it was a longer workshop and I expected a really good turnout I definitely would. Maybe next time.

Sonja, I'm hosting Tempest's Nashville Durga tour stop. I figured I wouldn't get a lot of out-of-towners since it's during the week (though I do have one person registered that's from Memphis). If all goes well, I'd like to host more workshops in the future, and I'll definitely keep you in the loop. You have me on your mailing list, right? ..g.:

A large Sharpie
Duct tape (always good to have on hand just in case)
Clip boards (or at least one for you--you'll be running around a lot)
Extra $1s--seriously, get more than you think you'll need b/c you'll probably need them. And if the workshop fee ends in a "5," get extra $5s too.

I always bring a cooler of bottled water that I sell for a nominal fee. People forget to bring water and it helps bring in extra income to cover costs.

Good luck!!

A sign-up sheet for your mailing list?

.w.: Great suggestions ladies, thank you! I can't believe some of the things I didn't think about. I may get my next check cashed in all $1s and $5s, hehe.

One of the ladies in my area, Adina, always has bottled water, veggies, dips, salsa, chips, cookies, etc. at the workshops she sponsors. She's the only person I know of that does this for the people attending the workshop. If you don't want to go wild with the food, the bottled water would be nice. It's heavy, but it's a good idea.

Tape
Highlighters
plenty of extra pens
bandaids - if someone gets cut, you'll be the first person they ask
extra paper
online or hardcopy records of everyone who has paid

Good luck!

Ahhh bandaids, very good, have an emergency kit, cell phone, towel(s) for the instructor, any special needs of the instructor, coffee, tea, juice or whatever they will want to drink. Water for the particpants is always a good idea. Extra CDs just in case...If props are being used bring extra of those for the students to borrow if possible.
Good-luck!!