1. Create a clear schedule
A clear, written schedule with timings is key to keeping your event running on time. Ensure that everyone who is involved in the event in any capacity has this schedule a couple of days ahead of time, so they know what’s what. Anyone going to be up front should know exactly how much time they have in the limelight, and the written schedule will help them prioritise timings because they can see what’s coming next.
2. Build-in buffer timings
Unbeknownst to everyone else, make sure your schedule has buffer timings built-in, to allow for slight over-running or things taking longer than expected, eg. a stage prop being brought on. This means you can give speakers/ performers a 5-minute warning to let them know that, hey, they need to start wrapping up…but it won’t be the end of the world if they actually wrap up in 7 or 8 minutes.
