Planning Your Event

A guide to organising a successful COMPUTE Regional Event.

Timeline

3-4 months before

• Secure venue and date
• Identify potential keynote speakers
• Set up your event website
• Create registration form
• Draft budget

2-3 months before

• Confirm speakers
• Open registration
• Begin promotion
• Arrange catering
• Plan AV requirements

1 month before

• Finalise schedule
• Send reminders to registrants
• Prepare materials (badges, programmes)
• Confirm all logistics

1 week before

• Final headcount to catering
• Test all AV equipment
• Brief volunteers
• Prepare feedback forms

Day of event

• Arrive early for setup
• Welcome attendees
• Take photos
• Collect feedback

Budget considerations

Typical costs include:

• Venue (may be free if at your institution)
• Catering (coffee, lunch)
• Speaker travel (if needed)
• Printing (badges, programmes)
• AV equipment rental

Funding sources:

• Department budget
• ACM/iSIGCSE support
• Sponsorships
• Registration fees (keep low to maximise attendance)

Promotion

Reach educators through:

• Email to regional CS departments
• Professional mailing lists
• Social media
• ACM/iSIGCSE channels
• Word of mouth

Accessibility

Ensure your event is accessible:

• Wheelchair-accessible venue
• Dietary options for catering
• Live captioning or sign language (if budget allows)
• Quiet space for breaks
• Clear signage

After the event

• Send thank-you emails
• Share photos and highlights
• Publish feedback summary
• Document lessons learned for next year
• Maintain connections with attendees

Need help?

Reach out to other CRE organisers or the ACM COMPUTE community for advice and support.