Organising and running a workshop is a rollercoaster of emotions. Beginning with that initial feeling of vulnerability as the first post to capture the interests of customers goes out, to excitement at organising and delivering the workshop, to exhaustion when it’s all over.
Where to start:
I have searched the internet looking for tips on how to run workshops, however there’s no substitute for experience and drawing on the skills that I have acquired as a teacher here’s my experience of running a workshop.
As already said there is that vulnerability as the initial idea, becomes a post, will anyone be interested? Have I advertised too soon? Does the day clash with some other activity?…
Pick the day and stick with it. I find Sunday afternoons suit most people, give plenty of time for the workshop, this allows everyone to finish at their own pace.
Decide on the number to cover your costs, next decide on the final number, this will depend on how much help you will have on the day.
Take full payment or booking deposit this can help to reduce non shows.
Have plenty of flowers/ sundries better to be looking at them than to be looking for them,
Stick to one activity, however have another smaller activity prepped just in case everyone finishes quickly.
There’s a lot of preparation that goes in beforehand, but once you get used to this you can plan accordingly.
Be familiar with the venue, know where the lights are, fire exits etc. If you can’t check the venue, bring as much of your own equipment as you can, only you know the exact table that is suitable etc.
A relaxed host puts everyone at ease, they’re here now all the uncertainty is over, let the fun start. It’s a good idea to let everyone introduce themselves if they are comfortable doing so. Outline the structure of the workshop at the beginning, I stay away from bringing a finished arrangement and mention this at the beginning, this allows people to be more creative and not trying to reproduce one already made by you the professional.
Once it’s finished, give people time to admire others’ work and have their own admired in return, take plenty of photographs but only publish with permission, mention the next workshop.
Then its tidy up time, feet up and look forward to the next one.