1. Was the event fun? Nothing else really matters if you answer no to this question. The reason a special event exists is to provide the participants with a good time. If you fail to provide fun, then discontinue the event and plan something else.

2. Did the event achieve its financial goals? Your event should have a specific financial goal. Remember, the gross amount raised means very little -- it's the net amount, after expenses, that should be of vital concern to your organization and the event committee.

3. Did the event achieve its other goals? Did you have the attendance you planned for? Did you receive the media coverage you expected? Did you recruit new and dynamic volunteers?

4. What problems did we encounter? Every event, no matter how well managed, will have problems. All problems should be fully documented so they won't be repeated in the future.

5. Did we have enough volunteers? Special events often fail to achieve goals because of a lack of motivated and trained volunteers. Carefully evaluate each committee to make sure you have the people necessary for success.

6. Was the leadership adequate? The leadership ability of your event chairperson is the key to a successful event. If the results of your event were less than you hoped for, start your critique at the very top.

7. Have we recognized all supporters? You should have an established plan to recognize the leadership and the volunteers. Expressing sincere appreciation this year will insure voluntary support again next year.

8. What will improve the event next year? Ask yourself many questions. Will the event be improved if you change the venue? Will more people attend if you have the event at a different time of year? Was the fee too expensive? Was the entertainment ill-suited to the demographics of the crowd?

9. Is there any unfinished business? Was the dais returned to the hotel? Were the baskets used for flowers returned to the florist. Have all follow-up commitments with donors been satisfied? Have letters and gifts of appreciation been delivered to corporate sponsors?

10. Was the event fun? A redundant question? Not at all. It can never be stressed too much. Your ultimate goal is to have an event that is fun and draws people back year after year.