Events are a key way for your surgical society to support its members, build its profile and raise funds. Read on to find out how to make your event run as smoothly as possible. 

General events planning

Whatever their size, all events need planning. Be generous in your time-scales; it is better to start planning too early than rush an event. Use check-lists to keep on top of tasks and allocate jobs to a team. 

Remember that most surgeons organise their diary far in advance and need a minimum of six to eight weeks notice. You should ask a speaker or facilitator what their availability is for a specific date and time, rather than speculatively asking for convenient times. This is much more likely to result in their attendance. Make sure that you have booked facilities before inviting speakers.

Surgical society event types

Learn how to run a variety of society events below.

• Small events: including skills workshops, specialty/careers talks, social events and day trips 
• Surgical careers fairs
• Student surgical conferences