Health fairs may include screenings or information sessions by nurses.
Fairs are a dynamic tool to increase health awareness. Through screenings, exhibits, demonstrations and activities, people can be led to make positive behavior changes. Fairs are held at businesses, churches, schools or other public locations, and can last a day or a weekend. Planning for these events takes a substantial investment of time and money. But with a good leadership team in place, your fair can have a lasting impact on your community.
Instructions
1. Set your goals for the fair. Make them realistic and attainable, such as raising awareness of local, state, and national health resources or enrolling area citizens into medical programs. Select a date for the fair. Scout out possible locations, taking parking and accessibility into consideration. Devise a rain plan if you choose an outdoor venue.
2. Decide on your target audience, such as young children, seniors or company employees. Come up with a theme relevant to your audience, and give the fair a title that reflects the main idea. This will set your event apart in the minds of participants and the public.
3. Form a planning committee and any needed subcommittees to handle areas like publicity, facilities, food and logistics. Develop a timeline, with checklists of necessary steps, and plan regular meetings to review progress. Set a working budget for the event, including all expenses, from refreshments and decorations to permits and equipment. Allocate funds to each subcommittee, with guidelines for spending and reimbursement.
4. Contact potential participants, and explore partnering with a local hospital or professional group to increase attendance. Send written information to each about the fair date, schedule and guidelines, providing request forms for needed special equipment. Draw up a floor plan of confirmed exhibitors, allowing for traffic flow and outlets and space requirements for each booth, and send out copies.
5. Begin advertising your fair at least a month in advance. Ask any partner organizations to inform their members. Put up posters or flyers at the host company or around town. Post information on your website and social networking sites. Utilize local media, as well as company newsletters.
6. Prepare the fair sight the day beforehand, setting up tables and equipment. Prepare a map of booths for attenders and hang up signs with directions to water fountains, restrooms, food, first aid and exits. Post banners outside, using decorations like balloons to bring attention to the event. Review your checklist to make sure nothing has been forgotten.
7. Form a cleaning crew to work during the fair and afterward. Return any borrowed equipment. Send thank you letters to participants, volunteers and supporters. Review attender and participant evaluations of your fair, taking notes of suggestions for improvement, and write up a report.
Tags: your fair
