The decision to discontinue an event is never easy. Anxiety, grief and indecision can be very real emotions associated with these types of crossroads. And when an organization comes to this type of crossroad, it should be handled with grace and patience.
Here are a few things to consider as you navigate the difficult decision of discontinuing an event:
- Is the event profitable? If it’s not profitable, does it have the potential to make a profit? If the event is not profitable, does it serve some other purpose for your organization? Does it bring in new members? Or raise awareness in the community about your cause?
- How long has the event been in place? What type of market exists around it? (For example, are there other events like it in the area? Or is it something so unique, no one else is doing it?)
- How much staff time and resources does it require to plan and execute?
- Do you have a realistic and achievable vision for the event, i.e. do you have a 3-5 year plan for the event?
- Are there supporters or participants who attend this event that you wouldn’t otherwise reach?
There are only a few of the questions and considerations as you consider what to do with an event that isn’t serving the needs of your organization.
This isn’t easy and sometimes the decision to discontinue isn’t really to discontinue it…but rather to remodel it and revise it and bring it back under a different look.