Event Planning with Mind Maps
If you're in the event planning business, I can't imagine a better tool than mind mapping. I use a software-created mind map to plan twelve months of client-specific marketing schedules and the ability to see everything in one place is invaluable.
What's that you say - marketing isn't event planning?
Well, in many ways, it is. Every year my clients, including several involved in ecommerce, need to determine where, how, and for how long they'll promote their web sites online, on TV, on the radio, and in print. As time goes by, we also need to know what worked and what didn't.
Using mind maps, I view this information as a series of interrelated events and plan accordingly. Sometimes there is a scheduling overlap - or the right resources aren't available - and a mindmap makes that visible immediately. Most importantly, having everyone involved in these project see the whole scope of activity for a full year makes all of us more productive.
Using Mind Maps for Event Planning
Is any event more important than a wedding? Imagine if you could see everything you need to do in one page, right in front of you. Flowers, cake, guest list, registry, invitations, reception, catering - you get the idea. All in one place, easy to comprehend. Somewhere out there a wedding planner (or some other type of event planner) is using mind maps to reassure his/her clients. And I bet she's making a ton of money.
Event Planning / Mind Mapping Resources
This list isn't complete - I'm only comfortable recommending resources I've personally used or read and found valuable.
- The Mind Map Book, Tony Buzan
- Nick Duffill has written a great post titled "A Simple Template for Visualising Events" - it's a must-read if you're interested in mind mapping events.