Summer Event Planning Guide

The sun is out, the days are longer, and it’s the perfect time to gather your loved ones, colleagues, and community for some unforgettable activities. Whether you're dreaming of a lively family reunion, planning a corporate team-building day, or just making the most of the weekends at home - we've got tips and ideas to help you plan the perfect summer!  

Ready to dive in? Let’s get started with three easy steps to plan events like a true genius.  

How to Make Your Summer A Breeze with SignUpGenius 

Choose an activity 

Do you look forward to annual summer events or gatherings? From block parties to birthday celebrations, there’s always something to do. If you don’t have anything in mind - check out our resources below for some inspiration! Once you know what you’re planning, figure out whether you need volunteers to pull it off or if you would just like guests to bring food or other items on the big day.  

Ask custom questions to gather additional information from your participants like dietary restrictions or t-shirt sizes. By ensuring you’re well- prepared, you’ll spend more time enjoying your event.  

Customize your sign up 

Planning doesn’t have to be all business - have some fun by tailoring your sign up to your event’s specific needs. Choose from a variety of designs to match the vibe of your event, whether it’s a casual BBQ or a formal corporate gathering.  

If you have a premium plan, you can create your own theme and remove ads to personalize your sign up even more. Want to include some visuals? Use slot images to sell items like family reunion t-shirts or make specific requests for food at your next dinner party. Once your sign up is customized to your liking, it’s time to start sending out invitations! 

Invite participants and stay organized 

There are multiple ways to share your sign up - just choose which ones work best for you. If you’re planning a block party, create a QR code to include on a flyer and post around the neighborhood. To promote a volunteer event to your circle, it’s easy to share your sign up on social media. If you’re organizing an activity for family and friends, just send out a text message with the sign up link to get everyone on board. 

Create custom messages with the latest event details and any necessary forms to keep participants in the loop.   Set up custom reminders to give people a heads up that your event is approaching quickly, helping to boost turnout. 

Activities for Every Group 

Families and Friends 

  • Block Bash - Get friends, family, and neighbors together for a block party! Try some of these ideas to pull it off without a hitch. 
  • Here's to Dad - Looking for a special way to let Dad know he's the best? Check out these 50 Father's Day gift ideas to honor the amazing guys in your life. 
  • Summer Bucket List – Want to fill your summer with things to do? Write up a summer bucket list with all the experiences and adventures you're wishing for this season. If you need ideas, download our checklist 
  • BBQ Best - Kick off summer with an outdoor cookout that brings friends and families together. Make it a potluck with an online sign up! Genius Tip: Turn up the fun factor with some of these 30 game ideas to play with friends. 
  • Starry Nights – Get cozy in your own backyard with an outdoor movie night. Set up a big screen, get some popcorn, and make it an event by inviting friends! 
  • Camp Rules - Is your child heading off to overnight camp? Use our printable summer camp packing checklist to prep for special memories. Genius Tip: Organizing a camp? Register participants and collect payments on a sign up. 

Companies 

  • In-Office Fun – Bring fun to the office this summer! From organizing a desk design challenge to happy hours and catered lunches, plan some team building activities and surprises.  
  • Cultivate Culture – From service projects to professional development, summer is an ideal time to boost company culture with a new initiative.  
  • Welcome to the Team - Is your company hiring? Say hello to newcomers with 20 tips for a warm welcome.  
  • Time for Team Building – Planning an office outing gives you a chance to connect with your co-workers in a fun setting. See how sign ups can help. Genius Tip: Use a sign up to encourage participation! 
  • Give Back Together - Volunteering is a great way to encourage team building and get your business’ name known in the community. To get started, plan a community service outing with an online sign up. 

 Volunteer 

  • Break the Ice - Throw out some of these 100 would you rather questions to get to know your volunteer group. You might be surprised by some of their answers! 
  • Sponsor a Raffle – Get creative and assemble a raffle basket to spread awareness and raise money for a great cause! We have ideas for all ages. 
  • Get Everyone Involved – Want to make a difference in the community with your group? We have tips for getting started. Genius Tip: Use an online sign up to coordinate schedules.  
  • Fundraise like a Genius – Looking for fun ways to raise money? We have plenty of themes, activities, and ideas for year-round success. Check out our fundraising guide! 
  • Summertime Reset for Nonprofits - Summer is a great time to slow down and refocus your efforts. Try these ideas to make the most of summer as a nonprofit. 
With these tips and ideas, you'll be ready to cruise through summer. Whatever you decide to do, just remember to soak up the fun and make lots of memories! 

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