Backwards Planning

Working Backwards to Move Forward

Make a list of the tasks which need to be completed before the program begins. Include:

• Publicity and advertising
• Space reservations
• Travel arrangements and accommodations
• Other important aspects

Using a calendar, start with the last task on your list to be completed before the program.

Write it on your planning calendar on the appropriate date, and then consider its components. If there are component tasks which need to be completed, work backwards with them and plug them into the calendar.

Then proceed with the next to the last task to be completed, and so on.

For Example:

Assume that your program begins on October 1. As you look through the list of 25 tasks which need to be completed between now, August 1 and then, you decide that visitors’ schedules should be completed and in the hands of those involved by September 29. Since you know that there are 10 schedules, you decide that they must be ready for typing by September 28. That means they need to be in the hands of your secretary by September 27. Thus, you need the itinerary (times/places/travel/hotel info) by September 26.

Remember, by working backwards before you start to go forward, you run less chance of overlooking an important component.