How to organise a CV workshop from start to finish

A successful CV workshop depends on more than booking a room and inviting people. You need to secure the trainer early, collect registrations and dietary requirements, and make sure the workspace supports practical exercises. Allow time to check the presentation, prepare handouts and name badges, and test the projector connection before participants arrive. This plan takes you from venue and programme decisions through registration, refreshments and workshop delivery.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Reserve venue
2
Secure the trainer
3
Send invitations
4
Process registrations
5
Collect dietary requirements
6
Update participant list
7
Confirm the program
2 people
8
Check the presentation
9
Adjust worktops
10
Print handouts
11
Prepare name badges
12
Remind participants
13
Do the shopping
2 people
14
Collect materials
2 people
15
Check the workspace
2 people
16
Set up tables
3 people
17
Set up chairs
3 people
18
Connect the presentation
2 people
19
Set up flip charts
20
Distribute work materials
2 people
21
Set out coffee and tea
2 people
22
Set up the reception desk

Event

23
Register participants
2 people
24
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
25
Facilitate the workshop
2 people
26
Serve snacks
2 people
27
Refill drinks
28
Host the networking drinks reception
2 people
29
Collect tableware
2 people

Aftercare

30
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
31
Switch off equipment
2 people
32
Collect waste
2 people
33
Wash dishes
2 people
34
Clean the room
2 people
35
Pack up materials
2 people
36
Hand over the venue
2 people
37
Return borrowed items
38
Send thank-you email

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 35
Buffet tableqty 2
Coat rack

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
HDMI cableqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Portable speaker

Presentation

Flip chartqty 2
Flip chart paperqty 4
Markersqty 12
Sticky notesqty 6
Tapeqty 2

Workshop materials

Notepadsqty 35
Ballpoint pensqty 40
Work foldersqty 35
Name badgesqty 35
Badgesqty 35
Document foldersqty 35

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 35
Drinking glassesqty 35
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 6
Coffee potsqty 3

Catering

Coolersqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3
Water jugsqty 3
Serving tongsqty 4
Corkscrew
Bottle opener
Groceries

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Washing-up tubsqty 2
Spongesqty 4
Tea towelsqty 6
Soap dispenserqty 2

Tips

Start with the venue, trainer and programme before sending invitations. Confirm the room layout, available worktops and presentation equipment early enough to adjust the setup if needed.
Close registrations with enough time to update the participant list and prepare name badges, folders, notepads and pens. Send a reminder shortly before the workshop so late cancellations do not disrupt the seating plan.
Check the presentation on the actual laptop, projector, screen and HDMI cable at least once before the event. Bring extension cords and power strips, because a suitable socket is often not close to the presentation area.
Set up tables and chairs for hands-on CV work rather than only for listening. Place flip charts, paper, markers and sticky notes where participants can reach them without interrupting the trainer.
Plan coffee and tea as a separate reception step. Set out cups, glasses and serving items before registration, and use coffee pots or thermos flasks so the workshop can start on time instead of waiting for refreshments.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a CV workshop?: Start planning at least 4 to 6 weeks before the workshop. Book the venue and trainer first, then allow time for invitations, registrations, material preparation and a final equipment check.
How many participants should a CV workshop have?: Choose the group size based on the number of worktops and the trainer’s ability to give individual feedback. For a practical session, plan seating and materials for every registered participant, plus a small buffer of 2 to 3 extra sets.
When should I send reminders for a CV workshop?: Send the main invitation when the venue, trainer and programme are confirmed, then send a reminder 2 to 3 days before the workshop. Include the start time, arrival instructions and anything participants should bring.
What should I check on the day of a CV workshop?: Arrive at least 60 minutes before participants. Check the workspace, tables, chairs, presentation connection, flip charts, participant materials, registration desk and coffee and tea before registration begins.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.