April 1:
Direct Observation:
This week, I started working on my senior project, which is about creating a cycling event in my town. I spent a lot of time researching different cycling events and talking to people who have organized similar events in the past. I also went for a few rides around town to scope out potential routes for the event. During my rides, I took note of the terrain, traffic patterns, and any potential hazards that could affect the safety of the cyclists.
Indirect Observation:
I had a meeting with my mentor this week, who provided me with some valuable insights about event planning and promotion. I also read some articles about successful cycling events in other towns, such as the Tour de France and the Tour de Palm Springs.
Additional Information:
From my research, I learned that there are several key factors that contribute to the success of a cycling event, including route planning, volunteer recruitment, safety measures, and effective promotion.
Comments/Reflections:
The most important thing I learned this week is the importance of safety in organizing a cycling event. I realized that I need to make sure the route is safe for riders of all skill levels, and that I need to take steps to prevent accidents and injuries. One aspect of my research that I found particularly interesting was the role of social media in promoting cycling events. I plan to use social media to advertise my event and encourage people to sign up. I also found that talking to people who have organized cycling events in the past was extremely helpful, as they provided me with practical advice and insights that I wouldn't have found in articles or books.
One challenge I faced this week was figuring out how to balance all of the different aspects of event planning, such as route planning, safety measures, and promotion. I realized that I need to prioritize certain tasks and make a schedule to ensure that everything gets done in time. My goal for next week is to finalize the route for the event and start recruiting volunteers.
April 15:
Direct Observation (Primary Data):
This week, I spent time researching potential sponsors for my cycling event. I visited local bike shops and talked to owners about potential partnerships. I also reached out to cycling groups and asked for recommendations on companies to approach. During this process, I learned more about what sponsors are looking for in an event partnership, and how to effectively communicate the benefits of sponsoring my event.
Indirect Observation (Secondary Data):
I read several articles on successful event sponsorship strategies, including "5 Tips for Securing Sponsors for Your Event" by Eventbrite and "The Art of Pitching Sponsors for Your Event" by Forbes. These articles provided me with valuable insights on how to create compelling sponsorship proposals and how to negotiate with potential sponsors.
Additional Information:
Through my research, I discovered that there are many potential sponsors for cycling events, including bike shops, bike manufacturers, energy drink companies, and more. I also learned that it's important to tailor my sponsorship proposals to each individual company, highlighting how my event can benefit their specific brand.
Comments/Reflections on New Learning:
The most important thing I learned this week is the importance of personalizing my sponsorship proposals to each individual company. It's not enough to simply send a generic proposal - I need to do my research and figure out what each company is looking for in a sponsorship opportunity. Additionally, I found the articles on event sponsorship to be incredibly helpful in guiding my approach.
Goals for Next Week:
Next week, my goal is to finalize my sponsorship proposals and start reaching out to potential sponsors. I want to continue honing my communication skills and learning how to effectively negotiate with sponsors.
May 1:
Direct observation (primary data):
This week I attended a cycling event in the nearby town. I learned a lot about event organization and how to keep riders safe during a race. I also met a few people who work in the cycling industry, including a race organizer and a bike shop owner.
Indirect observation (secondary data):
I read an article about the importance of proper hydration during a cycling event, as well as the types of food that are best for fueling long rides.
Additional Information:
From my interviews with people in the cycling industry and my research, I have learned that a lot of planning and preparation goes into organizing a successful cycling event. This includes things like route planning, securing permits, and ensuring the safety of riders.
Comments/reflections on your new learning:
The most important thing I learned this week is the importance of safety when organizing a cycling event. I was impressed by how much thought and preparation goes into keeping riders safe on the road. I also found it interesting to learn about the different types of food and drink that can help with long rides.
One of the challenges I have faced is finding a balance between learning about the industry and making progress on my project. I have been trying to set aside specific time each week for research and planning, but sometimes it can be difficult to stay focused.
My goals for next week are to continue researching and planning for my event. I also want to start reaching out to potential sponsors and volunteers to see if they would be interested in supporting my project.
May 15:
During this past week, I continued my research on organizing a cycling event. I started by conducting some primary research through direct observation, which involved attending a local bike race and interviewing some of the organizers to learn more about the logistics and challenges involved in planning such an event. I also took notes on my observations of the race, such as the course layout and the types of riders participating.
In addition to my primary research, I also spent time reviewing secondary data from articles, case histories, and other resources related to cycling events. One particular article caught my attention, as it discussed the importance of promoting the event to attract both experienced and novice riders, which has given me some new ideas for marketing and outreach.
Based on my research and observations this week, I have learned that organizing a successful cycling event requires careful planning and attention to detail. There are many logistics to consider, such as the course layout, safety measures, and participant registration. However, I also recognize that the event can be a valuable opportunity to promote cycling as a healthy and fun activity, and to build a sense of community among riders.
One of the high points of my research this week was attending the local bike race and speaking with some of the organizers. It was inspiring to see the event come together, and to hear about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into planning and executing such an event. However, one of the low points was realizing just how much work and coordination is required to make an event like this a success. It can be overwhelming at times, but I am committed to learning more and taking on the challenge.
Looking ahead to next week, my goals include continuing my research, reaching out to potential sponsors and partners, and developing a more detailed plan for the event. I also hope to speak with more cyclists and organizers to gather additional insights and advice. I know that there will be challenges along the way, but I am excited to continue growing and learning as I work towards my senior project goal.
June 1:
Direct observation:
This week, I spent some time researching and brainstorming ideas for the cycling event. I reached out to a local bike shop and was able to set up an interview with the owner, who provided me with valuable insight on how to plan and execute a successful event. I also visited a few local parks and event spaces to get a sense of the available options for hosting the event.
Indirect observation:
I continued my research by reading articles and case studies on successful cycling events. One article in particular caught my attention, as it highlighted the importance of marketing and promotion in ensuring a high turnout. I also had a meeting with my faculty advisor, who provided me with additional resources and guidance on planning the event.
Additional information:
Through my research, I have learned that there are many different factors to consider when planning a cycling event. From choosing a location and date to securing sponsors and promoting the event, there are many moving parts that need to be coordinated in order to ensure success. However, I feel confident that with the right planning and preparation, I will be able to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Comments/reflections on new learning:
One thing that stood out to me this week was the importance of marketing and promotion in the success of an event. While I had originally focused primarily on logistics and planning, I now realize that without effective promotion, my event may not reach its full potential. I also feel more confident in my ability to plan and coordinate the event, as I have gained valuable insight from my research and conversations with local experts. Moving forward, I plan to continue my research and begin developing a concrete plan for promotion and sponsorship outreach.
June 15:
Direct Observation:
This week, I spent a lot of time researching different cycling events to get an idea of what works and what doesn't. I visited several cycling forums and communities to see what people look for in a cycling event. I also conducted an interview with a local cycling club to get their perspective on what makes a successful cycling event. Through these efforts, I gained a lot of valuable insights that will help me in planning my own event. I learned about the importance of route planning, rest stops, and on-site support. I also got a sense of the importance of creating a strong sense of community among cyclists, and how that can lead to more successful events.
Indirect Observation:
In addition to my own research, I also received a lot of valuable feedback from my mentor. They pointed me towards several articles and case studies on successful cycling events, which helped me better understand what it takes to make an event stand out. They also provided me with some guidance on how to identify and approach potential sponsors for my event.
Additional Information:
One thing that stood out to me this week was the importance of clear communication. In my research, I noticed that the most successful events had clear, concise instructions for everything from registration to route information. I realized that good communication is key to keeping everyone informed and engaged throughout the event.
Comments/Reflections on New Learning:
The most important thing I learned this week is that planning a cycling event is a lot more complicated than I initially thought. There are so many moving parts and variables to consider, and it can be overwhelming at times. However, I also learned that with the right mindset and approach, it is possible to create a successful event that brings people together and promotes healthy habits. The piece of my research that I found most interesting was the idea of creating a strong sense of community among cyclists. It was inspiring to see how much passion and enthusiasm people have for cycling, and how that can translate into a fun, inclusive event. I found my mentor's support to be incredibly helpful, as they provided me with guidance and resources that I wouldn't have been able to access otherwise.
One new thing I tried this week was creating a detailed checklist for all the tasks that need to be completed before the event. This helped me stay organized and focused, and I feel more confident in my ability to keep track of everything that needs to be done. The high point of my week was conducting the interview with the cycling club, as it gave me valuable insights into what makes a successful event. The low point was feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work that still needs to be done. However, I reminded myself that this is a learning process and that I can tackle the work one step at a time. So far, I am most pleased with my approach of gathering as much information as possible and learning from others' experiences. However, I have struggled with staying focused and managing my time effectively. I think this is something I can improve on by setting clear priorities and establishing a daily routine.
One thing that is giving me trouble is finding the right balance between promoting the event and keeping it inclusive. I want to create a sense of excitement and encourage as many people as possible to participate, but I also want to make sure that everyone feels welcome and comfortable. I think this is something that will require careful thought and consideration as I move forward with planning the event.
Last week, I set a goal to create a detailed checklist of all the tasks that need to be completed before the event. I am happy to say that I accomplished this goal and feel more organized as a result. My goals for next week are to finalize the route for the event and to identify potential sponsors. I believe that accomplishing these goals will bring me one step closer to a finished product.Â
July 1:
Direct Observation:
This week, I visited a few local cycling events to learn more about how they are organized and managed. I also conducted interviews with some of the event coordinators to gain insight into their processes and challenges. I took notes on the event logistics, such as the number of participants, the event timeline, and any notable features. I also paid attention to how the participants interacted with each other and the event coordinators.
Indirect Observation:
I obtained some useful information from my mentor, who gave me feedback on my initial event planning ideas. I also read a few articles on event planning and marketing to help me refine my approach.
Additional Information:
From my research and observations, I learned that communication is key when it comes to organizing a successful cycling event. Clear communication with participants and volunteers can help prevent confusion and minimize potential issues. Additionally, marketing and promotion play a critical role in attracting participants and sponsors.
Comments/Reflections on My New Learning:
The most important thing I learned this week is the importance of effective communication in event planning. This includes not only clear communication with participants and volunteers, but also effective marketing and promotion to attract potential attendees and sponsors. I found the event observation and interviews to be very helpful in understanding the practical aspects of event planning. I also appreciated the feedback from my mentor, which helped me refine my ideas and approach.
One challenge I faced this week was trying to balance my event planning activities with other commitments, such as schoolwork and part-time work. I struggled to find enough time to dedicate to my project, but I'm hoping to better manage my time in the coming weeks.
My goal for next week is to finalize the event date and location, and to start reaching out to potential sponsors and partners. I also want to make sure I'm dedicating enough time each day to work on my project, so that I can continue making progress.
August 7
This week marks the end of my senior project and I'm feeling a mix of emotions. On one hand, I'm proud of the progress I've made and what I've accomplished. On the other hand, I'm sad that this journey is coming to an end. I've learned so much throughout this process, not just about creating a cycling event but also about project management and personal growth.
In terms of direct observation, this week was focused on finalizing all the details for the cycling event. I met with my team to go over the event timeline, double-checked all the logistics, and made sure everything was ready for the big day. It was a busy and exciting week, but I'm feeling confident that we've done everything we can to make the event a success.
In terms of indirect observation, I've been looking at other cycling events to see what has worked well for them and what we can learn from their experiences. I've also been speaking with other event planners to get their advice on how to handle any last-minute issues that may arise.
Additional information that I've gathered this week includes data on participant registration and feedback from our marketing efforts. It's been exciting to see the number of people who are interested in our event and to get feedback on our marketing strategy.
Reflecting on my new learning, the most important thing I've learned throughout this project is the value of collaboration and communication. Working with a team can be challenging, but when everyone is on the same page and communicates effectively, amazing things can be accomplished. The most interesting piece of my research has been learning about the psychology behind event planning and how people respond to different types of events. It's been fascinating to see how certain design elements and marketing strategies can impact people's perceptions of an event.
Throughout this project, I've found support from my mentor and my team to be incredibly helpful. They've been there to guide me through the process and offer their expertise when needed. One new thing that I tried this week was delegating tasks to my team members and trusting them to handle their responsibilities. It was a bit nerve-wracking at first, but it ultimately allowed us to be more productive and efficient.
In terms of high points and low points, the biggest success has been seeing everything come together for the cycling event. It's been a lot of work, but I'm proud of what we've accomplished. The biggest challenge has been managing my time and balancing this project with other responsibilities. It's been a learning experience, but I know that these skills will serve me well in the future.
Looking forward, I'm excited to see the event come to fruition and to see all of our hard work pay off. My goal for next week is to reflect on the event and evaluate what worked well and what we can improve upon for future events.