# Running Your Event

*←* [*Back to Getting Started*](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/hosting-an-event/getting-started) *|* [*Home*](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/readme)

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## Running Your Event

> **The event day is simpler than you might expect. Your main job is creating positive energy while participants investigate - KC7 handles the teaching.**

### What "Running Your Event" Actually Means

Running a KC7 event isn't like teaching a class where you need to explain concepts and answer technical questions. It's more like facilitating a game night or escape room - you're there to keep energy positive, help people get unstuck, and make sure everyone has a good experience.

Most of your time will be spent circulating, encouraging people, and celebrating small wins. You're not explaining how KQL works or teaching log analysis - the game does that. You're answering questions like "Where do I find the hint button?" and "Can I work with someone else?" and saying things like "That's a great observation!" when someone discovers something interesting.

### The Emotional Arc of Event Day

Understanding what you'll feel during the event helps you prepare mentally:

**Before participants arrive**, you might feel nervous. That's normal, even for experienced hosts. The setup checklist helps channel that energy productively.

**During the welcome**, you'll be focused on logistics - making sure everyone can access the link, troubleshooting login issues, setting expectations. This is the busiest part for you.

**During investigation**, things get easier. Participants are absorbed in the game, and you're just circulating and encouraging. Many hosts say this is when they relax and start enjoying themselves.

**During wrap-up**, you'll likely feel energized by participants' excitement about what they discovered. Even people who didn't finish are usually enthusiastic about what they learned.

### How This Section is Organized

Running your event has four distinct phases, and we've broken the guidance into focused resources for each:

#### Phase 1: Final Preparation (Before Arrival)

The last-minute setup and mental preparation before participants arrive. This is when you test your tech, arrange your space, and take a deep breath. See [Pre-Event Setup](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/hosting-an-event/running/pre-event-setup) for detailed preparation steps.

#### Phase 2: Event Day Execution (Start to Finish)

The complete flow from welcoming participants through the investigation to wrapping up. This includes scripts, timing, and troubleshooting. See [Event Day Guide](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/hosting-an-event/running/event-day) for the complete walkthrough.

#### Phase 3: Supporting Participants (During Investigation)

How to help people without being a cybersecurity expert - giving hints, managing energy, handling frustration, celebrating discoveries. See [Supporting Participants](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/hosting-an-event/running/supporting-participants) for specific strategies.

#### Phase 4: Format-Specific Details

Whether you're running in-person or virtual, there are specific considerations that make your event smoother. See [In-Person Events](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/hosting-an-event/running/in-person) or [Virtual Events](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/hosting-an-event/running/virtual) for format-specific guidance.

### Quick Navigation

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pre-Event Setup</strong></td><td><a href="running/pre-event-setup">Final preparations before arrival →</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Event Day Guide</strong></td><td><a href="running/event-day">Complete walkthrough from start to finish →</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Supporting Participants</strong></td><td><a href="running/supporting-participants">Help without being an expert →</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>In-Person Events</strong></td><td><a href="running/in-person">Venue, WiFi, circulation strategies →</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Virtual Events</strong></td><td><a href="running/virtual">Zoom, engagement, remote support →</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Closing Your Event</strong></td><td><a href="after/closing">Final 15 minutes and wrap-up →</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

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### What Most Hosts Wish They'd Known

**"I worried too much."** Most first-time hosts report being surprised by how smoothly things go. Participants get absorbed in the investigation, and your job becomes easier than you expected.

**"The first 15 minutes are the hardest."** Getting everyone logged in and oriented takes effort, but once people start investigating, it gets much easier.

**"I didn't need to understand the cybersecurity."** The game teaches participants. You just need to encourage them and point them toward hints when they're stuck.

**"It's okay when people don't finish."** The value is in the investigation process, not completion. Someone who completes 5 questions has learned valuable skills.

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**Ready for event day?** Start with the [Event Day Guide](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/hosting-an-event/running/event-day) for a complete walkthrough, or jump to [In-Person](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/hosting-an-event/running/in-person) or [Virtual](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/hosting-an-event/running/virtual) for format-specific preparation.

**After your event:** See [After Your Event](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/hosting-an-event/after) for follow-up, feedback, and planning future events.