Create detailed event timelines with tasks and milestones. Part of the DevTools Surf developer suite. Browse more tools in the Event Planning collection.
Use Cases
Create a backward-planning timeline from an event date
Identify which event planning tasks are currently overdue
Coordinate vendor timelines across caterers, venue, and entertainment
Generate a day-of schedule with minute-by-minute event flow
Tips
Start from your event date and work backwards — the backward planning mode generates a Gantt-style timeline with all tasks positioned relative to the event
Use the dependency feature to link tasks: 'venue selection must complete before invitations are designed' creates blocked dependencies visible in the timeline
Add buffer time after key tasks — caterer confirmation is never as fast as expected
Fun Facts
The Gantt chart, the most common project timeline visualization, was developed by Henry Gantt in 1910 for scheduling manufacturing work. It was first used for major government projects during World War I and remains one of the most universally recognized project planning tools.
Critical path method (CPM), developed jointly by DuPont and Remington Rand in 1956-57, identifies the sequence of tasks that determines the minimum project duration. For events, the critical path typically runs through venue selection, catering, and invitations — tasks that must complete sequentially.
Microsoft Project, the dominant project management software used for event timelines in enterprise settings, was first released in 1984 as a DOS program. It remains in use despite competition from modern tools (Asana, Monday.com, Airtable), particularly in corporate event planning.
FAQ
What is backward planning and why use it for events?
Backward planning starts from the event date and works backward to determine when each prerequisite must be completed. This reveals true deadlines — not 'nice to have by' dates but 'must have by or later tasks are blocked' dates. It converts vague plans into actionable schedules.
How detailed should a day-of event timeline be?
For events over 4 hours: 15-minute increments. For ceremonies and key program moments: 5-minute increments. Share this timeline with all vendors 1 week ahead and walk through it in a pre-event call. Day-of deviations are inevitable; the timeline gives you a baseline to recover from.
What is a run-of-show (ROS) document?
A run-of-show is the master minute-by-minute timeline shared with all event stakeholders on the day of the event. It includes who does what, when, and where — every AV cue, speaker introduction, catering moment, and logistical transition. The ROS is the operations manual for event day.
