1. On the /events page (front-end), by default, list the events by start date, ascending, so the user can see which ones are upcoming first.
2. When creating the event via wp-admin, allow an end date / end time as well, but don’t make it required.
I also agree with the enhancements proposed above by jholcomb. A list of respondents would be most helpful, along with a google map on the wp-admin and the front-end.
