by Annette Naif
You want to have an event but you are panicking because you are not sure you can fill the event. Most often clients ask me how they can get people to come to their event. Of course, you could cancel the event if you are not getting a good response but if you are anything like me, you don’t want to give up. This is the time to shift into marketing madness. It can be very stressful but there are some simple things you can do.
Lull In Sales
This happens with almost every client. You start off strong with ticket sales and then there is a period of time when no one is buying tickets. This is not the time to panic or give up. Keep your eye on the goal of filling that event. Don’t think of anything else but getting the people to your event. Go back to why you wanted to do the event in the first place – the value you bring to the client and express that in your marketing materials. This is the time to go full force and be consistent!!
Stay away from Naysayers
Keep yourself surrounded by people who will support you and will even help you promote the event. Don’t listen to the naysayers. BELIEVE you can and will get the room filled. Find mentors who have been successful in filling their own events. This is a great way to bring that positive energy into the success of you filling your event.
Last Minute Registrants
It never fails, people will always sign up for the event at the last minute. They are waiting for that last minute deal. Just remember, it is never over until it’s over. There is always a mad rush at the last minute so be prepared. I see it with every event I produce.
Ways To Market your Event
- LinkedIn (Groups)
- Blog
- Local Papers
- TV channels
- Radio stations
- Radio stations’ websites
- Tweetvite (for promoting and learning about tweetups)
- Eventful (you can list all types of gatherings)
- Event marketing and registration tools such as Eventbrite and Constant Contact.
- Foursquare & Gowalla
- Use a Hashtag for your event
- Photographer onsite to help promote this event and future events.
- Video
- Email everyone on your list
- Pick up the phone and call people (they like that personal touch)
- Have it on your email signature
- Newsletter
- Put it on your website
- Team up with others (JV Partners) to help promote the event
Hosting a live event is a great way to reach a large group of potential clients and fill your programs. It takes a great deal of hard work to market, produce and fill your event but I love when I see the excitement on my client’s faces when they get up on that stage and share what they are passionate about. Just remember, even if you are experiencing a lull in registration before the event, don’t give up. Keep going no matter what!
The key to a successful live event is to deliver great content so attendees can see the value in what you offer and will buy your other products without hesitation. And remember, have a video camera on hand or hire a videographer to capture live testimonials that you can use on your website and to promote future events!