The success of an event is closely linked to its attendance. Organizers are always taking care of promoting their event and when there is no interest from the participants, it plays a major role in the failure. That’s why we have selected a list with top ways to increase your event attendance that have been applied from our experience and will work for you too.
Causes of Poor Event Turnout
Despite careful planning and investment, there is a number of factors that can decrease participation at even the most carefully prepared business events. These barriers can stand in the way of a successful event. They will make it less effective and will influence the general impression of participants:
- Lack of quality advertising and marketing;
- Poor usage of social media, email and other online platforms;
- The offer to participants does not carry any value to attend the event;
- Lack of technical readiness and bad planning;
- Changes in circumstances, plans, unexpected events in the lives of participants;
- Organizers do not pay enough attention to participants.
How to increase your event attendance
1. Make some perks for newcomers
At an event, organizers are more likely to introduce potential clients and the price range of services. Introducing newcomer benefits at your business event is an effective strategy to attract attendees and build a feeling of anticipation. Offering exclusive company benefits to those who register early will not only add a nice element of surprise, but will also be a good reminder that they participated in the event. For example, branded merch from your company create a unique and memorable connection with attendees.
You can attract attendees not only with a special souvenir for a memorable experience, but you combine that with the perspective of receiving a discount for early registration. This creates a powerful motivation for people who want to attend the event early. The result is increased attendance, a playful and engaging atmosphere that sets the tone for a successful and enjoyable business meeting.
You can give good discounts to those who register early. Then you can get participants excited about attending the event in advance. Otherwise, create exclusive VIP packages for certain clients with additional benefits. This way you will attract a higher level of registrations to the event among the influencers who will promote you.
2. Try to get the client involved in organizing the event
By engaging your clients, you not only create a sense of participation, but also use their valuable knowledge and preferences.
Before organizing an event, you can send your customers a small survey about the topic. You will be able to engage them, as well as make the customer’s participation useful and enjoyable.
You can use either a regular customer survey or discuss some solutions together. For example, invite key clients to be part of the planning commission. Their contribution can directly influence the event program. This will not only guarantee that the event is in their interests, but there is also a feeling of anticipation. Clients look forward to an event that meets their needs. This co-operative way of working turns the event into a common activity, allowing clients to feel more involved.
3. Avoid boring invitations to your business event
In the event planning industry, the invitation serves as the first point of contact with potential visitors. It creates the atmosphere for the future event, which makes it a major element in boosting attendance at the event.
You need to be creative and try making more interactive invitations. The result will not keep you waiting, believe me. You will be able to attract more attention if you take your time and instead of the usual invitations create, for example, such invitations:
- Make interactive and personalized invitations: Use the power of technology to create interactive invitations that leave a great impression. Personalized videos, animated graphics, or even interactive elements like RSVP buttons can turn a simple invitation into an engaging experience. This will attract attention and make the process of answering the invitation more satisfying, increasing the probability of a positive answer.
- Invitations with themed and memorable designs: Reject typical and ordinary designs. You can include company colors and logos, visuals associated with the activity in the invitations. Also any elements that match the atmosphere of the event. A well-designed and themed invitation creates a sense of thoughtfulness and careful planning, signaling to visitors that your event is worth their time.
- Invitation with a map of events by location: This small addition can greatly improve the attendee impressions and increase general participation in the event. Instead of leaving guests to navigate the space blindly, provide them with a visual map throughout the event area. Highlight key locations such as presentation areas, socializing areas, and main facilities. By presenting the map in an easily understandable way, you’ll give guests the opportunity to plan their time effectively and not miss important parts of your event.
4. Make an announcement of exclusive pictures
In the business events industry, the promise of exclusive photos can be a powerful reason to boost attendance at your event.
- Build the anticipation with teasers: Announcing exclusive photos acts as a teaser, offering visitors a taste of what to expect. Strategically place snippets of visually exciting moments, such as sneak peeks of main speakers or the unique atmosphere of the place where the event will be held. By creating an atmosphere of mystery and anticipation, you spark your audience’s sense of curiosity, motivating them to mark their calendars and take a welcome seat at the event.
- Create a sense of exclusivity: People are attracted to something more exclusive. Design your announcement in a way that emphasizes the limited availability of these images. Emphasize that these images will not be shared on common platforms, but will be exclusively for the eyes of the event audience.
- Demonstrate the highlights of the event in advance: Apart from the appeal of exclusivity, an event photo announcement serves as a platform to showcase the main moments and value proposition of your event. Show the bright moments, dynamic presentations, and networking opportunities. This will bring out the point of your event and assure potential viewers that their investment in the event will be followed by a useful experience.
- Create unforgettable memories: Announcing exclusive photos from the event is not just marketing before the event, it’s creating a memory store. Think about including these images in post-event content, such as videos or photo albums, that will give life to the event and serve as a magnet for future attendees.
5. Make a splash on social media about your event
Using the full potential of social media is an invaluable strategy for increasing attendance at your events. You need to find a specific response from your target audience. Creating a strong social media campaign can turn your event into a trending topic. These include:
- Strategic hashtags;
- Fascinating content;
- Interactive conversations;
- Contests and exclusive previews.
6. Create a referral program for attendees
This strategy increases visitor engagement, adds a level of personal connection that traditional marketing efforts often fail to reach. Additional promotions act as a powerful call to action, transforming visitors from passive participants to active supporters.
In addition, you effectively create a community of like-minded individuals who share an interest in your business event. This common experience becomes a powerful motivator to attend, as people are attracted by the event’s offerings, the prospect of socializing and interacting with a community that shares their interests and goals.
7. Modernize your event registration to increase your event attendance
A mobile-friendly registration process is not just a convenience, but a necessity. Attendees need to be able to check-in, get access to event details, and easily navigate the registration interface without taking their hands out. Optimizing for mobile devices not only improves the attendee experience, but also makes the registration process quick and smooth.
8. Use introductions at the business meeting
Strategic introductions go beyond simple pleasantries. They serve as the foundation that connects participants to the point of your business event. By introducing influencers, industry leaders or well-known experts as key figures at your event, you use their influence to create a magnetic attraction for professionals who want to learn, socialize and become part of the event. The influence created by influencer approval makes the event a must-attend.
(!) Introduce speakers as integral participants in the collective idea sharing, emphasizing how their ideas fit with the theme of the event. Thoughtful speaker introductions set the stage for impactful presentations, engaging the audience and promoting the event’s success.
Introductions are more than just a formality. By using their potential for networking, organizers can transform their business events from a simple gathering to an exciting event for all.
9. Recall success stories from past events
Share success stories from previous events to demonstrate their value and the impact participants can expect. You can use the power of customer testimonials and success stories to create a compelling narrative for your business event. However, be sure to include customer testimonials in promotional materials, event invitations and on your event website.
Telling how previous events have positively impacted customers will build confidence. It will also motivate others to attend the event expecting similar benefits. Consider organizing customer testimonials during the event so that satisfied customers can share their success stories and experiences.
10. Turn to companies that provide booking attendees service
When organizers invest time and effort in preparing a business event, they seek guarantees that all the efforts won’t be in vain. It’s important for them to ensure that their business event attracts a sufficient number of interested attendees. For this assurance, one can always turn to companies that provide attendee booking services. And in this matter, SalesNash is ready to offer you its assistance.
Our team specializes in creative and innovative ways to promote events. With our experience and unique strategies, we don’t just increase attendance – we create real excitement around your event. Our goal is not just to bring people together, but to create a unique experience, leaving unforgettable memories.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, a successful business event is not only about professional planning and careful organization. It is the art of engaging the audience. Every step – from clear goal setting to creative invitations and an effective advertising campaign – is focused on creating a unique and valuable experience for visitors.
It’s important to remember that the key to successful event attendance lies in understanding the needs and interests of your target audience. Maintain engagement and create an event that will be talked about and remembered in the business community for years to come. Your success is the success of every attendee, and by emphasizing their needs, you will create an event that breaks new ground for everyone in attendance. Get in touch with us today to discover more.