Whether you’re organizing a conference, fundraiser, or community gathering, increasing event attendance is a top priority. Trying to get people through the door can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can significantly boost turnout. Here are some effective ways to increase event attendance:
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Start Planning Early
One of the best things you can do to increase event attendance is start planning and promoting well in advance. This gives people ample time to save the date and make plans to attend. Aim to have your event details, including location, schedule, and ticket sales, finalized at least 2-3 months ahead of time. Starting early also allows time for multiple promotional pushes as your date approaches.
Create an Engaging Experience
People are more likely to attend an event if the experience sounds worthwhile. Craft an agenda that offers valuable takeaways, like educational sessions, networking opportunities, or fun activities. Promote any celebrity speakers, special giveaways, or unique elements that will attract interest. You can also increase event attendance by offering perks like meals, drinks, or swag included in the ticket price.
Leverage Your Network
One of the most effective ways to increase event attendance is through word-of-mouth. Reach out to your contacts and ask them to spread the word. Provide them with promotional materials to share on social media as well. You can also ask local organizations, businesses, or influencers to promote your event through their own networks. Personal recommendations go a long way.
Optimize Your Promotion
Promoting across multiple channels is key to increasing event attendance. Create promotional materials like flyers, emails, social media posts, and a website. Promote heavily on platforms where your target audience spends time, like Facebook, Instagram, or industry blogs. Consider boosting posts or running Facebook ads. You can also promote in person at related community events.
Offer Early Bird Discounts
One strategy that consistently drives ticket sales is offering discounted early bird pricing. This creates urgency and encourages people to commit sooner rather than later. Just be sure to set an early deadline at least 4-6 weeks before your event date. You can then slowly increase prices as the date nears.
Follow Up After Promotion
It’s not enough to promote just once or twice – increasing event attendance takes consistent follow up. Send reminder emails, texts or direct messages 1-2 weeks and then 1-2 days before the event. Thank people who’ve already registered and encourage others still on the fence to join. This final push can make or break your turnout numbers.
With strategic planning and promotion, you have the power to significantly increase event attendance. Starting early, crafting an engaging experience, leveraging your network, optimizing across channels, offering incentives, and following up consistently are all effective tactics to boost turnout.
FAQs
What is the best day of the week to hold an event to increase attendance?
Weekend events typically see higher turnout since most people have free time. However, the best day depends on your target audience – ask them when works best. Thursday and Friday events can also work well.
How many people should I plan for if I want to increase event attendance by 20%?
To increase attendance by 20%, plan for 20% more attendees than your previous similar event. For example, if your last event had 50 people, aim for 60 (50 + 20% of 50) for the next one. Overplanning is better than underplanning when increasing turnout.
