From intimate VIP events to larger-scale conferences, it’s more important than ever to effectively market your meetings and events. With high volumes of competition mixed with a broad array of marketing channels to get lost in, it can be easy for people to miss news of your gathering.
Here are some tips for getting the word out about your event, and getting the attendees in.
Preparation is Key
Knowing where your event is located, what time of year, and your prospective attendees are crucial to putting together an effective marketing plan. This goes beyond just the simple advertising message, however. It’s also important for determining what potential sponsors and partners would be best-suited to join you for your event to get the most out of it.
Advance Marketing With Digital Tools
Advance marketing is easier and more effective than ever today with the range of digital tools on offer. Electronic invites, save the dates, branded videos, e-newsletters, and early promotional material can all be used to build interest before the full marketing efforts are underway. These pieces of digital advance marketing are also easily sharable to allow word of mouth to begin spreading early on.
Capture Attention with Branded Content And Hospitality
Once the meeting has arrived, switch marketing efforts to capturing the attention and interest of your event attendees. From the moment your guests arrive, you want to build an indelible impression about your event.
If your attendees are arriving via shuttle, try to arrange a video to play during transit. This works as a primer to the events ahead, and also offers advertising space you can sell to potential sponsors.
Having assistants in branded clothing offering directions and providing information to anyone who might seem lost. Human, face-to-face hospitality can leave a much better impression than impersonable information kiosks.
Continue Digital Marketing During The Event
You should have social media channels set up for the event – Twitter and Facebook in particular. Facebook’s ability to live-stream to your online audience lets you show people who missed out on the event what they’re missing out on – and encourage them to sign up next year.
Have someone monitoring your social media channels to be able to share and promote positive mentions of your event. Have hashtags set up related to your event that people can use to quickly provide mentions and feedback.
