Executing a successful event, one that is truly relevant and engaging for attendees, can be challenging. One way to ensure a memorable event is to foster connection and engagement among attendees in a genuine way. However, this can be challenging, and most people have experienced an event where this felt staged or unnatural. But it is possible to create an event where every person in the room (or on the screen) is not only having fun but is invested in the event.
So how do you create an event that attendees will talk about long after it’s over? Keep reading for tips on how to build an engaged community for your event.
How to Run a Successful Community Gathering
The best way to elevate the experience of your event is to focus on building relationships among your attendees. This means your company should focus on engaging and connecting with attendees and ensuring they’re also communicating and exchanging ideas with each other. When you focus on creating a community instead of just hosting an event, you’ll encourage communication, allow genuine relationships to form, and create a strong community that will keep coming back to your events. Here are some ways you can transform your event into a true community gathering:
1. Build a Community from the Beginning
One critical piece to remember is that it takes time to form a community, so be patient. You don’t want to force connections or rush the process. Instead, start building your community by engaging attendees before the event. A few activities to try include:
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Create an online space for attendees to engage with your business and each other
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Send out regular emails with valuable content such as industry-relevant resources, interviews, or tips
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Engage with your attendees on social media by creating a hashtag for your event and encouraging conversations
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Invite your attendees to “become the expert” and share their own counsel with each other
2. Focus on Hosting Smaller Virtual Events
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual events had been gaining in popularity, so planning smaller virtual events is a good way for attendees to connect with your business and comfortably interact with each other without the pressure of a larger crowd. Additionally, when you have a smaller virtual event, you and your team can focus on each individual, engage with them, and elevate their overall experience.
3. Content Over Fluff
With COVID-19 travel restrictions in place, gone are the days of receiving freebies and swag from an in-person event. And while you can certainly send gifts to attendees’ homes or offices, what matters more is the experience you give them during the event. Take the time to understand what your attendees need, how your business can meet that need, and then deliver that experience. An attendee will remember what they learned and the invaluable resources your event provided far longer than the tote bag or notebook they received.
The Bottom Line: Focus on Creating a Community
When you add value to your event and focus on building genuine relationships, you can also create a community that benefits both your business and your attendees. Working with an event marketing company is a good way to build a genuine and long-term relationship with your audience.
Why Work with Us?
InGo specializes in event growth software and can help skyrocket your event attendance through audience engagement and advocate marketing. Check out how we can help you grow your events and build a community.
