Hello there, fellow event enthusiasts!
We all know that organising conferences, trade shows, or corporate events is no small feat. But what if I told you there’s a secret weapon you might be overlooking? Yes, your attendees!
They’re not just participants, they can be your event’s most powerful marketers. So let’s dive into some fun and practical ways to leverage your attendees to spread the word far and wide.
1. Make Registration Shareable
Right after someone registers is the perfect time to get them to share. Use registration and ticketing platforms that include social sharing buttons on the confirmation page. A simple “Share on Facebook” or “Tweet about us” can go a long way. Encourage them to let their network know they’re attending.
2. Create a Social Media Toolkit
Make it super easy for attendees to share your event by providing a ready-to-go social media toolkit. Include sample posts, eye-catching images, hashtags, and short video clips. The less work they have to do, the more likely they’ll hit that share button.
3. Gamify the Sharing Experience
Who doesn’t love a bit of friendly competition? Use software that drives competitions to incentivise sharing. Offer rewards like early access to event content, VIP seating, or goodie bags for those who share the most or refer friends.
4. Leverage Advocacy Software
There are many platforms out there that can turn your attendees into brand advocates. These tools streamline the process of sharing content and tracking engagement, making it a breeze for attendees to promote your event to their networks.
You can check out some of those companies at Event Tech Live London or Las Vegas
5. Host Pre-Event Contests and Giveaways
Get the buzz going by running contests that require sharing event information as an entry method. Maybe it’s a chance to win a meet-and-greet with a keynote speaker or an exclusive workshop spot. Use social media and your event app to spread the word.
6. Encourage User-Generated Content
Invite attendees to create their content related to the event. This could be anything from why they’re excited to attend, to sharing photos from past events. Feature the best content on your channels to encourage more participation.
7. Utilise Video and Photography
Short teaser videos or behind-the-scenes photos can generate excitement. Share these assets with your attendees and encourage them to post on their social media profiles. Visual content is highly engaging and more likely to be shared.
8. Offer Referral Discounts
Everyone loves a good deal. Provide attendees with a unique referral code that offers a discount to their friends and a perk for themselves. This not only boosts ticket sales but also expands your event’s reach.
9. Create Exclusive Social Media Groups
Set up a Facebook or LinkedIn group for event attendees. This fosters a community feeling and keeps people engaged. Active groups naturally encourage members to share content and invite others.
10. Keep Communication Consistent
One common challenge is that attendees often go quiet after registering, only re-engaging right before the event. Combat this by maintaining regular, value-packed communication. Send updates, exclusive content, or sneak peeks to keep them excited and engaged throughout the lead-up to the event.
Bridging the Engagement Gap
We understand, life’s busy, and even the most enthusiastic attendees can lose touch. To keep them engaged:
• Segment Your Email Lists: Tailor your messaging to different attendee types (e.g., first-timers vs. veterans).
• Interactive Content: Use polls, quizzes, or surveys in your communications to encourage interaction.
• Personalisation: Address attendees by name and reference their past interactions or interests when possible.
Let’s Wrap It Up
Turning your attendees into marketers isn’t just a nifty trick—it’s a game-changer. By implementing these strategies, you’re not only amplifying your event’s reach but also building a vibrant community around your brand.
So, give these tips a whirl, and watch your event’s popularity soar!
Spread the Word and Learn More!
If you found this article helpful, come and join us at Event Tech Live to dive into more case studies and success stories that’ll supercharge your event marketing game.
