Promoting your business through events is a great way to differentiate you from your competition. Although there are many ways to digitally market in this day and age, the return you can get from hosting events is extensive.With some careful planning, a touch of creativity and a strategy in mind, you can come up with a business event that will impress!What are some things to consider when first planning your business event:How many will be in attendance?Setting an attendance goal allows you for planning. From a venue to food, tables, decor and staffing need to be planned for in advance. Many times rentals need to be done months in advance. Make sure to have an event sign up or RSVP list so you have a firm grasp on how many will be in attendance. You will certainly have no-shows or possibly some that show up that did not register, but knowing your audience size is important. Will there be a theme? Adding a fun theme to your event encourages deeper participation and adds a lot of fun to events. Whether it’s a poker theme, Dress Like Your Favorite Decade, or a sports theme, choosing a theme adds some flair and fun for everyone involved. Will your event be online or in-person?  The logistics of planning an in-person event are much different than a web based event. Regardless of the mode, make sure your theme allows for interaction between your guests as well as any vendors in attendance. How will you market your event?Getting the word out in various ways will be the most important thing you can do to promote your event. These avenues are crucial in promotion:
In-store
On your website
On your social media pages
Email
Banners and signage
LinkedIn
Other ways:
TV commercials
Radio
Billboards
And don’t forget the tried and true method of word of mouth advertising! Create a TimelineBuild a timeline for your event. Not only is the start time important, but the itinerary of what you will be doing/presenting and when also plays a key role. Practice your timeline a few times to make sure things are flowing smoothly prior to the event. Door Prizes and Gifts for AttendingEveryone likes free stuff! A great way to encourage attendance is by creating an incentive to attend. What are some things you can include:
Team up with other local business that will donate their service or product
50/50 Raffle
A gift for the first number of attendees that register (if an online event)
A gift for the first fifty people through the doors (if in-person)
Follow-UpThe entire premise of an event is to thank current customers, as well as gain new ones. Make sure you have a plan as to how you will reconnect with everyone in attendance. You should have a way that you are capturing the contact information of all of your attendees. Whether it’s email, phone or an address, be sure to stay in touch after your event has ended.Remember, successful, memorable business events don’t just happen. They take time, creativity and strategic planning.
