Event Promotion

You've determined you're going to have an event and, by now, you know what it is going to be. Now what? How do you get the word out? This category provides you with ideas and tips for publicizing your event so that it can be successful.

Offer live music.

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People love to hear great music, so if you would like to offer music at your next event, make sure the band is well-known and worth your audience's attention. Nothing screams "cheap" like bad or inappropriate music that is forced upon would-be customers. Your band should understand your business and your clientele and be able to produce music that fits. If you pick the right band, adding them to the list of cool things to see and do at your event will be a draw.
 

Getting your event to the press.

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Contact your local TV and/or radio stations about teaming up to produce special events and programming around your issue. You and your partner stations might consider creating news stories on your key issues in the community, while also sponsoring city hall forums, fairs and other outreach events. The goal of partnering with your local broadcasters is to extend the value of 1) your outreach efforts and 2) their programming.
 

When producing an event, pay attention to the details.

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Don't skimp on the small stuff when you're producing an event. People will always expect certain things, and if they've paid to be there, they have a right to expect those things.
  • If you have an event or seminar, provide beverages, a coat rack, and snacks.
  • Validate parking if free parking isn't available. If you can't validate parking, work out an arrangement with your venue to include parking in the price of admission.
  • If parking is still an issue, offer a shuttle service to and from the event.
  • Make it easy for people to register; offer online registration from your website. This method should collect their contact information, accept and process credit cards, and send attendees their confirmation automatically. (There are services available for accomplishing this if you're not sure how to do it yourself.)
  • Make sure the bathrooms are clean and attended to regularly.
  • Ensure there are enough trash receptacles and that they are emptied periodically (before they're overflowing.)
  • Work with your local chamber of commerce, business associations and networking organizations to promote your event to their members.
  • Offer meals during an all-day event. This serves two things. First, you'll have less stragglers wandering back in from lunch after the event has picked back up. Second, by giving them a reason to sit at their table, they network with each other over lunch, bonding with each other (and your brand in the process.)
~Idea submitted by kellyg.