6 ways to get the Right People to your Event

Guest Blog by Hannah Sneath | Director at Eventfolio

Putting on a business event requires a huge amount of resources in terms of planning, logistical and financial costs. Whether it’s a cocktail party, product launch or awards gala, you want to ensure a high return for your investment. The key to success is getting the right people to attend and engage at your event. By using a few of these strategic techniques you can make sure your function is attended by the right audience and your event deemed a winner!

1. Offer Incentives

A grand opening or product launch is successful when attendees get excited about the product for sale and when they are the first to know about it. Offering incentives will get them through the door and increase your sales in the long run.

  • Offer discounts or a free gift with purchase to draw in people who will become your regular customer.
  • The people who show up are those who already want to buy what you have. They’ll also tend to keep following you and be the highest spenders in your business.
  • Distribute free marketing items, such as goody bags and collateral that features your company’s name and product. This can advance your brand if attendees use them after the event.

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2. Choose a Good Location

Your venue will determine the demographic of your event attendees, so make sure it is in line with your brand or product. E.g. If you’re launching a new technology product, have the launch in a building with future-thinking design and decor.

Other things to think about when choosing a venue are:

  • Make sure your location is easy and quick to get to – always have your event close to public transport or in a central location near your target demographic. You want to welcome even those who will drop in for just a short period of time
  • Choose a space relevant for your audience size – you don’t want the room overcrowded or like a ghost town.

3. Co-Host an Event with Other Companies

Co Hosting events with other companies can lower your cost, as well as make the event bigger and better! When looking for potential co-hosts ask yourself these three questions:

  • Who can you partner up with to make your event bigger?
  • Who has a similar target audience that you can invite?
  • Who represents your brand in the best possible way?

4. Invite Your Customer List

When you’re looking for the right people to come to your event, don’t forget about the people who already know your business!

Using your existing customer list is a way to invite those who already have a positive impression of your company. Encourage them to bring their friends to spread the word about what you have to offer.

5. Invite Relevant Industry Leaders

When thinking about your VIP list, identifying the leaders in your industry, who already have a large and loyal following, is key. It could be a challenge to get them to come, so offering them complimentary passes or allowing them to invite close contacts from other companies will be a good incentive for them to show.

The best crowd for your event consists of people who are invested and loyal to your brand, as well as influential potential customers or business partners.

6. Stay Connected

Hosting an event isn’t simply about getting people there. What you do at the event and how you follow up makes a big impression. To make the most of your audience don’t forget to:

  • Be a connector by introducing guests with one another during and after your event.
  • Ask for feedback about your event; take that into consideration and make changes for the event.
  • Create a Facebook page or group for your attendees to build a community around your event and keep them excited about the next one.

Final Note…

Taking the time to work on your guest list is instrumental to the overall success of your event. Carefully considering who you want in the room, and how you can make it as easy as possible for them to attend is the first important step. Once they are in the room, the next step is to ensure they engage with your product – but that’s a topic for another time…

Guest post by Hannah Sneath | Eventfolio

Hannah Sneath, CEO & Founder of Eventfolio has been working in the events industry for coming up to a decade. Hannah prides herself on her collaborative approach, her ability to make personal connections and her history of producing event after event without a hitch. When Hannah isn’t planning events, you’ll find her enjoying a round of golf or spending time enjoying the Australian sun at one of Sydney’s beaches.