The real challenge of organizing events is to build a committed event community that ensures attendance and sustains itself.
First, let’s clear something up! Community isn’t just building a massive following, but it does start with building one.π
A community goes beyond attendance β it actively supports, promotes, and contributes to your event. And people thrive to be part of any community because of βoneβ of the four reasons:
1. Sense of belonging
2. Shared identity
3. Belief in the shared vision
4. Shared vocabulary
And you know what – The followers having the same spark you have while organizing events, will become part of your event community. Those followers are going to be the best members of your event community. π₯
As we stroll through this blog, prepare for the best ways to grow your event community.
1. Build Your Influence First
Creating a lively event community starts with building your influence. Your social presence and the content you share are crucial to attract the right people.
Make sure your online vibe reflects the essence of your eventβs personality. Talk about the event topics, what your event will offer, and all the exciting details potential attendees can expect. π¨οΈ
Navigating the online world is not rocket science. Learn the basics, and share things that genuinely interest you. Watch your community grow naturally, just like tending to a garden. π±
In the big world of online connections, focus on having a quality following. π
Your most engaged followers are VIPs of your event communityβ they’re not just followers but genuine pals who share the excitement with others, too.
Keep up with realistic expectations, and witness your community evolve into something truly special. Start small, dream big! π
2. Set The Numbers For Your Event – Try To Accomplish It
When creating your event, you’ll have a specific number of attendees in mind. Let’s say you aim for 500 attendees in your next event. The challenge is not just hitting that number but creating meaningful connections with those who show up. π€
Take a cue from David Shands, who employs a multifaceted strategy to cultivate a vibrant community around his events.
Here is an insightful clip from Nicky And Moose’s Episode 95, featuring David Shands @RealSocialProof talking about how he grew local events from 500 to 2,000 attendees! π And his approach to nurturing his community.
Despite acknowledging the challenges of hosting events, he advocates for a virtual event start to build influence before transitioning to live events.
The increase in attendance rate means a bigger community! Slowly, you will have a consistent event attendance. π Connect with new faces, introduce them, and spark discussions. π€
3. Connect With Followers In The Meetups and Virtual Events
Building a strong connection with your community involves engaging in both in-person meetups and virtual spaces. π
In-person meetups offer a tangible and personal touch. Attendees get to connect face-to-face, fostering a sense of belonging. These events create lasting memories and deepen relationships, turning online connections into real friendships. π«
Virtual spaces allow community members from different corners of the world to come together. They provide a platform for ongoing engagement, discussions, and collaboration. Virtual spaces ensure your community remains connected beyond the boundaries of time and place.
4. Set Excitement For Each Month Apart From Your EventΒ
Apart from the main event, setting the stage for excitement each month is a game-changer in building a genuine event community. This brings your members close, placing them on the same intellectual frequency.
Here is a Two-Fold Strategy to do this π
1. Regular Lives on YT and Instagram Channels πΉ
Bring your community together through regular live sessions on YouTube and Instagram. It’s like having a virtual gathering space where you can share updates, answer questions, and keep the enthusiasm buzzing. These live sessions create a direct line of communication, making your community feel engaged and part of something special.
2. Connecting People with One Another π
Foster connections among your community members beyond the main event. Whether through online forums, discussion groups, or a Discord channel. It will amplify the sense of belonging within your community.
Members sharing what’s happening internally creates a sense of exclusivity. And we all know people love being part of conversations that are happening behind the scenes.
5. User-Generated Content Will Help You Grow More
User-generated content (UGC) is your secret weapon for boosting event growth and promotion. It brings authenticity, cost-effective brand promotion, and a strong sense of community among attendees.
Imagine attendees sharing content related to your event with their social circles. It’s like having your own promotional army! Their posts attract more followers and turn them into potential members of your event’s internal community. It’s authenticity at its finest.π‘οΈ
6. Uplift The People That Are Going To Be In Your Event
Uplift your event community – your speakers, attendees, hosts, and everyone! Acknowledge the efforts and contributions of community members. π
Celebrate their achievements, whether organizing a successful event, sharing valuable insights, or simply being an active and positive participant. This recognition fosters a sense of pride and belonging, motivating others to engage actively. π₯
Create a culture where your event community members support each other. This can involve sharing success stories, offering assistance when needed, and creating a network where everyone feels valued. π
Elevating the people in your community is a reciprocal process. People who want to see you win will help you win. Remember that. π
7. Take Care Of The Community – They Get Extreme Discount
Nurturing your community involves more than just hosting community events. You can provide exclusive discounts to strengthen the bond between your community and your events. This recognizes loyalty and creates a sense of exclusivity. π
When you emphasize serving the community, it becomes more than just promoting your events or seeking attendance. This can be valuable content, insights, or experiences that genuinely enhance their lives. β¨
By adopting a service-oriented approach, you build trust and event loyalty. This shift in perspective fosters a positive and supportive community atmosphere, making your events more than just gatherings β they become meaningful experiences for everyone involved.
8. Gather Feedback And Iterate
A thriving community is built on feedback. Regularly seek insights from your community members to understand their experiences, expectations, and suggestions. Use this valuable feedback to refine and enhance your community strategies. π
As the saying goes, “A thriving community evolves with feedback.” Embrace the iterative process, ensuring your community continually evolves to meet the needs and desires of its members. Your commitment to improvement fosters a dynamic and responsive community environment, ensuring its longevity and success. π°οΈπ
Why not start building your event community where the hype is already built π. By listing your events on AllEvents, you ensure they’re showcased to a global audience, setting the stage for your community to flourish.
Quick Recap
The heart of event success lies in nurturing a vibrant community. Beyond attendee numbers, it’s about shared excitement and genuine connections. Your event community becomes a thriving ecosystem by building influence, setting realistic goals, blending physical and virtual engagement, and fostering a year-round buzz.
Remember, it’s not just about gatherings but meaningful experiences that resonate within a supportive and growing community. Start small, dream big, and watch your events become lifelong memories. ππ
