TIP#3: Location. Location. Location.
The venue you select has to have a great reputation. The food must be good,
and there must be ample parking. Since you will undoubtedly hold your event
at a member location, arrange for a "food tasting" and view the room before
you make final decisions. Ask your member host to speak with their staff prior
to your event about the importance of delivering exceptional service. Also,
make sure the room is appealing to the eye. Appoint a decorating chair to make
sure the room is has all the right accents.
TIP#4: Look who's talking.
Unless the public figure you are tempted to invite is a dynamic speaker who
can deliver a great talk, don't do it. Your members need information that will
help them grow their business. Engage the services of a professional speaker
who can deliver a dynamic business presentation with the right blend of valuable
information, ideas, humor, and inspiration to help them to become more successful
in their own businesses. Include your speaker's bio and photo in all promotional
materials. If your speaker is an author, include a book signing after the speech.
It will increase your chances of getting a good turnout.
TIP#5: It's never too early to promote.
An event is only successful if it is well promoted. Be creative and systematic
with your promotion. Use the speaker's photo and book cover. Prepare a brief
promo piece for your publication and for potential members. Send it out early--ideally,
six months in advance. Movie producers know the value of early promotion. Do
the same.
TIP#6: Use E-mail.
Do monthly E-mail promotions and include a link to your site. There should be
a full page on your web site about the event and a place to register online.
Also include a notice to forward the e-mail to anyone who might be interested
in attending.
TIP#7: Call it what you will.
Use an event theme that sounds exciting. Racing for Success, Unleashing the
Power of People, Driving Business Growth in a Tough Economy, or Survival In
the 21st Century are some good examples.
TIP#8: Don't be afraid to give something away.
There are a variety of ways that you can encourage attendance. For example,
offer a discounted rate for reserving a seat early. Or offer discounted registrations
for three or more people from the same organization. If your speaker has clients
in your area, give them a reduced "special-guest" rate. Consider involving your
local college and offering discounts for faculty and students.
TIP#9: Talk it up.
From the onset of the planning, make sure everyone involved-- chairs, volunteers,
board of directors and staff-commits to promoting the event at every opportunity.
Postcard size promo pieces can be available for distribution. It's human nature
for enthusiasm to drop-off as work progresses so do whatever you can to sustain
the momentum.
TIP#10: It's all about you.
Remind your staff that they are the secret to the overall success of the event.
They are there to help members and promote goodwill, so they should greet, mingle
and dine with your members and avoid congregating together.
