Enquire
Enquire
Engaging attendees before the event sets the stage for a successful experience. Pre-event engagement involves creating anticipation, building interest, and ensuring that attendees are well-informed and excited about the event.
Creating Buzz and Anticipation
Utilise social media, email marketing, and your event website to generate excitement. Share teasers about keynote speakers, special sessions, and exclusive activities. Encourage potential attendees to engage with the content by liking, sharing, and commenting. Creating countdowns, hosting pre-event contests, and offering early bird incentives can further boost anticipation. Engaging visuals and videos can also capture attention and create a buzz around the event.
Providing Valuable Information
Ensure that attendees have all the information they need well in advance. This includes event schedules, speaker bios, session details, and venue information. Providing a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section on the event website can address common queries. Sending regular email updates keeps attendees informed and engaged, building a connection before they even arrive at the event. Personalised emails that address specific interests and needs can also enhance pre-event engagement.
Interactive Pre-Event Activities
Host webinars, live Q&A sessions, or virtual meet-and-greets with speakers and other attendees. These activities provide opportunities for attendees to connect and start discussions related to the event’s theme. Creating a dedicated event hashtag and encouraging its use can also foster pre-event conversations and build a sense of community. Interactive activities like surveys and polls can gather insights and preferences from attendees, helping tailor the event to their needs.
Keeping attendees engaged during the event involves creating interactive and immersive experiences that capture their attention and encourage participation.
Interactive Sessions and Workshops
Incorporate interactive elements into sessions and workshops to keep attendees actively engaged. This can include live polls, Q&A segments, group discussions, and hands-on activities. Using technology such as event apps or audience response systems can facilitate real-time interaction and feedback. Interactive sessions can also include breakout rooms for more focused discussions and networking opportunities.
Networking Opportunities
Provide ample opportunities for attendees to network and connect with each other. This can include dedicated networking sessions, social mixers, and breakout rooms for smaller group interactions. Encourage attendees to use event apps or social media to connect and share their experiences. Networking lounges, speed networking sessions, and facilitated discussions can also enhance networking opportunities.
Engaging Content and Speakers
Select dynamic speakers and presenters who can captivate the audience and encourage participation. Encourage speakers to incorporate storytelling, visuals, and interactive elements into their presentations. Providing a variety of session formats, such as panels, roundtables, and workshops, can cater to different preferences and keep the content fresh and engaging. Offering opportunities for attendees to interact with speakers through Q&A sessions or meet-and-greet events can further enhance engagement.
Gamification and Competitions
Incorporate gamification elements into the event to make it more engaging and fun. This can include scavenger hunts, trivia quizzes, and leaderboards that reward participation and interaction. Offering prizes or incentives for active engagement can motivate attendees to participate more fully. Creating a points system or digital badges for completing certain activities can also encourage engagement and interaction.
Live Social Media Interaction
Encourage attendees to share their experiences on social media using the event hashtag. Display a live social media feed at the event to showcase attendee posts and interactions. Engaging with attendees on social media during the event by liking, commenting, and sharing their posts can enhance their experience and create a sense of community. Hosting live social media contests or challenges can also drive engagement and participation.
Interactive Technology
Leverage interactive technology to enhance attendee engagement. This can include virtual reality (VR) experiences, augmented reality (AR) activities, and interactive displays. Providing mobile apps that offer event schedules, maps, and networking features can also enhance the attendee experience. Interactive kiosks and digital touchpoints throughout the event venue can provide additional engagement opportunities.
Engaging attendees after the event helps maintain the connection and fosters loyalty for future events.
Follow-Up Communication
Send personalised thank-you emails to attendees, expressing appreciation for their participation. Include highlights from the event, such as key takeaways, memorable moments, and links to recorded sessions or presentations. Providing a survey to gather feedback can also show that you value their opinions and are committed to continuous improvement. Follow-up emails can also include exclusive offers or early access to future events.
Sharing Event Content
Share event content, such as recorded sessions, presentations, and photos, with attendees. This allows them to revisit the event and catch up on any sessions they may have missed. Posting event highlights and key moments on social media and the event website can also keep the conversation going and attract potential attendees for future events. Offering downloadable resources and additional content related to the event can provide ongoing value.
Creating a Community
Encourage attendees to join an online community or forum where they can continue discussions and networking. This can be a dedicated space on social media, a LinkedIn group, or a forum on the event website. Facilitating ongoing interactions helps build a loyal community and keeps attendees engaged long after the event has ended. Hosting regular virtual meetups, webinars, or discussion threads can keep the community active and engaged.
Announcing Future Events
Keep attendees informed about future events and opportunities to stay connected. Announce upcoming events, webinars, or workshops that may interest them. Offering early access or discounts for returning attendees can incentivise their continued participation. Regular newsletters or updates that highlight future event plans and opportunities can keep the audience engaged and looking forward to upcoming activities.
Showcasing Attendee Contributions
Highlight contributions from attendees, such as user-generated content, testimonials, and success stories. Featuring attendee experiences on your website, social media, or newsletters can make them feel valued and appreciated. This also serves as powerful social proof for future events. Sharing case studies or detailed stories about how attendees benefited from the event can further enhance engagement and credibility.
Exclusive Content and Offers
Provide exclusive content and offers to past attendees as a way of maintaining engagement. This can include access to special reports, eBooks, or early registration for future events. Offering loyalty programs or membership benefits can also encourage repeat attendance and ongoing participation.
We Can Help!
Engaging attendees is vital for creating a memorable and impactful event experience in New Zealand. By designing interactive activities and utilising technology popular in NZ, such as mobile apps and social media, you can significantly enhance attendee participation and satisfaction. At Impact PR, we specialise in crafting engagement strategies that resonate with New Zealand audiences, ensuring your event is both memorable and impactful. From pre-event buzz to post-event follow-up, we help you keep your attendees excited and involved at every stage. Contact us today on (+64) 9 575 2722 and speak to us about how we can help you create engaging experiences for your event attendees in New Zealand.