I believe we are all aware that engagement before, during, and after an event is extremely important for successful event planning. Here are some ideas on how you can increase participant engagement:
Before the event:
- Create an online community - Set up a Facebook group, LinkedIn group, or forum for attendees to meet before the event, share their experiences, and ask organizers or speakers questions.
- Publish articles or blog posts - Write articles or blog posts about topics that will be covered at the event and share them on social media to stimulate discussion.
- Conduct surveys - Find out what attendees expect from the event and tailor the program accordingly.
During the event:
- Interactive sessions - Involve attendees in various interactive sessions such as discussions, workshops, and panels.
- Create a networking space - Organize a networking area and encourage attendees to meet and exchange contacts.
- Monitor social media - Follow and engage with attendees' social media posts, share their content, and encourage them to use the event hashtag.
After the event:
- Send thank-you messages - Send thank-you notes to all attendees and include them in your newsletter to inform them about similar future events.
- Publish video or recording - Share a video or recording of the event so attendees can revisit the content and share it with others.
- Encourage evaluation - Request feedback from attendees and use it to improve the organization of similar events in the future.
In short, engagement before, during, and after an event is crucial for creating a positive experience for attendees and for successful event organization. It is important to encourage participants to actively engage, share their thoughts and ideas, and to feel part of the community.