{"id":334,"date":"2014-10-09T12:12:31","date_gmt":"2014-10-09T11:12:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/vickihendra.com\/Blog\/?p=334"},"modified":"2023-11-13T15:34:19","modified_gmt":"2023-11-13T15:34:19","slug":"creating-a-buzz-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vickihendra.com\/Blog\/creating-a-buzz-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Creating A Buzz"},"content":{"rendered":"

Creating A Buzz<\/span><\/h3>\n

by: Judy Williams<\/h3>\n

Where the coordination of event and conference management not enough.<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s organizers are generally expected to boost or promote attendance as well. Why? Because increased attendance means increased revenue.<\/p>\n

Savvy planners are aware of  tried and true marketing methods and event promotion methods such as  e-mails, Web sites and direct mail.<\/p>\n

Not all are aware of  marketing opportunities that  generate the very \u201cbuzz\u201d you need to maximize attendance.<\/p>\n

Before you start spending your marketing budget on the same old fare, consider that many other events are directly competing with your potential attendee\u2019s time and money.<\/p>\n

And for this reason, you must first determine what makes your event spectacular and the one to attend. If you can\u2019t find a reason, it\u2019s time to create one!<\/p>\n

Location, Location, Location<\/h4>\n

In my twenty year planning career the buzz generated by Hawaii meetings far surpassed the sum total of every other location combined from the U.S., Canada and Europe.<\/p>\n

Instead of a general apathy about the next quarterly meeting, Hawaii meetings had the attendees asking for information several meetings ahead so they could make plans for a family holiday to piggy-back on the meeting dates, and other arrangements and activities. I also know from the admissions of some attendees who might not otherwise have attended that meeting, that they attended, in large part, because it was a Hawaii meeting.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not always geographically feasible or affordable to take our groups on to Maui but it\u2019s very important to remember that when oft-jaded attendees are excited about a potential meeting site.<\/p>\n

They generate their own enthusiasm within themselves and among each other. Talk among themselves often results in others from their office attending the event who might not have otherwise.<\/p>\n

Attendees who have to push for permission to attend are often unusually creative in finding ways to convince management of the \u201cvital importance\u201d of this meeting.<\/p>\n

Every location has its redeeming virtues. Seek out what makes a location special and unique and then show your attendees the best your site has to offer.<\/p>\n

Start by using color pictures, typically available from your CVB, depicting natural splendor, sports and activities to inspire your attendees imagination. In this case, a picture is  worth a thousand words.<\/p>\n

Star Tripping<\/h4>\n

Never under-estimate the power of, well, power. Famous people not only act as a draw for increased attendance but their presence can add vitality and excitement to an event. Leading to long term benefits for attendees and their organizations.<\/p>\n

Bringing a celebrity is generally not an inexpensive proposition, yet a \u201cstar\u201d may bring you just the results you need for your event.<\/p>\n

First, do your cost benefit analysis. D etermine whether you wish to hire a speaker who fires up and inspires the sales force, or someone who is a draw and will put people in chairs, such as a Donald Trump.<\/p>\n

Once you determine which kind of star you want in your galaxy, work with one of the many specialized speaker\u2019s bureaus who specialize in such bookings. They have the inside scoop on who\u2019s hot and who\u2019s not, prices and availability. Literal stars draw our eyes to the heavens; celebrity \u201cstars\u201d can draw both magic and more people to your event.<\/p>\n

An Affair to Remember<\/h4>\n

Like many organizers, your budget and goals for your event include a grand soiree, make it one you pre-publicize. Why sink all that money into the exotic dinner cruise without giving your potential attendees an opportunity to get excited? Include a decent sized color photo of the potential boat (or other location provided by your supplier) on your web site and write some splashy copy to knock those perched on the fence over to your side.<\/p>\n

One example is a trick that I\u2019ve seen generate  enthusiasm is to offer a free ticket or other such prize to every hundredth registrant.  No, this  won\u2019t generate attendance from the ambivalent but it might entice a few still considering. This will  induce a certain enthusiasm and excitement among those planning to, or considering attending your event.<\/p>\n

The Planner\u2019s Best Friend<\/h4>\n

Many event and meeting organizers are unaware of how much the CVB can assist in your promotional efforts for event promotions and often at a minimal cost, or for no charge. The CVB has as much to gain from your group\u2019s peak attendance as you do, so find out early in your promotional efforts just what is offered and at what cost. Don\u2019t forget: Like any supplier, you can and should negotiate with the CVB for such event promotional assistance. Following are a few examples of what many CVB\u2019s offer gratis, depending on the size of the group and its potential revenue to their city.<\/p>\n

Full color visitor\u2019s guides, local maps, pins, city fact sheets and area attractions brochures
\nTelemarketing to help build attendance
\nPre-Promotion well in advance of your event.<\/p>\n

Pre-printed literature can be personalized with your own copy for your mailings
\nThe CVB\u2019s logo, event promotional video, color slides and digital images
\nExhibit displays
\nAirport electronic message board
\n\u201cMeet and Greet\u201d<\/p>\n

In truth, CVB\u2019s are thrilled to help promote your event and since they all offer different services and products, just ask. I have never found a CVB that didn\u2019t bend over backwards to help make our events a success.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Overlook the Small Stuff<\/h4>\n

Event organizers are typically in a  whirl of conflicting demands and it\u2019s all too easy to overlook some simple yet effective event promotion opportunities to promote your event. Here are a few:<\/p>\n

Broadcast fax cover sheets
\nLetterhead
\nE-mail signatures
\nAnnouncements to trade press
\nNewsletters and magazines articles
\nInserts in all outbound correspondence<\/p>\n

Piggy-Back on Nearby Events<\/h4>\n

If an exciting, splashy event is scheduled in close proximity during your own event, let people know! Does your group have a group of golfers?<\/p>\n

If a major golf tournament is scheduled nearby, immediately before or after your event, let members know. You might also consider offering transportation or something to assist those interested in attending the event.<\/p>\n

Is Bryn Terfil performing nearby? To make your own performance sing, provide a means for attendees to get tickets and then promote the event in your promotional material about the conference location.<\/p>\n

Press It<\/h4>\n

The press can not only give your event a subtle \u201cplug\u201d but this will be more likely if you have developed and maintain relationships with them. To cultivate such relationships, be accessible and if you find something that might be of interest to them that has nothing to do with you and your event, forward it to them. The press doesn\u2019t forget favors and can be your best friend in getting the word out about your event.<\/p>\n

Alas, desired conference attendance numbers are not as simple as, \u201cIf you plan it, they will come.\u201d The most spectacular location and meticulous planning can be over-shadowed by reduced attendance but fortunately, there are many solutions, from the simple to the complex that will reap real benefits and bring bodies to your event.<\/p>\n

Judy Williams<\/h5>\n

This Article is Copyright protected. If you have comments; or would like to have this article republished free on your site, please contact the author here: articles@regonline.com. We just require all due credits carried; and text, hyperlinks and headers unaltered. This article must not be used in unsolicited mail.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Creating A Buzz by: Judy Williams Where the coordination of event and conference management not enough. Today\u2019s organizers are generally expected to boost or promote attendance as well. Why? Because increased attendance means increased revenue. Savvy planners are aware of  tried and true marketing methods and event promotion methods such as  e-mails, Web sites and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1,29],"tags":[34],"class_list":["post-334","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-90-day-challenge","category-archives-2019-2024","tag-creating-a-buzz"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4w83I-5o","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1209,"url":"https:\/\/vickihendra.com\/Blog\/7-figure-franchise-with-michael-cheney-information\/","url_meta":{"origin":334,"position":0},"title":"7 Figure Franchise With Michael Cheney Information","author":"VickiH","date":"July 22, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"7 Figure Franchise With Michael Cheney Information \"I'm Literally Going to Force You to Make Money Whether You Like it or Not...\" (Even If You're a Stone-Cold Newbie with No List,No Experience and No Website)...\" Click To Unmute From the Desk of Michael CheneyScotland, United Kingdom7th February 2024 Dear Friend,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Affiliate Products"","block_context":{"text":"Affiliate Products","link":"https:\/\/vickihendra.com\/Blog\/affiliate-products\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/commissionology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/mc-profile2-EDITED-262x300.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":330,"url":"https:\/\/vickihendra.com\/Blog\/why-do-i-need-video-and-audio-on-my-website\/","url_meta":{"origin":334,"position":1},"title":"Why Do I Need Video And Audio On My Website","author":"VickiH","date":"October 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Why Do I Need Video And Audio On My Website? by: Shane Kukec Bottom Line: If your website and emails are silent, you're leaving money on the table! Its that simple. More and more online marketers and business owners are seeing the light and recognizing the tremendous benefits of incorporating\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "90 Day Challenge"","block_context":{"text":"90 Day Challenge","link":"https:\/\/vickihendra.com\/Blog\/90-day-challenge\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":337,"url":"https:\/\/vickihendra.com\/Blog\/the-google-triple-punch-how-do-you-rank\/","url_meta":{"origin":334,"position":2},"title":"The Google Triple Punch- How do You Rank","author":"VickiH","date":"October 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"The Google Triple Punch.. .How Do You Rank? by: Mark Klein What do you need to get top rankings on Google? What's the secret sauce of success? There are many ingredients in the mix, but here are three of the most important that you need to concentrate on. 1.)\u00a0 Keyword\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "90 Day Challenge"","block_context":{"text":"90 Day Challenge","link":"https:\/\/vickihendra.com\/Blog\/90-day-challenge\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vickihendra.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/334","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vickihendra.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vickihendra.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vickihendra.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vickihendra.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=334"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/vickihendra.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/334\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vickihendra.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=334"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vickihendra.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=334"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vickihendra.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=334"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}