7 Ways of Extending Your Reach

Guest Contributor: Tahira Endean, CMP (@TahiraCreates)

In this digital age, we have a plethora of ways to extend the reach of our events. Here are a few ideas to consider for your next event.

1. Have a clear hashtag for your event

Ensure that the hashtag is shared on all visible digital and print locations. Watch your social channels for how your influencers and participants are sharing your message – and thank them!

2. Create a hybrid experience

Stream your content in real-time and have a social concierge onsite to moderate questions and connect the live and virtual audiences. Note: you don’t have to stream every session – pick a few key speakers, get their permission and support so they also connect the two audiences. This creates a sense of excitement about your event beyond its walls and drives marketing for the next year.

3. Use your mobile event app beyond the walls and time of your physical event

Launch your event app early; even add a game component where points are collected prior to the event by tasks helpful to the planner, e.g. participants selecting events to attend in your schedule (provides a sense of interest in various sessions) or sharing pictures of their journey, which builds anticipation to the event.

4. Survey for post-event results that will drive your planning for next year

Did they find new business? What were the actionable learning takeaways? How can you create even more appeal for them next year? What would it take for a sponsor to grow their presence or an attendee to bring a friend?

5. Mobilize

Everyone has a smartphone in their pocket or tablet in-hand. Make sure your digital information is mobile-friendly and that navigating to registration and social channels is simple.

6. Content drip post-event

Bring out videos of presentations or podcasts after the event. Do post-event interviews and create videos or blog posts with participants – what have they applied?

7. Personalize the experience. With people

Have ambassadors onsite who will make attendees comfortable by ensuring they know where they are going, what is on the buffet or connecting them to others. After all, we buy the ticket to attend based on education and return because of the connections we make.

You have brought together a community with a shared interest, let them continue to flourish with you.