6 techniques to boost attendee engagement at your event

For event organizers, it can be stressful when efforts to increase attendee engagement fall short of the goal, or when a carefully planned conference fails to give the audience the experience that was intended.

The more engaging your event is, the more satisfied your attendees are, and the more likely they are to sign up for your next event, share their experiences on social media, become "promoters," and spread positive word of mouth to people around them.

64% of event managers report that their attendees are more interested in networking at events than before the COVID-19 pandemic - which opens the door to enormous opportunities for making connections and strengthening ties.

Thanks to this trend, a variety of event apps and systems can now be used to take attendee engagement to new heights and create immersive experiences that wow attendees: In fact, an incredible 68.7% of event professionals agree that technology can boost engagement like never before.

At the same time, the priorities of event organizers have changed too, with 45% of them now prioritizing attendee engagement.

Let's take a look together at some interesting ideas around attendee engagement and involvement that can elevate the experience of your event to a new level.

What is attendee engagement?

It is the meaningful and active involvement of attendees in an event, creating a dynamic and interactive experience. It goes beyond attendance and focuses on capturing attendees' attention, interest, and interaction in order to create a memorable event.

You can measure event engagement using the following indicators:

• Meaningful interaction - e.g. the number of people taking part in polls, the number of questions during Q&A, chat activity
• Social media activity
• Feedback and session ratings
• Making connections and building relationships - e.g. how many networking meetings took place.
  

1. Personalized invitations and communication

Imagine receiving an invitation that addresses you directly by your name, not just as one of many. Instead of sending generic invitations, consider tailoring them to each recipient. Show them that you truly care about their attendance.

Sending invitations with personal details makes attendees feel valued and increases the likelihood of engagement.

What's more, make it easier for potential attendees by offering them various communication options, e.g.:

• Event websites or landing pages: Create dedicated event websites where attendees can find all the necessary details about the event. Include a frequently asked questions section, registration links, contact information, or supporting content.
• Email communication: Regularly send updates and reminders to registered attendees via email. These emails can contain basic information about the event, the program, or the speaker lineup.
• Online registration and ticket sales: Use an online registration and ticketing platform that is user-friendly and allows attendees to register easily and with a wide range of payment options.
• Communication via an event mobile app - chat, notifications, complete information about the event, or contact details for the organizer.
  

2. Pre-event surveys and polls: Find out what your attendees want

One of the best ways to increase event engagement is to conduct surveys and polls. This helps you uncover the preferences and expectations of your future attendees.

What choices are available?

• Preferred networking activities: Include questions about the type of networking activities attendees would like to take part in. Options can range from structured icebreakers to informal conversations.
• Food and beverage preferences: Ask about their dietary restrictions, favorite cuisines, and any specific food preferences, which will help put together a menu that caters to their diverse dietary needs.
• Preferred form of entertainment: Find out what kind of entertainment would appeal to them and ask about their preferred forms, such as live music, guest speakers, performers, and so on.
• Favorite topics and formats: Find out whether they prefer traditional panel discussions, interactive workshops, lectures, or other formats.
• Sharing outcomes - Sharing the results of surveys or polls with attendees can also create a sense of excitement, as they see that their input is taken into account and made an impact.

3. A welcoming and interactive registration process

Welcome attendees by ensuring an easy, smooth, and interactive registration process that every attendee can complete easily and without questions. During registration, don't forget about feedback, so that the person knows what is happening and what will happen next - registration confirmation, payment confirmation, accommodation confirmation.

4. Networking opportunities

78% of in-person attendees prefer to network in person. You can ensure smooth Networking among attendees and prospects in the following ways:

• Speed networking: Time-limited sessions for quick and focused conversations with multiple attendees.
• Icebreaking: Fun exercises that help make connections, even for those who may have trouble with personal contact or are attending a networking event for the first time.

Networking lounges: Dedicated spaces with comfortable seating for informal networking

5. Gamification

Create challenges that attendees can take part in to earn points or rewards throughout the entire event - from registration all the way to the feedback form.

For example, attendees can earn points by visiting specific booths or completing tasks related to the event's theme. The points can be used at the end of the event to announce the winners and reward them.

6. Keep working with attendees even after the event ends

Maintain the relationship with attendees even after it ends, thanks to content you already have or by building a community of like-minded people. This multiplies the chances that these people will be part of your events in the future as attendees, or even as speakers or the main faces of the event.

What interactive elements can be used after the event?

• "On-demand" video recording of the event or webinar
• Access to bonus materials - reports, results, presentations
• Virtual meetups, industry and community forums, or in-person meetings that support growth and create long-term connections and ties.

Conclusion

So how does the energy you put into increasing engagement and attendee involvement pay off? More tickets sold and generally higher real attendance at the event, a greater chance of repeat attendance at your future or recurring events, free promotion through word of mouth, or perhaps a competitive advantage. In all cases, this is an activity that always pays you back positively.