10 Proven Strategies to Increase Event Attendance

Planning an event is a labour of love. It takes a lot of time, effort, and resources, which is why seeing empty seats on the big day can be a real downer.

Lucky for you, we have just about mastered the top strategies to increase event attendance. Whether you’re planning a private gathering, a networking event, or a product launch, following these 10 proven tips is a recipe to boost event attendance.

Keep reading to learn more about how to increase attendance to an event!

1. Really Know Your Target Audience

How well do you know your potential attendees? Get in their heads by thinking about their needs, wants, and interests, then map a plan for how to reach them from there. Tailor the event experience and marketing to compel audiences to attend.

2. Pick Your Event Date Wisely

You wouldn’t want to spend all that effort on planning and event promotion only for your potential attendees to be out of town or preoccupied with the Super Bowl.

When it comes to choosing a date, you should try to:

Avoid major holidays or conflicting local events
Consider the day of the week (is your event a weekend or weekday occasion?)
Familiarize yourself with industry-specific peaks and valleys
Be mindful of seasonality for live or in-person events
Get direct input from your target audience through polls or surveys

A man and a woman shaking hands at a corporate event

Image Source: Canva

3. Be Proactive With Your Event Marketing

Surprises can be fun, but not at the expense of event attendance!

Give your attendees ample time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. Tell people about your upcoming event at least six to eight weeks in advance, if not earlier. The more notice people have, the more likely they can plan to be there.

Don’t rely on a last-minute invite. Instead, promote frequently across multiple channels like event discovery sites, email, landing pages, and social media.

4. Use Social Media to Boost Interest

Sharing event details, highlights, keynote speakers, entertainment, contests, photos, and more on your social media platforms is one of the best strategies to increase event attendance.

Of course, simply posting on social media may not be enough. You should consider social media marketing strategies to drive registration. Pique people’s interest by creating engaging content that tells the story of your event!

5. Create a Compelling Event Website

An event website is a must-have to increase event attendance, especially on a larger scale. It will be the central hub for showcasing your event, attracting attendees, and driving registrations.

Use it to provide all the essential details and updates about your event, including the date, time, location, schedule, speaker lineup, and registration process. Make it easy for attendees to find what they need and get excited about what’s in store!

6. Offer Discounts and Deals

Who doesn’t love a good bargain? Offering discounts and deals is one of the best ways to increase event attendance. These can look like:

Rewarding those who register early with early bird discounts
Giving group discounts to encourage groups to attend together
Offering discounts for students and/or seniors
Using a referral program to encourage word-of-mouth marketing
Creating limited-time flash sales to generate excitement and urgency
Packaging your discounts with other perks, like exclusive access to workshops, priority seating, or bonus materials

💡Pro tip: The better the bargain, the more likely people will prioritize attending—but don’t forget that strategic savings are key. While offering a huge discount might seem tempting, ensure you don’t undermine the perceived value of your event.

7. Have a Strong Lineup of Speakers/Entertainment

A solid lineup of speakers or entertainment boosts attendance and engagement, especially when it comes to conferences, seminars, and other professional events.

You need to source the “best,” but that doesn’t necessarily mean booking the biggest names around. While those usually attract more attendees, even lesser-known presenters can be a hit if their topic resonates with those you want to attract.

Look for individuals with expertise, passion, and a proven ability to engage audiences. Don’t forget to promote them in your marketing materials!

a group of people at an event listening intently to a speaker at the front of the room

Image source: Canva

8. Take Advantage of Event Technology

Leveraging the right event technology—ranging from registration apps to RFID wristbands—is key to enhancing the registration and check-in process, improving event experiences, and ultimately increasing attendance.

You can also use live streaming and other virtual elements to reach a wider audience outside of your locality. You may even gather data analytics to gain valuable insights into your event management and apply them to upcoming events!

9. Follow Up with Non-Responders

Don’t forget about those who haven’t RSVP’d yet! Send reminders out periodically that draw attention to deadlines, deals, and ways to register to give them a little push.

With that being said, one of the best strategies to increase event attendance is to send a follow-up email to ask if they have any questions or need help signing up. Guide them through the next steps to convert them from a “maybe” to a “yes”!

10. Select an Exciting and Accessible Venue

Booking the perfect venue may be last on our list of strategies to increase event attendance—but where you hold your event or party matters.

Consider hosting your event somewhere fresh, trendy, iconic, or conveniently located to make it more appealing and accessible for attendees. Make sure the space can comfortably accommodate your expected headcount. Amenities such as wheelchair accessibility, in-house catering, and A/V equipment are great pluses!

💡Pro tip: Popular venues book up fast, so research and reserve early.

Increase Event Attendance by Hosting at The Loft on King

Want people to purchase tickets to your next event? Apply these proven strategies to increase event attendance, starting with choosing the best venue.

The Loft on King St. is the most unique event space in Toronto for corporate events. Located in a timelessly beautiful building, this 1,850 sq. ft. hidden gem is conveniently located downtown in the city’s lively King West neighbourhood.

Looking for the best event venue in downtown Toronto? Contact our team today, and let’s discuss how we can create an exciting event people won’t dare miss!