Event Promotion "Tricks of the Trade"

Bethany Curtis, Director of Sales, Bavarian Inn Lodge - Frankenmuth, Michigan

Event Promotion "Tricks of the Trade"
by Bethany Curtis, Director of Sales, Bavarian Inn Lodge and Geri Root, President Root Management & Consulting, LLC

Bethany Curtis, Director of Sales for the Bavarian Inn Lodge, recently sat down with meeting professional, Geri Root, President of Root Management & Consulting LLC to talk about event promotion. It seemed fitting since Bethany was attending the Michigan Chapter of MPI's Annual Education Conference planned by Geri herself. Here are a few "Tricks of the Trade" that Geri shared:

Bethany: Most of us know that event promotion depends on the size of the event and the area of reach you are marketing to. For a state association like MMPI how much time is really needed in advance to start your event promotion?

Geri: Ideally for small events 60 – 90 days before the conference, for larger events a save the date should be sent at least 6 months prior and the full program sent 3 months prior. Meeting professionals are taught a full year in advance but that is sometimes difficult to pull off.

Bethany: What is the first promotion that you like send to your potential attendees? (email, Face Book, mailed postcard).

Geri: An email or postcard because it is a quick and inexpensive way to get the word out. It is always a good idea to get the event on your organizations social media site but that does not reach the entire audience.

Bethany: Do you feel that your promotional plan needs to be comprehensive to include all forms of media?

Geri: Yes, definitely.

Bethany: How have you used Social Media to increase attendance?

Geri: We have used social media to get the word out not only to those on our mailing list, but those that keep in touch with the association through social media. Also, we use it to build excitement for the event, for quick promotions, to give out teaser info on session and exciting new details about the conference.

Let the event promotion beginning!