It’s downright frustrating when you spend countless hours planning a corporate event only to have a fraction of the company’s employees actually show up. The empty dance floor and untouched snack tray is a clear sign of failure. Thankfully, there are some simple ways to boost the attendance rate of your next corporate event.
#1) Set a Date In Advance
You can’t expect a high turnout unless employees are given ample time to prepare for it in advance. Once you’ve chosen a venue and a date for the event, announce it to your employees. Doing so will allow them to make transpiration arrangements, clear their personal schedule, find a babysitter, etc. when the big day rolls around. The more time you give them in advance, the higher your turnout will be.
#2) Spread The Word on Social Media
Facebook has a tool which allows users to create events and send invites to friends and guests of friends. While logged into your account, click the Events button on the left side of your homepage, followed by Create. Complete the required fields (event name, location, date and privacy settings) and select Invite Friends. Check the names of whom you wish to invite and click Save and then Create.
#3) Offer Gifts
One sure-fire way to boost the attendance rate of your corporate event is to give away something for free. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to host a Opera-style giveaway in which every audience member receives a new car and week-long vacation, but perhaps you can offer attendees some company-branded swag (t-shirts, backpacks, foldout chairs, etc).
#4) Make It Fun
Another simple way to boost your event’s attendance rate is to make it fun. Hiring another boring keynote speaker to perform a presentation will only discourage employees from attending future events. So, how can you make your corporate event “fun?” We could write an entire post on this subject alone (and we probably will in the future), but the key thing to remember is that you want a relaxed, laid back environment in which employees can let loose and enjoy themselves.
#5) Ask For Feedback
Lastly, ask your employees for feedback both before and after the event. Find out what types of food, beverages, entertainment and activities they prefer. Using this information, you can plan the perfect event that accommodates all of your employees. Planning an event without knowing what your employees like and dislike is a recipe for disaster.
