Conferences are designed to bring together individuals with similar professional backgrounds and experiences, creating opportunities for idea exchange, networking, and mutual motivation. These events enable participants to acquire new knowledge and skills, connect with peers, and promote their personal brands by sharing their achievements and expertise. Attendees gain significant value from conferences, fostering both personal and professional growth.
Organisers also benefit greatly from hosting conferences, which might be why you’re planning one yourself! While it may seem straightforward, there are many aspects to the coordination of a conference, including:
- Selecting the conference venue, allowing flexibility of various small, medium & large meeting rooms.
- Organising panel sessions
- Inviting keynote speakers
- Planning networking events
- Designing the program, including breakout sessions or workshops
In addition to these tasks, attracting the attendees is vital and effective marketing is key in the success of your conference.
Market Your Conference or Event Successfully By Determining Your Audience
Creating audience personas is essential for identifying your target audience. This allows you to effectively reach potential attendees. If your conference is attractive to multiple niches, you can develop multiple personas to represent different segments of your audience.
These personas should be detailed, almost like short stories, depicting fictional characters that embody the behaviour patterns and traits of your ideal attendees. The goal is to create a character that represents a specific segment of your target audience.
Start by constructing a profile of your ideal attendees. If you’re organising an industry conference, be specific in identifying groups such as:
- Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)
- Customer service teams
- Marketing executives
- Thought leaders
Once you’ve identified these target groups, focus on their shared characteristics to refine your marketing strategy.
Market Your Conference or Event Successfully By Keeping Existing Customers In Mind
Attracting new audiences is valuable, but it should not come at the expense of your existing customers/audience. Marketing to your current client base is essential, and leveraging your existing email list can significantly increase your attendee numbers.
Here are some strategies to engage your existing customers:
- Active Social Media Engagement by responding to comments, sharing user-generated content and hosting a contest or giveaway that requires signing up for your email list in exchange for a chance to win VIP access or free registration to the conference.
- Offer Exclusive Content by providing early access to the conference block of hotel reservations, or conference registration discounts to customers who make a certain amount of purchase within a specified timeframe. Perhaps offering exclusive VIP access to loyal clients on a case-by-case basis.
- Personalised Email Campaigns by sending targeted emails based on customer behaviour, preferences, and purchase history leading up to the conference / event. Include personalised recommendations, special offers, and updates relevant to their interests (i.e. newsletters or reminders linking back to which topics / sessions in the conference will this customer be interested in).
Secure Partnerships and Collaborations
Collaborate with industry influencers, sponsors, or partner organisations to expand your event’s reach. Leverage their networks to promote your conference, and offer them speaking opportunities, co-branded content, or exclusive discounts for their followers.
Conclusion
Are you looking for a large Brisbane conference venue? Check out Unidus today! Our multi-purpose conference venue is flexible and modern, located on the southside of Brisbane.
