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Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s going to supercharge your content strategy and take your community engagement to the next level. We’re talking about the power of events and why they are absolutely essential to your content plan.

Friends, events are more than just gatherings—they’re opportunities to connect, engage, and grow your community in ways you might not have imagined. Whether you’re hosting a virtual webinar, a casual meetup, or an immersive in-person workshop, events can create memorable experiences that foster loyalty and drive growth.

In this episode, we’re going to break down a few different event types that you can incorporate into your strategy, how to effectively plan and execute them, and why Platinum creators on Circle are seeing such incredible success with their event-driven approaches. We’ll also dive into some juicy stats from Circle’s Benchmark Report that highlight just how impactful events can be.

So, buckle up and get ready to take some notes because by the end of this episode, you’ll have a game plan for making events a cornerstone of your community content strategy. Let’s get started.

Why Should You Incorporate Events into Your Strategy?

According to the Circle Benchmark Report, 100% of Platinum creators host events. You heard that right, folks. Every Platinum creator hosts events. These top-tier creators don’t just stop at one type of event; they’re organizing more group discussions, orientation sessions, and Q&As than standard creators. But that’s not all—Platinum creators also see higher attendance rates, with a whopping 59% of their communities boasting a 50% or higher attendance rate compared to just 33% of standard communities.

You might be asking, how do they do this? By throwing events their members ask for, attracting the right event attendees, and sending out plenty of reminders.

Virtual vs. In-Person Events

Let’s just talk for a couple of minutes about the difference between virtual events and in-person events. I am a recovering corporate event and wedding event planner. I did that for the beginning of my career, and I loved every stressful moment of it. My little organized heart sang when I got to plan an event, especially a large multi-day, huge-scale event.

Those were probably my favorite. I liked pulling all those strings, and in-person events were the thing at the time. It was constantly what we saw at the convention center—corporations coming in, doing shows and events. Then we got hit with 2020, and things really changed. Virtual events became the cornerstone of how we were doing business.

Now in 2024, we’ve definitely seen a shift back to in-person events, but virtual events still remain a top priority in any good content strategy.

Virtual Events:

• Accessible to a Global Audience: Virtual events break down geographical barriers, allowing participants from all over the world to join in. This inclusivity not only broadens your audience but also enriches the diversity of perspectives and interactions within your community.
• Lower Cost and Logistical Requirements: Hosting virtual events significantly reduces costs associated with physical venues, travel, accommodations, and catering. It also simplifies logistical challenges such as arranging seating, managing on-site staff, and ensuring accessibility for all attendees.
• Utilizes Platforms Like Zoom, Google Meet, or Circle’s Event Feature: Leveraging popular digital platforms makes it easy to organize and execute virtual events. These platforms offer features such as breakout rooms, screen sharing, live polls, and Q&A sessions, which enhance interactivity and engagement.
• Allows for Digital Recordings and Replays: One of the biggest advantages of virtual events is the ability to record sessions. This allows participants who couldn’t attend live to watch the replay at their convenience. It also provides valuable content that can be repurposed for marketing, training, or educational purposes, thereby extending the event’s impact beyond its live occurrence.

In-Person Events:

• Provides a Tactile, Immersive Experience: In-person events offer a level of engagement that virtual events often can’t match. The physical presence of participants creates a more immersive experience, allowing for hands-on activities, tangible interactions, and a sensory-rich environment.
• Facilitates Deeper Personal Connections: Face-to-face interactions foster stronger personal connections and build trust more effectively than virtual interactions. The opportunity for spontaneous conversations, non-verbal communication, and shared experiences can significantly enhance relationship-building among attendees.
• Often Involves Higher Costs and More Complex Planning: While in-person events can be more impactful, they also come with higher costs and logistical complexities. These include securing a venue, arranging transportation and accommodations, providing meals and refreshments, and ensuring all necessary equipment and materials are available and functional.
• Can Include Unique Local Elements: Hosting events in different locations allows you to incorporate unique local elements that enhance the cultural experience for attendees. This could be through local cuisine, traditional entertainment, or site-specific activities that give participants a deeper appreciation of the locale and create memorable experiences.

Fostering Community Interaction with Events

Events are a powerful way to bring your community members together in a dedicated space where they can interact and share ideas. These gatherings, whether virtual or in-person, provide an opportunity for members to step out of their usual routines and engage in meaningful conversations and collaborative activities.

Real-Time Engagement

Unlike typical posts or emails, events offer a dynamic environment where real-time engagement can flourish. Live discussions, Q&A sessions, and interactive workshops allow participants to react and respond immediately, fostering a sense of immediacy and presence that enhances connection and collaboration.

Regularly scheduling events plays a crucial role in keeping your community active and vibrant. They serve as touchpoints that members can look forward to, breaking the monotony and preventing stagnation. Consistent events encourage ongoing participation and engagement, ensuring that your community remains lively and relevant.

Creating Memorable Experiences that Enhance Brand Loyalty

Memorable events leave lasting impressions on attendees. When members have impactful experiences at your events, they are more likely to remember and value those moments. This sense of appreciation makes them feel valued and recognized within the community.

Positive experiences during events can significantly boost loyalty to your brand or community. Members who enjoy and benefit from your events are more likely to become advocates, sharing their experiences with others and promoting your community through word-of-mouth.

Events that align with the interests and needs of your community are more effective in creating a sense of belonging and trust. When members feel that the events are tailored to their preferences and offer genuine value, they are more likely to engage deeply and develop a stronger connection to your community. This alignment reinforces the community’s relevance and importance in their lives.

How Events Lead to Membership Growth

You can attract new members by showcasing your community’s value. Events serve as a showcase of what your community has to offer. By publicizing events on social media, newsletters, and other platforms, you can attract potential members who are interested in the topics or activities you offer. These events give outsiders a glimpse into the vibrant and active nature of your community, making it more appealing to join and engage with.

Converting Attendees to Members

Hosting engaging and valuable events can convert attendees into loyal members. When participants find the events enriching and enjoyable, they are more likely to see the value in becoming part of your community. Offering special promotions or exclusive content to event participants can further incentivize them to join.

Following up with attendees through personalized messages and invites can enhance conversion rates. A personal touch shows that you care about their experience and are interested in having them as part of your community. This approach can turn casual attendees into dedicated community members.

Increasing Word-of-Mouth Referrals

Satisfied event attendees are likely to spread the word about their positive experiences. Word-of-mouth referrals from current members can lead to a steady stream of new members, as personal recommendations carry a lot of weight. Encouraging members to invite friends and colleagues to events, leveraging their networks for organic growth, and offering incentives for bringing guests or group discounts can motivate members to share their experiences with others, further expanding your community.

Ready to Spice Up Your Community?

Ready to spice up your community with some live events but unsure which type to go for? We’ve got just the thing for you! Take our fun and interactive Event Matchmaker Quiz to discover the perfect live event for your Circle community. Whether it’s an engaging webinar, a casual meetup, or a lively game night, find out what event will resonate most with your members! Take the quiz at the link in the show notes, and as a bonus, grab your free workbook to get started with events in your community.

Virtual Event Planning Services

Are you ready to take your events to the next level but need a little help getting there? Our Virtual Event Planning services on Circle are designed to support you from planning to execution. Whether you’re organizing a small workshop or a large-scale event, we’ve got you covered. Book a free consultation today to see if our services are a good fit for your needs.

In This Episode We Chat About:

• 01:41 The Power of Events
• 03:47 Virtual vs. In-Person Events
• 08:28 Types of Events to Host
• 11:16 Benefits of Hosting Events
• 13:50 Growing Your Membership Through Events
• 17:01 Interactive Tools and Resources

Links Mentioned:

• Case Study: The Special Education & Advocacy Conference
• Event Matchmaker Quiz
• Virtual Event Planning Services

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/qCWFMaupcxr

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