Entertainment Industry Thrives During Recession: Tips for Event Promotion

Planning an event can be daunting, especially during a recession where people are more cautious with their spending and attendance rates can be unpredictable. However, history has shown that the entertainment industry thrives during economic downturns, giving event promoters an opportunity to attract a wider audience. Here are some tips to make your event a success:

Timing is Key: Give Yourself Two Weeks to Advertise

Effective advertising is crucial for your event’s success. It is recommended to give yourself at least two weeks to advertise to make sure people are aware of your event. Furthermore, it is important to use different color flyers with different ads for the same event and original artwork to catch potential attendees’ attention. Be creative and concise. Too much information can be overwhelming for modern advertising.

Media Sponsorship: Get Local Stations, Websites, and Newspapers on Board

To reach more people, contact local stations, websites, and newspapers to see if they are willing to plug your event in exchange for promoting them on flyers and other announcements. This is known as “media sponsorship.” When pitching your event, always frame it in terms of how they will benefit, not just how you will. This win-win strategy can help attract more attendees and expand your reach further.

College Media: Free Advertising

Advertising with college media is often free and can help you reach a younger and more engaged audience. Keep in mind that college media is often run by students, so make sure to contact them in advance.

Social Media Advertising is Not Enough

Although social media is a great marketing tool, don’t solely rely on platforms such as MySpace, which is no longer as popular as it used to be. There is too much clutter and competition to fight through on other networks. Therefore, it is crucial to target your audience and advertise where they are likely to see it.

Know Your Audience: Advertise Where They Are, Not Just Where the Event is Happening

To maximize your event’s attendance rate, it is essential to advertise where your audience is most likely to see it. Never violate local posting policy and regulations. Call the town/village/city before you post to ensure that you are not breaking any laws.

Word of Mouth Still Matters

While online advertising is essential, it is worth remembering that personal connections can make a significant impact. Remember to tell people about your event in person. Convincing people to attend an event is challenging, so it is vital not to be annoying. You can tell quickly if someone wants to learn more about the event. If they don’t, thank them and leave.

Band and Performer Selection: Choose Quality Over Quantity

Band and performer selection is crucial. While having a major band perform at a small venue can attract people, it is often not possible. Don’t just book a performer because they’re going to bring people. The performer’s “suck factor” outweighs their ability to draw people in. Therefore, focus on quality over quantity and choose performers that align with your target audience’s interests, musical preferences, and overall vibe.

Ego Check: Leave Your Ego at the Door

Having an ego is the worst thing for your business. It can make people not want to work with you, and it can even affect the event’s vibe. Always be polite and don’t let your ego get in the way.

Be Prepared: Prepare for the Worst and Hope for the Best

Things don’t always go according to plan. Have a Plan B in case of contingencies, such as bad weather, performer cancellations, or technical difficulties. Being prepared for the worst-case scenario can help you stay calm under pressure and ultimately achieve a successful event.

Conclusion

Event promotion requires careful planning, smart advertising, and effective execution. With these tips in mind, you are more likely to achieve a successful event that attendees will remember for years to come. Be creative, think outside the box, and most importantly, enjoy the ride.