Not sure whether you know, but last week I spoke at a fun evening panel on “How to Host a Kick-Ass Event” produced by Sandbox Suites (many thanks to the Amazing Sasha!)
The beautiful Tamara from Eventbrite was in attendance, took some great notes, and posted this wonderful list of tips to aspiring event producers. Im just jealous I didn’t write it first! 
Notes from How To Host a Kick Ass Event
While I’d rather you go there and read the entire thing, here are a few quick excerpts:
- “To attract both attendees and sponsors you have to focus on creating compelling content that generates excitement and draw a crowd, but in order to …[do this] have to think about who you are trying to attract…”
- “Collect data on attendees during the registration process – collect specific information that will help you further understand your audience for future outreach.”
- “Negotiating location rates is definitely a required art – the organizers shared with us that hotels usually quote 30%-40% higher than what you can actually get them for, so don’t be afraid to negotiate. In addition you can usually get 50% off on the quote for AV equipment provided by the space.” [That one's specifically my tip! Do it!]
- “Cover room and board for your speakers, but 99% of the time you shouldn’t pay them. They are not at your event to do a job, they are at your event to connect with your audience – the value should be one of reciprocity”
- “When it comes to selling tickets, stand by your price and believe in your value.” [Edith's advice, and good advice! I need to listen to this more often...]
- “Remember that people attend your event to have a good time, to connect with others, and to maybe learn something.”
Again, go check it out! It’s a fun read with a lot of great tid-bits. Thanks Tamara!
