10 Best Event Types to Help You Grow Your Business

When it comes to your small business, your main goal is to gain exposure and clients.

This can be tricky to figure out at first, but one of the best places to start is with event marketing. Event marketing is throwing events to boost your business reputation. On top of creating a positive reputation around your business, your goal is to attract more clients or customers.

So, how can you achieve this? 

Well, by planning the right even types. Keep reading to learn about the event types that will boost your business…

Which Event Types Will Help You Grow Your Business?

Growing your small business is no small task.

It’s going to take some strategy and planning. One of the most important ways to grow your business is through marketing events.

Here are a few examples:

1. Guest Speaker Presentation

We all love to learn new things, so use this opportunity to boost your business!

Use the skills, knowledge, and experience of your employees to educate your community. When it comes to event marketing, a guest speaker is a great way to get people interested.

2. Networking Events

Regardless of what your business specializes in, there are tons of ways to participate in networking events.

You can either attend them or throw them. Whichever role you play in the event, know that you’re going to benefit from these new connections. Before the networking event, print out some business cards.

Be ready to hand them out for potential clients or collaborations!

3. Class or Workshop

Does your business specialize in a skill or product? 

If so, consider holding a class or workshop to teach others about it. For example, if you own a bow business, hold a class for kiddos to make their own bows. Or, if you work in a financial niche, hold a class on budgeting.

You can come up with a class or workshop for almost any business or profession! You may need to get a little creative, but the extra attention will help your business grow.

4. Party 

Who doesn’t love a good party?

A party is a great way to meet people and build connections in a casual, fun setting. If you host it yourself, you can save money and it can make you feel more relatable to investors and clients because they can see you in your home space.

Consider having holiday or anniversary parties and invite your community to attend. Offer information stations on your business and ways to win prizes related to your business.

For example, you could set up stalls in your garden giving free trials or food samples depending on your product. Just make sure you grab some tools like a rake, lawn mower, or the best battery powered leaf blower first, to make sure your space looks tidy.

5. Competitions

All of us have a competitive side.

To get business booming and interest generating for your business, set up a competition for the community. There should be a prize or incentive of some kind.

For example, if you own a restaurant, hold a points-based contest for your food. Plan to give a portion of the proceeds to a great local charity. The customer with the most points by the end of the selected time period can win a catered meal from your restaurant!

The competition that fits your budget, needs, and business will totally depend on you. Whatever you decide to do, people will love being involved in a competition, especially if it benefits the community in some way!

6. Sponsorships

Gaining sponsorships from other successful businesses is another great way to grow your business.

Many larger companies love to help local small businesses get recognized. To start looking for sponsorships, reach out to your local booming businesses. Explain your mission to them and why they may want to invest in or partner with you.

You’ll be surprised by the number of businesses willing to help!

7. Trade Shows

If you still aren’t sure where you can find sponsorships, don’t give up!

Trade shows are actually a great place to find sponsors. Trade shows give you the opportunity to meet up with vendors or other businesses like yours. Many small business owners say that the key to growth is to attend any trade show that you’re able to.

8. VIP Experiences

The service and products that you offer on a daily basis is great, but what if you could make it even better?

This is where VIP experiences come in. For an entrance fee, membership fee, or some other method, offer an elevated experience to customers who are willing to pay.

If you own a coffee shop, consider holding a VIP experience once per month. Set up a DJ booth, couch, offer specialty drinks, and a special food menu. Or, if you don’t want to host a VIP event, offer a VIP membership.

With a VIP membership, you can offer discounted prices to your most loyal customers. This will draw in regular business as well as keep your devoted customers interested.

9. Half-Day Event

If you’ve had parties, trade shows, or another type of event, take it a step further and throw a half-day event.

You can make this almost like a “retreat” for the day. Take it out of town if you want to mix things up, or just stay in your town. Offer activities, resources, stuff to take home, and lunch for the day!

The more inviting you make the event, the better turn out you’ll have.

10. Webinars

You may be wondering how you can boost your business if you run an online business.

Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about you! If your client base or employees are scattered throughout the world, you can still hold networking events. These can be done through a webinar.

A webinar is essentially a guest speaker or a presentation that’s done electronically. 

Host Your Event Today

If you’re ready to take the next step to grow your business, don’t hesitate to throw your event. Any of these event types are a great option for your small business.

Check out our other posts on marketing if you found this helpful!