Do your members wait until the last minute to register for your conferences? Turn them into early birds! Here are some ideas that will have them flocking to sign up early.
1.
Start promoting next year's show at this year's event
Slip a brochure into your registration packet or pass out a dated discount
coupon at the final general session. Run a series of attention-getting
ads in your program or daily newsletter. Be sure to provide a way to
register early--and offer an attractive incentive to early birds.
2. Encourage past attendees to invite a colleague
Pass out pre-printed postcards at the conference, for attendees to send
to their friends. On the front, put an attractive "wish you were here...see
you next year" design. Make it easy for them to send the cards--have
your membership directory or other industry references prominently located.
3. Send a thank you note right after the conference
Have it ready to mail the Monday after the conference. Invite attendees
to join you again next year, and include a registration form and pre-printed
stickers for marking their calendars with next year's conference dates.
4. Enter early birds in a drawing
Prizes can be as exciting as an all-paid trip to the conference, or
as simple as a coupon good for $100
worth of books. The key is to limit eligibility to the first 100 registrants--which
makes the contest seem very winnable.
5. Offer early birds an unusual incentive
For example, if you have big-name speakers, tell early birds they'll
be invited to a special meet-the-speaker reception if they respond by
a certain date. Tailor the perk to fit your conference.
6. Extend a personal invitation
Send a personalized letter about four to six weeks before the early
bird deadline. Remind past attendees of the high points of the previous
conference, don't-miss events or speakers at the upcoming conference,
and any special incentives for early registration.
7. Send a savings certificate
To emphasize the special value of your early registration discount,
include a certificate with your early-bird-promotion mailing. Emphasize
that it can only be redeemed by the person receiving the letter.
8. Send a fax just before the early bird deadline
With fax broadcasting services you can send a "time is running out"
message right before your deadline. Consider including a fax-on-demand
number that prospects can call for more information.
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To learn about how O'Connell Meier can generate bright ideas and boost sales for your orgainzation, give Rich Meier a call at 703.739.2266 or send us an e-mail. For a preview of the sales-boosting techniques we use, visit the association section of our bright idea generator. And for an overview of our company, our experience, and our creative and marketing services visit the About OM section. |
