How do you create buzz before a conference?

1 Define your goals and audience

Before you start promoting your conference, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and who you want to reach. What are the main objectives and benefits of your conference? What are the pain points and needs of your potential attendees? How do you want them to feel and act after attending your conference? Having a clear vision and strategy will help you craft a compelling and consistent message that resonates with your audience.

2 Create a catchy name and hashtag

The name and hashtag of your conference are the first things that people will see and remember. They should reflect the theme, value proposition, and tone of your conference. Choose a name that is catchy, memorable, and relevant to your audience. Avoid names that are too long, generic, or confusing. Create a hashtag that is short, unique, and easy to use. Use the hashtag consistently across all your promotional channels and encourage your speakers, sponsors, and attendees to use it as well.

3 Build a landing page and email list

A landing page is a web page that provides information and a call to action for your conference. It should include the name, date, location, agenda, speakers, sponsors, and registration details of your conference. It should also have a clear and enticing headline, a compelling video or image, and a strong value proposition. A landing page is a great way to capture leads and build an email list of interested prospects. You can use an email marketing tool to send regular updates, reminders, and incentives to your email subscribers.

4 Leverage social media and influencers

Social media is a powerful tool for creating buzz before a conference. You can use social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share valuable content, create hype, and interact with your audience. You can also leverage influencers who have a large and loyal following in your niche or industry. You can invite them to speak at your conference, interview them, or ask them to share your conference with their followers. Influencers can help you reach a wider and more engaged audience.

5 Host pre-conference events and contests

Pre-conference events and contests are a great way to generate interest and excitement before your conference. You can host webinars, workshops, podcasts, or live Q&A sessions with your speakers or sponsors. You can also run contests or giveaways that offer free tickets, discounts, or prizes to your conference. Pre-conference events and contests can help you showcase your expertise, provide value, and build relationships with your audience.

6 Encourage referrals and testimonials

Referrals and testimonials are one of the most effective ways to create buzz before a conference. People trust the opinions and recommendations of their peers, friends, or colleagues more than any other source of information. You can encourage referrals and testimonials by offering incentives, rewards, or recognition to your existing or past attendees who invite or refer others to your conference. You can also collect and share positive feedback, reviews, or ratings from your previous or current attendees on your website, social media, or email.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?