You may be thinking, it could be a little late in the year to start with an event, but really it isn’t. If you’re here living on the west coast of Canada, people don’t typically make their plans until, at most, a week prior to an activity.
Make it simple.
Invite guests –Create a stunning postcard invitation and mail it to your guests. Take the time to follow it up with a phone call. Running with the same theme, post these postcards at your business (washrooms, retail shelving, and point of sale) and have staff give them to customers.
Have a reason to come –a special speaker, great wine, special promotions, door prizes, charity support.
Have a ballot box and collect email addresses. Invite these guests back for next year’s event.
Inspire your staff –have games and contests for invitations given out and sales of the day. Make sure to feed your staff before the event (especially if its on a night after work). Give them a list of their responsibilities (ie. Knowing the special promotions, what their role is for the event) the day before so they can prepare.
Forget the caterer – host a wine and cheese afternoon. You can easily (and affordably) put a few cheese and cracker platters together or go to http://www.capersmarkets.com/ and order pre-made cheese trays.
Source out local wineries and ask if they conduct on-site tastings for private gatherings. I just hosted a great event and used a local Langley winery – The Fort Wine Co. They even provided plastic tasting glasses. Spend your advertising dollars on giving your guests something special. It is the holidays so a little grab bag will be appreciated.
Terrific! Salon Montage ( http://www.salonmontage.com ) in South Surrey is happy to report a very successful client appreciation event held with the help of Crystal. Great ideas, energy and professionalism! She took care of the details and created some great promotional material. Thank you! Can’t wait to see how our second location event on Dec.2nd turns out!