Post-Event Success and Follow-Up Guide (New England Edition)
Disclaimer: The information provided in this NE6 guide is for informational purposes only. While it provides valuable tips and strategies for post-event follow-up, it does not constitute professional advice. NE6 assumes no liability for any outcomes related to event management or follow-up activities.
Hey there! Johnny here, and I’m excited to help you with everything you need to do after your event. You’ve just wrapped up a successful event, but the work isn’t quite done yet! The follow-up phase is essential to creating lasting relationships with attendees, vendors, and sponsors. This Post-Event Success and Follow-Up Guide will show you how to gather feedback, promote future events, and keep that momentum rolling!
Overview
Post-event success doesn’t end when the last guest leaves. It’s all about capitalizing on the energy and excitement to drive future opportunities, collect feedback, and build relationships. From sending out thank-you emails to evaluating your event’s performance, I’ve got you covered with every step you need to take.
Step 1: Send a Post-Event Thank You and Follow-Up Email
1.1 Send a Thank You Email
Timing is crucial here—send out a thank-you email to attendees, vendors, and sponsors within 24-48 hours after your event ends. A simple “thank you” helps build goodwill and keeps people engaged.
- Email Content: Keep it short and enthusiastic! Recap the highlights, share how much their participation meant, and leave them excited for next time.
Example Email: “Hey [First Name],
Thank you so much for joining us at the [Event Name] this past weekend! We had an amazing time and hope you did too. From the incredible live music to the delicious food (who else loved those lobster rolls?), we couldn’t have done it without you.
We’re already planning next year’s event, and we’d love to have you back! Stay tuned for more updates.
Cheers,
Johnny & the NE6 Team”
1.2 Include Event Highlights and Photos
- Share Highlights: Add a recap of the event’s best moments. Did you have a record turnout? Feature key highlights with a few great photos to remind people of the fun they had.
Pro Tip: Encourage attendees to share their favorite memories from the event on social media using a designated hashtag (e.g., #NewEnglandFestMemories).
1.3 Offer a Feedback Survey
Gathering feedback is essential for improving future events. Send a brief survey asking attendees what they loved and what you could improve.
- Survey Questions: Keep it simple and relevant. Ask what attendees enjoyed most, what could have been better, and what they’d love to see next year.
Pro Tip: Offer an incentive, such as a discount on future event tickets or entry into a raffle, to encourage more people to complete the survey.
Step 2: Share Event Photos and Videos
Your event might be over, but that doesn’t mean the buzz has to stop! Use photos and videos to keep the excitement going and engage your audience post-event.
2.1 Post Photos and Videos on Social Media
- Share Highlights: Within 1-2 days after the event, start posting photos on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok). Include shots of the crowd, performances, vendors, and any special moments like awards or contests.
Pro Tip: Tag vendors, performers, and sponsors to boost engagement and encourage them to share the posts with their audiences.
2.2 Create a Post-Event Video Recap
- Highlight Reel: Compile clips into a short, engaging video recap. Share it on social media, your NE6 event page, and via email.
Pro Tip: Keep the video under 60 seconds for maximum engagement on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Example: “Thanks for joining us at [Event Name]! Check out the highlights and relive the best moments of the day. Can’t wait to see you next year! 🎉”
2.3 Use Event Photos for Future Promotion
- Plan Ahead: The photos you took this year can be used in next year’s promotional materials, giving future attendees a glimpse of what to expect.
Pro Tip: Build a media library of photos organized by event type (e.g., food festivals, music events, craft fairs) for easy access in future marketing campaigns.
Step 3: Collect Reviews and Testimonials
Positive reviews and testimonials are invaluable for marketing future events and attracting attendees, vendors, and sponsors.
3.1 Ask for Attendee Reviews
Ask attendees to leave reviews while the event is still fresh in their minds. Include a link to review platforms in your thank-you email, or send a follow-up email specifically focused on gathering reviews.
- Example Email:
“We’d love to hear from you! Let us know what you thought of [Event Name]—your feedback helps us improve and make next year even better!
Leave a review here: [Link]”
3.2 Get Vendor and Sponsor Testimonials
Reach out to vendors and sponsors for testimonials about their experience. These quotes can be featured on your website or promotional materials.
- Pro Tip: Offer vendors and sponsors early access or discounted fees for next year’s event in exchange for their testimonials.
3.3 Use NE6’s Review Feature
Encourage attendees and vendors to leave reviews directly on your NE6 event page. Positive reviews on the platform will help build credibility for future events.
Pro Tip: Showcase these reviews on your event page or in future marketing materials.
Step 4: Evaluate Your Event’s Success
Now it’s time to reflect on the event and assess how well everything went. Use data, feedback, and team input to figure out what worked and what can be improved for next time.
4.1 Review Ticket Sales and Attendance Data
- Check NE6 Analytics: Review ticket sales and attendance numbers using NE6’s dashboard. Compare the data against your original goals to see if you hit your targets.
Pro Tip: Break down attendance by ticket type (general admission vs. VIP) to understand what pricing strategies worked best.
4.2 Analyze Marketing Performance
- Review Metrics: Look at how your social media posts, email campaigns, and paid ads performed. Did certain platforms (e.g., Instagram) do better than others (e.g., Facebook)?
- Track Engagement: Analyze how many people shared your event, commented on posts, or used your event hashtag.
Example: If Instagram engagement was high but Facebook engagement was lower, shift more of your marketing efforts to Instagram next time.
4.3 Gather Internal Team Feedback
Schedule a debriefing session with your core team to discuss what went well and what could be improved.
- Pro Tip: Use a shared document where everyone can add their thoughts so no detail gets missed.
Step 5: Plan for the Future
Now that you’ve reviewed your event’s performance, it’s time to start planning for the future. Keep the momentum going!
5.1 Lock in the Next Event Date
If your event was a success, lock in next year’s date as soon as possible. Start promoting the next event early to capitalize on the current excitement.
- Example: “Save the Date! The 2025 Fall Foliage Festival will be back next October—don’t miss out!”
5.2 Pre-Sell Tickets for Future Events
Encourage attendees to buy tickets for next year’s event by offering early bird pricing or exclusive discounts.
Pro Tip: Use a promo code like “EARLYBIRD25” to offer a discount for returning attendees and boost early ticket sales.
5.3 Set Goals for Future Events
Based on this event’s performance, set new goals for your next event. Whether it’s growing attendance, improving logistics, or attracting larger sponsors, now is the time to strategize.
5.4 Keep in Touch with Attendees
Stay connected with your audience throughout the year. Send updates, newsletters, or event-related news to keep them engaged and excited for future events.
Pro Tip: If your event is seasonal, remind attendees of related events in your area to keep them involved and connected with your brand.
Pro Tips for Post-Event Success:
- Time Your Follow-Up: The sooner you follow up, the fresher the event will be in attendees’ minds. This increases the likelihood of getting reviews and feedback.
- Engage on Social Media: Keep your social media channels active after the event. Respond to comments, share photos, and continue to engage with your attendees.
- Leverage FOMO: Use photos, videos, and testimonials to create “FOMO” (fear of missing out) for those who didn’t attend. This can encourage more people to attend next year.
And there you have it—your complete guide to post-event success and follow-up! By following these steps, you’ll build strong relationships, gather invaluable feedback, and keep the momentum going for your next event. Got more questions? I’m here to help! Let’s keep the excitement alive and get you ready for your next big event!
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