Save Money, Get Results: Event Strategies That Work 👾

👋🏽 Welcome to Growth Marketing: ON, where I share tips and insights to supercharge your marketing strategy, based on my 20+ years experience in sales and marketing.

Go Virtual (or Hybrid): Maximise Reach, Minimise Spend

In-person events are great, but they come with a hefty price tag—venues, catering, travel, and more. Why not go virtual? It’s cheaper, more flexible, and can give you access to a global audience.

💡Actionable tip: Host webinars, workshops, or panel discussions online. Keep it interactive by using tools like polls, breakout rooms, and live Q&A.

✨ Bonus: Record the session and offer it as on-demand content to extend the value beyond the event.

Partner Up: Shared Costs, Greater Impact

A strong partnership can help you stretch your budget. Find complementary startups, influencers, or industry experts to co-host events. Not only will you share the costs, but you’ll also tap into their audience for greater reach.

💡Actionable tip: Co-host webinars, joint product launches, or even social media events. Promote the event to each partner’s audience, ensuring you’re reaching the right people at the right time.

🌟 Pro tip: Make sure the partner aligns with your brand values and target audience. A mismatch here will dilute the event's value.

Keep It Lean: Focus on What Matters

It’s easy to get caught up in trying to do everything. But here’s the secret: simplicity wins. A successful event doesn’t require big stages or extravagant setups. It’s all about the experience and the value you deliver.

💡 Actionable tip: Focus on a clear objective—lead generation, brand awareness, or customer retention. Make sure every aspect of your event aligns with that goal.

• If you’re looking to generate leads, make sure the event includes a call-to-action like a demo or a free consultation.

• If you want to engage current customers, prioritise offering value that deepens the relationship.

Smart Venue Choices: Unique Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

If you’re hosting an in-person event, get creative with your venue. You don’t need a fancy ballroom—look for spaces that reflect your brand and can host the right audience without breaking the bank.

💡 Actionable tip: Consider coworking spaces, community centers, or even local parks. Look for places that align with your brand and the vibe you want to create. If you need to rent a space, try to negotiate discounts for off-peak times or smaller setups.

📊 Quick win: Keep the guest list focused on your most engaged prospects or clients. A smaller, more targeted audience can yield better results than a larger, less interested one.

Post-Event Engagement: Keep the Momentum Going

Your event isn’t over once it ends. In fact, this is where you can create even more value—through follow-ups, feedback, and content.

💡 Actionable tip: Send personalised thank-you emails, ask for feedback, and offer additional resources (like an event recording, special discount, or free consultation).

• Create an email series post-event to nurture leads or engage customers.

🌟 Example: One startup I worked with sent personalised, handwritten thank-you notes after their event. Not only did it cost them next to nothing, but it helped build stronger relationships with key customers.

Now tell me, what’s the biggest hurdle you’re facing when planning your next event How do you balance staying on budget while creating impact?

I’d love to hear your thoughts—hit reply or comment and share what’s on your mind!

💜 If you found this useful, share it with a fellow founder or marketer.