Marketing Events/Workshops

[Wtf]

I'm on a marketing roll here folks! :

I am hoping to brainstorm about some events/workshops I'm planning to host in the coming year. These will be along the lines of infant massage and childbirth education classes and so forth. In the past I've had some good responses to events (we hosted an Open House once that was awesome!), and some not so good responses (a "meet the doulas" that basically flopped: 2 people attended). So, it is back to the drawing board for me because I'd really like these events to be a success.

Here's what I'm brainstorming for now:
- Announcement to existing clientèle via e-newsletter
- Post event details on local websites (Craigslist for example)
- Fliers at local libraries

I'd like to reach out to some of the mothers support groups in the area for the infant massage class. I'm not sure how to get the info to the local hospitals regarding the childbirth education classes because most hospitals run their own program. I'm thinking some fliers at local "crunchy" locations that pregnant women shop at would be useful.

Has anyone ever held/hosted a meditation or stress relief workshop? I'd like to reach a wider range of people than just pregnant women and infants.

Anyone else want to brainstorm some ideas with me? 8)

 

[Nala]

hey, dragonflies - we're getting back on our workshop/class schedule as well.

in 2 weeks we're doing 'exploring the chakras'
then a series of louise hay workshops
we have 'creating a healthy home'
'holistic pet care'
'stress relief for women'
'thai massage for families'
and a drum circle in about three weeks that will be a monthly event

also - go to http://www.womenshealth.gov - National Women's Health Week is the week before mother's day - you can register there for your 2008 events that will be held during this week. they will send you free promotional info. we did this last year, sent a letter and received a proclamation from the mayor and governor (which we framed and both are in the hallway - looks very impressive). was our turn out huge? no. but it was our first year, and hopefully '08 will be better!

press releases, press releases, press releases - send them out for every class that you do, and add them to every community calendar you can.

good luck!
amanda

 

[Min]

Have you looked at http://biznik.com/? I joined a few months ago and have not done anything with it yet, but you can advertise events and classes that you want to host on there. Of course I am not sure where you are located, but they seem to be all over the map with locations. Maybe some ideas there. I have ran into the same thing here with wanting to get into infant massage that most hospitals have their own.
Fun topic

 

[flattrack75081]

*bump*

This started with some good ideas - I love your ideas amanda! I really need to get better at sending out press releases. By the time I realize I could have sent one out it is no longer "newsworthy" or timely.

I'm exploring other community calendar options and will be putting together a list of places to send event announcements to so that I don't get caught up in the planning and end up with no participants. :