When you're creating a program or event, are you thinking about how it
relates to your strategic plan?
Or are you just worried about whether it's promoted properly?
Or are you hitting your numbers for the amount of attendees you budgeted for?
Or are you hitting your numbers for the amount of attendees you budgeted for?
At the end of the day, that's the wrong way to look at this
process.
Instead, think about whether this program or event directly relates to your
strategic plan/mission and does it make money? For more information on a blog post I did
about program-based budgeting go HERE or about making money go HERE.
The reality is that only 15% - 20% of your members actually
attend your events.
As stated in the Horizon Initiative: Chambers 2025 report you need to base your recruiting
on the mission and not your organizations events.
Bottom line, let's get out of the special event business and get into
the advocacy business. I
know, I take hits all the time when I mention this concept at different venues across the country, but at the end of the day, you need to be the
advocate for your members not the special events coordinator.
Consider getting out of the ribbon cutting business, the golf tournaments or the
fireworks shows!
For more information on the Horizons Initiative: Chambers 2025 report by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) go HERE.
Good luck in changing the focus of your chamber from one of
events to one of being the leader in the community through advocacy and
community development programs.
Until next time!
