You've got your venue. Your date is set. But now you're asking: how do I actually get people to attend my event? Whether it's your first or fiftieth event, getting attendees is always the hard part. Here's a breakdown of the strategies I've used to get real people in the room—including a few hard lessons learned.
Table of Contents
- The LinkedIn Method
- Using Reddit & Facebook Groups
- Event Platforms Like Meetup & Eventbrite
- Free vs Paid Events: What Actually Works
- How to Trigger Word-of-Mouth
- Boosting Engagement with Jam Bingo
🔍 The LinkedIn Method
LinkedIn is a goldmine for finding your ideal attendees—especially for professional events. I'll search keywords like “marketing professionals,” “startup founders,” or even specific job titles. Then I reach out with a short message like:
"Hey [First Name], I'm hosting a [type of event] in [City] on [Date]. Thought it might be right up your alley. Happy to send you the details!"
It's surprisingly effective. Keep it personal and avoid spammy vibes. You don't need to send 100 messages a day. Start with 10-20 high-quality ones.
🧑💻 Reddit & Facebook Groups
Local subreddits (like r/Calgary, r/Toronto) and niche Facebook groups are great places to find people interested in your topic. When I posted in a subreddit with a clear, non-spammy description and value-driven title, I got 50+ clicks to my Eventbrite page overnight.
The key is to talk like a human. Don't post like a marketer. Share what the event is, who it's for, and why you're excited about it. People respond to authenticity.
📅 Event Platforms: Eventbrite, Meetup, Luma & More
Don't underestimate these platforms—they already have built-in audiences looking for events. I've had events where 80% of attendees came from Meetup.com alone.
- Meetup: Costs around $50/month, but lets you consistently reach new people in your city.
- Eventbrite: Free to list, and gives you SEO-boosted pages + discoverability.
- Luma or Local Sites: Every city has smaller platforms—tap into them for niche communities.
💸 Free vs Paid Events: What Actually Works
Let's bust a myth: free events don't guarantee more attendees. I once had 100 people RSVP to a free event—only 20 showed up. But when I charged $15-$30, I still got 20 people… except these ones showed up, stayed longer, and were more engaged.
People value what they pay for. Even if it's just $10, it makes a difference. I recommend charging unless your goal is pure reach or you're testing a new idea. If you do host for free, add a confirmation step or reminder email to boost show-up rate.
📣 The Word-of-Mouth Effect
Still the GOAT of marketing. But it only works if your event is actually good. Focus on delivering real value—either through content (for seminars/workshops) or connection (for mixers). When people leave saying, “That was amazing,” they'll invite friends next time.
🎯 Boosting Engagement with Jam Bingo
If your event isn't engaging, people won't return. I used to run events where attendees stayed in cliques or hovered awkwardly near the snacks. Jam Bingo changed that. It's a digital icebreaker game that gets strangers talking through fun, low-pressure prompts like “Find someone with the same phone model” or “Ask about their side hustle.”
Instead of handing out paper cards, just display a QR code and let Jam Bingo do the rest. It's simple, interactive, and works for any kind of crowd. Paperless Icebreaker Bingo.
💡 Final Thoughts
Getting attendees doesn't come down to luck—it's about smart promotion, solid value, and creating an experience worth showing up for. Every person who RSVPs is saying, “I believe this event is worth my time.” Make sure they're right.