I learned how to host my first networking event on a shoestring budget and still made a profit. Here's my story, packed with practical tips on cutting costs, promoting effectively, and using Jam Bingo to create unforgettable connections.
Table of Contents
- My First Event: The Journey Begins
- Cutting Costs: Promotion and Venue Hacks
- Why I Charged for Tickets
- Making My Event Engaging
- How Jam Bingo Saved the Day
- My Steps to Hosting a Successful Event
- What I Learned
🤝 My First Event: The Journey Begins
When I decided to host my first networking event, I had big dreams but a tiny budget. I wanted to bring people together in my city, but I had to figure out how to do it without breaking the bank. Through trial and error, I discovered strategies that not only kept costs near zero but also turned a profit.
💰 Cutting Costs: Promotion and Venue Hacks
I quickly learned that promotion and venue were my biggest expenses. A true “zero-budget” event wasn't realistic, but I kept costs around $50. Here's what worked for me:
- Promotion: I used Eventbrite for free event listings and splurged on a $50/month Meetup subscription to reach local folks. Early on, I wasted time chasing sponsors, like walking door-to-door to banks in Calgary. Out of 15, only three showed interest, but they ghosted me later. My advice? Skip sponsors for your first event and focus on building traction with 50-75 attendees. Sponsors came to me after I had a track record.
- Venue: Most venues wanted a $1,000-$2,000 minimum spend, which I couldn't afford. I got lucky by finding a newly opened bar eager for foot traffic and negotiated a $0 minimum. I also charged $7-$15 per ticket to cover a drink, keeping the venue happy. Free events drew crowds who didn't spend, which annoyed my first venue. Lesson learned: make sure the venue profits too.
🎫 Why I Charged for Tickets
I initially thought free events would draw bigger crowds, but my lowest turnouts were freebies. When I charged $30-$50, I got more committed attendees—my biggest event had 130 people! Higher prices signaled value, and offering a structured experience with exclusive vibes justified the cost. Trust me, don't undervalue your event.
🎉 Making My Event Engaging
My first event was nearly a flop because people stuck to who they knew. I realized I needed structure to spark real connections. Icebreakers became my secret weapon to break the awkwardness and get everyone mingling.
Jam Bingo: The QR Code Bingo Networking App
I tried traditional icebreaker bingo, but printing cards was a hassle, and some attendees found it cheesy. Then I discovered Jam Bingo, a digital icebreaker that changed everything. I displayed a QR code on my laptop, and attendees scanned it with their phones to get prompts like “Find someone with the same shirt color” or “Ask about their biggest life lesson.” It was easy to set up, fun, and got everyone talking. Jam Bingo made my event feel modern and memorable.
📋 My Steps to Hosting a Successful Event
- Secure a Venue: I targeted new venues or negotiated no minimum spend. I made sure the venue earned through ticketed drinks or food.
- Promote Smartly: Using Eventbrite and Meetup, I reached 50-75 attendees with a $50-$100 budget, even as a nobody.
- Create Value: At the end of the day, people attend events to network and connect with each other. So, what can you do to help your attendees connect: Jam Bingo ensured attendees left with new contacts, making my event worth their time.
- Charge for Tickets: I set prices at $30-$50 to cover costs and attract serious attendees, avoiding the free-event trap.
🌟 What I Learned
Let's get down to it—host that event! We believe in community. There are people out there who have already said yes to attending your event—they're just waiting for you to post it and send them an invite.
It can be scary to host your first event. Maybe your biggest worry is that no one will show up. (Don't worry—it happened to me around my 5th or 6th event.) Do it anyway. Your city needs people who bring others together. And if hosting this event also helps grow your business, professional career, or personal brand, then you need to host it.
P.S. If I can do it, you can too! I had only ever been to two events before hosting one of my own for 75 people.