5 Easy Ways to Boost Event Attendance in the New Year

If there’s one question every AMPP chapter asks at the start of the year, it’s this:

“How do we get more people to show up to our events?”

Good news: boosting attendance doesn’t require complicated marketing, big budgets, or hours of planning. It simply takes a few small changes to how you promote, communicate, and partner with the people around you.

Here are five easy, non-intimidating ways your chapter can increase event turnout in the New Year—along with real examples you can use right now.

Promote Earlier-and More Often Than You Think

They skip them because they didn’t see the announcement in time.

A good rule of thumb for chapters is:

• 4–6 weeks out: First announcement (email + social)
• 2–3 weeks out: Reminder
• 1 week out: “Don’t forget!” message
• Day before: Quick final push

Example Timeline for a March Technical Dinner

• January 25: Save the Date
• February 10: First announcement + flyer
• February 25: Reminder email
• March 4: Last call post

If you feel like you’re repeating yourself… you’re doing it right. Not everyone reads every email.

Helpful Resource:
Use the customizable social media templates on the AMPP Chapter Resources page—they make it easy to post polished, timely event announcements.

Create a Simple Flyer or Graphic for Every Event

Visuals get attention. Even a basic flyer made in Canva can dramatically improve engagement because it makes your event feel “real.”

What to Include

• Event topic (2–3 words that catch interest)
• Speaker name & company
• 1–2 bullets on what people will learn
• Date, time, location
• Registration link or QR code
• Sponsor logo (if applicable)

Example

Topic: Preventing Coating Failures: A Practical Guide
Why attend: Learn field-ready tips you can use immediately on your next project.

Flyers can be resized for:

• Email
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Your chapter website

Helpful Resource:
Check out the “Canva Made Simple” webinar on the Chapter Resources page if you want step-by-step instructions.

Use More Than One Marketing Channel

Channels That Work Well for Chapters

• Email (your strongest tool)
• LinkedIn (great for professionals & sponsor visibility)
• Facebook (still strong for local community reach)
• Your chapter website
• LinkedIn Events (boosts visibility outside your membership)
• Optional: Instagram or WhatsApp groups, depending on your region

Example Multi-Channel Push

For an April coatings demo:

• Create a LinkedIn Event
• Share the flyer on Facebook
• Send two emails
• Add details to your chapter website
• Ask officers to share the post personally

These small touches layer together to increase turnout.

Highlight What Participants Will Get From the Event

People attend when they see value—not just logistics.

Instead of:

“Join us for our next meeting.”

Try:

“Hear from a pipeline coatings expert and walk away with 3 field-ready tips you can use immediately on your next project.”

Or for networking:

“Meet local industry professionals, exchange ideas, and expand your network in a relaxed environment.”

Examples of Value Points

• New technical insights
• Hands-on demos
• PDHs (if applicable)
• Hiring & networking opportunities
• Exposure to new materials or technologies
• Free meal (never underestimate the power of food!)

Helpful Resource:
If you need wording ideas, use the messaging templates in the Chapter Resources library.

Partner With Local Companies and Organizations

Partnerships increase visibility and attendance instantly.

Easy Partnership Opportunities

• Ask a local company to share your event internally
• Co-host a technical talk with a supplier or contractor
• Invite nearby AMPP chapters to join you
• Partner with a university or student chapter
• Ask sponsors to repost your flyers on LinkedIn

Example

A chapter partners with a local coatings supplier to host a tour. The company shares the announcement with its staff, posts it on LinkedIn, and invites clients. Attendance doubles.

Partnerships help you reach audiences you don’t usually have access to—without extra work.

Bonus: Make Registration Easy

One last thing: people are far more likely to attend when registering takes seconds.

Tips:

• Put the registration link at the top of the email
• Add QR codes to flyers
• Use Eventbrite or Wix Events (if your chapter website is on Wix)
• Keep your form short—name + email is enough

Build Momentum With Simple Steps

Improving event attendance isn’t about complex marketing—it’s about being consistent, visible, and clear about the value your chapter brings.

With earlier promotion, better visuals, multiple communication channels, strong value messaging, and strategic partnerships, your chapter can start the year with events that feel full, engaging, and impactful.

Have question or need help getting started? Reach out to chapters@ampp.org. We are here to help!

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