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.
They skip them because they didn’t see the announcement in time.
A good rule of thumb for chapters is:
Example Timeline for a March Technical Dinner
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.
Visuals get attention. Even a basic flyer made in Canva can dramatically improve engagement because it makes your event feel “real.”
What to Include
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:
Helpful Resource:
Check out the “Canva Made Simple” webinar on the Chapter Resources page if you want step-by-step instructions.
Channels That Work Well for Chapters
Example Multi-Channel Push
For an April coatings demo:
These small touches layer together to increase turnout.
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
Helpful Resource:
If you need wording ideas, use the messaging templates in the Chapter Resources library.
Partnerships increase visibility and attendance instantly.
Easy Partnership Opportunities
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.
One last thing: people are far more likely to attend when registering takes seconds.
Tips:
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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