How to Increase Conference Attendance: Real Stories from Members and Speakers

“We are your people. Come … and be among your people.”

Looking to increase conference attendance for your association’s next big event? In today’s crowded event calendar, encouraging members to register is a key challenge. The most compelling arguments for attending often come directly from those who’ve experienced it, or the experts shaping its content.

Watch a 1-minute video showing the power of attendee testimonials.

The Impact of Member Testimonials on Conference Attendance

Hearing directly from peers about their positive experiences at past conferences can be very influential. When your members share their personal takeaways—the specific learning, networking connections, or unique feeling of being part of the event—it creates a picture that speaks to potential attendees. It helps them envision their own experience and the tangible value they would gain, directly helping to increase event registrations.

“There is something about meeting in person where you can really dive deep.”

Attendees consistently highlight the deep sense of belonging and community they find. As one member put it, “AAMSE is the one place I can meet with people who understand what I do for my job and it’s the place I feel like I belong.” Many describe the conference as feeling like a reunion with cherished colleagues, offering unique networking opportunities. Members also value informal discussion sessions where they can “offer solutions to all … that we are facing,” gaining tangible takeaways for their practice.

Gathering these honest accounts can be challenging, especially with geographically dispersed members. Studio E helps associations overcome this. We capture these important perspectives, ensuring clear audio and video quality, whether in-person or remotely, making it straightforward to collect a range of credible voices that speak to the core benefits of your conference.

Leveraging Speaker Expertise for Higher Registrations

Beyond member experiences, the expertise presented at your conference is a primary draw. Showcasing your speakers provides a direct preview of the knowledge and insights attendees can expect. Featuring concise clips of your key presenters offers a glimpse into the quality of the educational program. Speaker promotion for events is crucial for building anticipation and encouraging sign-ups.

“I come every year because the world changes that much every year.”

Attendees frequently emphasize the high quality and relevance of educational content. Many appreciate the convenience of getting all their continuing education credits in one spot, ensuring they “hear something new every year” as the world changes. The conference provides a platform for people passionate about “getting better at what they do every day,” making it a vital resource for professional development.

Studio E helps you select and refine existing video of your speakers. We focus on highlighting moments that convey their expertise and the relevance of their topics, allowing you to spotlight the content that defines your conference. These short previews serve as a clear invitation to learn from leaders in the field and are a vital part of any effective event marketing strategy.

Video as a Strategic Tool to Increase Conference Attendance

Thinking of a conference promotion video as a strategic asset, rather than just a marketing piece, can transform your approach to attendance. By effectively sharing member experiences and significant speaker insights through video, you provide compelling reasons for people to prioritize your event. Communicating the value directly influences registration decisions, contributing to increased attendance that offsets the video production investment. It’s a powerful way to engage your audience before they even arrive, leading to better conference attendance results.

Beyond formal learning, unique aspects of a conference also add appeal. As one attendee enthusiastically noted, “Puppies. I heard the puppies are great. Everyone loves the puppies. So those will definitely be coming back.”