Hosting virtual events is a great way to bring people together, make friends, and share fun experiences. But sometimes, it can be hard to get enough people to join. Here are easy steps to help you get more participants, written in a way that’s easy to follow.
1. Know Who You Want to Invite
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Think about who would enjoy your event.
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Ask yourself: What do they like? What do they need?
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Example: If you are hosting a craft class, your audience might be people who like art or making things.
Tip: Write down a short list of people or groups you want to invite.
Make Your Event Sound Exciting
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Tell people why your event is fun or helpful.
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Example phrases:
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“Learn a new craft and make friends!”
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“Play fun games with people across Ohio.”
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Focus on what people will get from your event, not just what it is.
Make It Easy to Join
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Use a simple platform like Zoom or Google Meet.
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Send clear instructions: how to log in, what time, and what to bring.
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Remind people before the event: the day before and the day of.
Tip: Make sure the login steps are very clear. You can even make a short guide with pictures.
Invite People in Different Ways
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Email: Send a short message about the event.
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Social media: Share a post with the event link.
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Text or call friends: Sometimes a personal invite works best.
Tip: Ask your current friends or participants to invite people they know.
Show Your Event on a Simple Landing Page
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Make a small page or post about the event. Include:
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Name of the event
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Date and time
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What people will do or learn
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How to sign up
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Use big letters and simple words.
this would only apply in the add an event to the calendar link here
Make People Feel Welcome
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Start the event with introductions.
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Say hello to everyone and encourage them to share.
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Let people know it’s okay to ask questions.
Tip: Smile, be friendly, and use easy words. Your energy makes people want to stay.
This part is very important as a We Thrive Host. If your NOT happy neither will your audience be which could lead to them slowly fading away from your event.
Offer Fun Extras
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Give people something to look forward to:
if you open the room earlier be prepared with jokes or something fun for the audience to look forward to before the main event starts.
Share Stories and Feedback
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ask people about past events and even the current event and what they liked about the events.
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Example: “Last week, 10 people joined our game night and had so much fun!” “What was your favorite part of the event?”
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Ask participants especially those in the event in the past for feedback to improve your next event.
Make Your Event Accessible
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Make sure all participants can enjoy the event.
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Use captions or sign language if needed.
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Keep instructions clear and repeat them if necessary.
- If a participant needs there mic to stay unlock but there not interrupting allow this as its a key component to keep them coming back.
Keep Promoting and Reminding
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Post reminders in your social media groups or email list.
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Share updates or sneak peeks before the event.
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Example: “Tomorrow, we will make paper flowers! Don’t forget to join!”
11. Have Fun and Be Yourself
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People join events because they feel the host is friendly and caring.
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Show your personality. Laugh, smile, and enjoy the time together.
Also, don’t forget to ask them to invite a friend or two if they enjoyed it themselves as this keeps them coming back and could help boost your attendance up.
Quick Checklist for Hosts
✅ Know your audience
✅ Explain why the event is fun or helpful
✅ Make it easy to join
✅ Invite people in many ways
✅ Use simple words and pictures
✅ Make people feel welcome
✅ Offer small extras or prizes
✅ Share success stories
✅ Keep your event accessible
✅ Remind participants before the event
✅ Enjoy yourself and be friendly
✅ Follow up and thank attendees
Tip for Hosts with Disabilities:
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Break tasks into small steps and focus on one thing at a time.
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Use tools like checklists, reminders, or simple templates.
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Ask a friend or volunteer for help if needed.