The best events create a lasting sense of community among attendees. Today, audiences expect events to foster meaningful connections in new and creative ways. Here are four key considerations to help strengthen those connections and keep attendees coming back time and time again.
1. Community-building starts long before your event
The foundation for a strong event community starts long before the event itself. A well-structured plan, executed consistently, is key to success. Much like defining ROI goals, event organizers should start by identifying what a successful sense of community looks like for their audience. Do you want to increase repeat attendance by a certain percentage? Boost engagement in live discussions? Improve networking opportunities? Once your goals are clear, you can design a strategy to achieve them and refine it with each event. When community-building is a core part of your event strategy — not just an afterthought — you create an environment where attendees feel connected and invested in returning.
AAE bonus tip: Host a post-event Q&A with the speaker where attendees can ask questions and discuss key takeaways.
2. Keep attendees engaged after your event ends
Think about communities you’re familiar with — professional organizations, alumni networks, industry groups. These communities don’t dissolve after a single meeting, and your event community shouldn’t either. Event professionals should create spaces where attendees can connect before, during, and after the event. Whether through social media groups, an event app, or a dedicated online forum, providing a platform for ongoing discussions ensures your audience stays engaged long after the event concludes.
This kind of continuous engagement doesn’t just maintain interest — it also fuels future events. When attendees remain active in the conversation, you gain valuable insight into their interests, allowing you to tailor future programming to their needs.
AAE bonus tip: Let attendee discussions shape the topics for future events. This ensures your programming aligns with what truly matters to your audience.
3. Utilize the right speakers to foster event connections
Speakers do more than deliver keynotes — they can play an integral role in fostering connections among attendees. In our 20-plus years in the industry, we’ve helped thousands and thousands of event planners secure the perfect speakers for their events and seen first-hand the unmistakable impact it has on the attendee experience. Consider selecting speakers who are not only experts in their field but also skilled in audience engagement. Whether through interactive Q&A sessions, panel discussions, or smaller breakout groups, speakers can help bridge the gap between attendees and facilitate deeper conversations.
AAE bonus tip: Choose speakers who encourage dialogue by incorporating real-time audience participation, such as live polling or workshops.
4. Make networking a priority at your events
Strong event communities thrive on meaningful networking opportunities. While structured networking sessions can be effective, consider incorporating informal ways for attendees to connect, such as meet-and-greet lounges, themed discussion tables, or even gamified networking challenges. Ensure these opportunities are accessible to all attendees by providing clear navigation, offering ASL interpreters, and considering alternative networking formats for those who may have mobility or sensory needs. The easier it is for attendees to interact naturally, the more likely they are to build lasting relationships.
AAE bonus tip: Create an event ambassador program where past attendees welcome newcomers and help introduce them to others in the community.
Events that successfully foster a sense of community will stand out. The most successful event professionals recognize that community-building isn’t just a nice addition — it’s an essential element that enhances the overall event experience and drives long-term engagement.
As you refine your approach, AAE is here to help. With years of experience supporting event professionals in creating impactful, community-driven experiences, we can guide you through the speaker booking process and help you deliver events that leave a lasting impression. Come find out why 98% of our clients would recommend us.
