5+ Pre-event Engagement Strategies to Excite Your Attendees

Getting someone to register for your event is a huge win, but keeping your event attendees engaged until they arrive? That's another story. But luckily, great pre-event marketing strategies can help set you up for success.

From the moment you confirm their registration ticket to the day of the event, it's up to you to prime your audience for connection.

Here's how to build anticipation, generate buzz, and reduce no-shows to host a more engaging event and keep energy high from “You’re Registered!” to “See You There!”<

Keep Your Attendees Engaged Before an Event:

1. Start with an upbeat, friendly event welcome email.

As soon as someone registers, send an automated welcome email. This is the perfect time to thank them for registering and give them a quick preview of what they can look forward to.

Not sure where to start? Consider mentioning a details to look forward to. Maybe it’s a great speaker, a cool networking activity, or something unique about the experience.

The key to event email marketing is to send multiple email touchpoints to attendees. Over the next few weeks, send a few short emails to keep the excitement going.

You can highlight a guest speaker, share helpful tips, or link to useful event resources. A simple checklist or reminder email a few days before the event can help people feel ready and confident.

Here's an example event welcome email:

Subject Line: 🙌 You’re In! Welcome to [Event Name]

Body: Hi [First Name],

Thanks for registering for [Event Name] – we’re so excited to have you with us!

Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with [inspiring speakers], [hands-on workshops], and [fun networking opportunities]. Whether you're here to learn, connect, or just have a great time, there's something special waiting for you.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be sending you short updates with helpful tips, speaker highlights, and sneak peeks at what’s to come. Stay tuned — you won’t want to miss it!

📆 Add this event to your calendar here: [link]

⌚ Event Date: [Event Date]

📍 Event Location: [Event Location or virtual link]

We can't wait to see you there!

— The [Event Name] Team

P.S. Follow us on [Social Media Link] to join the conversation and stay up to date.

2. Use social media to share the excitement.

Your event's social media pages are a great place to keep people engaged. You can post behind-the-scenes videos, quick updates, or speaker shoutouts.

Short interviews, setup progress, or sneak peeks are all great ways to show people what’s coming. Try to keep the posts fun and easy to share.

If people feel excited and involved, they may tag their friends or repost. This helps spread the word and keeps your event top of mind for those already attending.

Here's a list of sample social media posts to inspire you:

• Behind the Scenes – Post a time-lapse of your team setting up the venue or prepping materials.
• Meet the Speaker! – Share a fun fact or quote from one of your keynote speakers with a photo or short video clip.
• Throwback Moment – Post a highlight from last year’s event with the caption “Remember this? It’s about to get even better.”

3. Start conversations before your event.

Try asking your audience simple questions on social media. You might ask which speaker they’re excited about or what snack they bring to every conference. These small, fun questions can help start conversations and build a sense of community.

When people post about your event or tag you in their own content, share it. This shows that you’re paying attention and makes attendees feel seen and appreciated. It also helps others get excited too.

Here are some audience engagement questions to steal:

• What’s your favorite part of attending events like this?
• What song gets you hyped for a big day?
• Show us your setup if you're joining virtually!
• What’s one thing you bring to a conference?
• Which speaker are you most excited to hear from?
• What’s one question you hope gets asked during [Speaker]'s session?
• Tag a friend or colleague you're attending with!
• Share your best conference selfie!

4. Surprise attendees by giving them extra perks.

People enjoy surprises and feeling like insiders. Offering a few perks to your attendees can help keep them engaged. This might be a playlist created by one of the speakers, early access to the schedule, or a short guide to help them prepare.

You can also invite people to join a private online group where they can connect with others before the event. Small touches like this make the experience feel more personal and special.

Need event perk ideas? Here are our favorites:

• Random prize giveaways for early registrants
• Discount codes for event merch or sponsor products
• A digital goodie bag with free trials, downloads, or templates
• Early access to exclusive session recordings or interviews
• Downloadable phone or desktop wallpapers with event branding

5. Make the wait fun with contests.

Gamification s a great way to build energy as the event gets closer. You might post a trivia question ask people to share a photo for a chance to win something.

Prizes can be small, like event swag or a special upgrade. The main goal is to keep the excitement going and give people a reason to interact with your content.

When someone wins, announce it online and thank them for taking part. This helps show that you're paying attention and adds to the buzz around your event.

Looking for easy event gamification ideas?

Watch the video below for inspiration from me! This video breaks down 7 proven gamification strategies to get your attendees talking, networking, and having fun.

6. Help people feel prepared.

A few days before the event, send a helpful “Know Before You Go” email. Include the basics, like directions, parking info, and what to bring. Remind people of any big sessions they won’t want to miss.

This is also a good time to include links to your website, event tools, or social media pages. That way, attendees can easily find anything they need. Ending on a clear and upbeat note helps reduce stress and builds excitement.

Here's an example "Know Before You Go" email:

Subject Line: ✅ Know Before You Go: [Event Name] Essentials

Body: Hi [First Name],

We’re so excited to welcome you to [Event Name] on [Event Date] at [Venue Name & Address]. Before you arrive, here’s everything you need to know to feel confident and prepared:

📍 Location & Directions

[Venue Name]
[Street Address]
[City, State, Zip]
[Link to Map or GPS location]

🚗 Parking Info

Parking is available at [Garage/Lot Name]
Cost: [$XX/day or Free]
Additional options: [Public transport details, rideshare drop-off, etc.]

🎟 What to Bring

Your digital or printed event pass (check your inbox!)

Valid photo ID

Notebook or laptop (optional)

[Anything else specific to your event: water bottle, business cards, etc.]

👗 What to Wear

Business casual or smart casual encouraged

Bring comfy shoes for walking between sessions!

📅 Must-See Sessions

Here are a few highlights you won’t want to miss:

[Session Title] – [Speaker Name], [Time, Room #]

[Session Title] – [Panel or Activity], [Time, Room #]

Check the full schedule here: [Link to agenda or event app]

🌐 Stay Connected

Explore more before you arrive:

[Event Website]

[Event App or Tool]

Follow us on [Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter]

Need Help?

Check out our FAQ or reply to this email with any questions.

Or, reply to this email with further questions.

[Signature]

7. Bonus: Keep the connections going!

When you stay in touch with attendees between registration and event day, it makes a big difference. People are more likely to show up, feel connected, and enjoy the experience.

These simple steps can work for both in-person and online events. They help create a stronger connection with your audience and keep your event top of mind.

After the event, don’t forget to send a quick survey. Ask what people enjoyed and what could be better next time. This feedback helps you grow and improve future events.

If you want your next event to succeed, start with strong, simple communication. Keep it fun, helpful, and easy to follow. The more you connect early, the more your attendees will look forward to being there.