Where is the event marketing community?
Is there a professional, supportive community for Events Marketing? And how can I join them?!
Events marketing is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, and having access to a professional, supportive community can be incredibly valuable for anyone working in the industry. Fortunately for those in the events marketing space, many different resources and communities are available for events marketing professionals.
It’s not what you know, it’s who you know and these resources are the best way to add new names to the “whose” you know!
What we’re going to cover:
Professional Organisations
Joining a professional organisation is one of the best ways to connect with other events marketing professionals. If you’re based in the UK, some popular organisations in the field that we’ve come across include:
The Marketing Meetup: While not strictly an Events Marketing organisation, The Marketing Meetup is a vibrant marketing-based community. With over 200 Marketing events held in-person and virtually every year, regular newsletters, and a podcast that brings together professionals from all sectors of the industry; if you’re not part of this community already, now’s the time to get on board.
The Institute of Promotional Marketing: A professional body that provides training, resources, and networking opportunities for marketing professionals working in the promotional marketing industry, which includes events marketing.
The Event Production Show: Stepping away from digital marketing; when setting up an event, you’ll need to utilise the latest tools of the trade. This trade show focuses on the events industry and provides networking opportunities, as well as a chance to see the latest products and services.
The Event Services and Suppliers Association: Although not marketing-specific, the ESSA is a trade association that represents businesses that provide services and supplies to the events industry. The organisation provides informative and accredited training if you’re starting out in the events industry.
The Meetings Industry Association: Again this association is an industry body that’s geared to, represents and supports the UK meetings and events sector. As you’ll see from their website they promote the value and benefits of face-to-face meetings and events so are worth keeping an eye on.
If you’re based in the US, here are some similar organisations we’ve come to know:
International Live Events Association: Joining the organisation gives you the opportunity to gain professional accreditation as a Certified Special Events Professional that shows clients, vendors, and industry peers that you have invested the time and energy it takes to become one of the best in live events.
Professional Convention Management Association: Geared towards planners and strategists, this community highlights news and trends, industry jobs and opportunities, and gives members access to a member forum.
Many organisations like those listed above host annual conferences, offer training and certification programs, and provide networking opportunities. We’re not going to lie, for event marketing professionals specifically the choice of event marketing specific events was limited but our favourites from these professional organisations include:
The 5 secrets of marketing leadership with Thomas Barta, Founder of The Marketing Leadership Masterclass - Takes place virtually on 21st February 2023 between 14:00 - 15:00 GMT
How to sell on social media with Kirstie Smith, Founder of Cake Agency - Takes place virtually on 7th March 2023 from 14:00 - 15:00 GMT
Social Media
Social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram have become essential tools for event marketers looking to connect with peers, share ideas, and stay informed about industry trends. Joining industry-specific groups, following relevant hashtags, and engaging with others in the community can be excellent ways to build relationships and learn from other professionals.
As with any community, the more you become a participant, the more you’re integrated into it. Here are some interesting groups, pages, and profiles to follow and become a part of:
The Marketing Millennials: With an active and engaged community feed, this page comes with relatable marketing memes along with a newsletter and podcast for your marketing eyes and ears.
The Marketing Meetup: As mentioned above, The Marketing Meetup is a great company to follow on LinkedIn. Posting regular content, events, podcasts, and newsletters. This invaluable resource is one to follow.
Conferences and Trade Shows
Attending events such as industry conferences and trade shows can be a great way to meet other professionals, learn about new trends and technologies, and expand your knowledge of the field. Many conferences and trade shows also host networking events and other engaging opportunities to connect with other professionals.
Online Communities and Informal Events
There are several online communities and forums dedicated to event marketing, as well as a range of informal in-person or virtual events. These communities often have a wealth of information, advice and other resources available, and are a great way to connect with others and learn about new developments in the field.
Marketing Subreddit: This community is stacked with heaps of useful threads and information from industry professionals. While not exclusively focused on the events marketing industry, the Reddit community covers all things marketing, and that includes events!
Meetup: A great way to meet people virtually or in real life that share a common interest. Head to the site, create an account, and search for marketing events near you! It’s so useful to be able to locate events around a given theme in your hometown.
Eventbrite: Similar to Meetup, this is the easily accessible events platform we’ve all heard of. Eventbrite allows users to browse, create, and promote local events. It’s a great resource when trying to find your local marketing community.
LinkedIn Events: Much like Meetup and Eventbrite in some ways, LinkedIn hosts a wide range of events created by individuals and organisations. Once you’ve spent time increasing your professional network on LinkedIn why not take a look at some of the events those new connections are taking part in? You might be surprised at the opportunities that are available so close to home.
Books, Blogs, Podcasts and Other Resources
There are many books, podcasts, and other resources available that provide practical tips and advice for event marketing professionals. Reading books, listening to podcasts, and following experts in the field can be a great way to gain new insights and perspectives on the industry.
Podcasts
If you’re always out and about, but need the latest news, there’s no better way to digest that much-needed information than by sticking a podcast on. Here are some great places to start:
Event Industry News: This one does exactly what it says on the tin! News from the world of marketing and events, alongside interviews with event planners, organisers, brands and agencies.
Event Tech Podcast: Listen to this to find out all the latest about tech wizardry in the events world. From what works - and what doesn’t - to new advances we can expect to see in the next few years!
Simply Sales & Marketing: For those in, or simply curious about, sales and marketing. Topics range from why attribution matters to how to go about complex selling.
The Copyblogger Podcast: Less event-focused but still crammed with useful knowledge! This podcast explores content marketing, copywriting and entrepreneurship.
This Old Marketing: Hosted by industry experts Joe Pulizzi and Robert Rose, discover the latest trends in the marketing world in these lively - and hilarious - 60-minute episodes.
With regrets - Event Industry Podcast: Tales of triumph - and trauma - from event management professionals. With Regrets delves into the demands of difficult clients, as well as celebrating successful events that asked the impossible!
Books
The ever-changing world of best practices in the marketing industry can make it seem as though books are less reliable than the updatable online content we can across. That being said, here are some great books that we think stand the test of time:
Ogivy on Advertising: Originally published in the 80s, this is undeniably one of the best books about marketing and advertising ever written. Written by the hugely influential David Ogilvy, this read will arm you with insight and advice that’s stood the test of time.
Meeting Architecture, a manifesto: If you’re responsible for organising conferences or events, this book will provide you with a set of tools for making them more effective (and make your life a whole lot easier on the way!)
The accidental Creative: How to be brilliant at a moment’s notice: Part business advice, part self-help. This book will help you harness your inner energy to come up with creative solutions when you need them most!
Event Marketing: How to Successfully Promote Events, Festivals, Conventions, and Expositions: As the events market becomes increasingly saturated, it is essential for a successful event professional to understand the use of strategic marketing plans, this book tells you how.
Made to stick: Why some ideas survive and others die: Enjoy an easy-going insight into human behaviour and the choices consumers make. From a marketing perspective, it teaches us how to ensure our ideas are understood, remembered and acted upon.
How to appear normal at social events: A whimsically illustrated book that appeals to our inner weirdo. With advice such as ‘Say things like ‘How are you?’ Never say ‘Boo boo ding dong’ - why would you say that?’ this book is perfect for anyone who’s ever felt a little out of place.
Blogs
Let’s not forget our reliable old friend, the blog! With the ability to update the information, in contrast to books, blogs can give up-to-date information and opinion pieces, right when you need them. Here are some examples:
Event Marketer: For strategy-focused event marketers and agencies, this informative platform gives you news from a massive spectrum of industries and event types.
Cvent: With an ongoing blog on the Cvent website, one of the categories they cover is of course event marketing. Learn tips about driving registration, increasing attendees' engagement, gathering leads, and analysing event data.
The Exhibition News: A magazine and website that covers the UK events industry, including news, analysis, and information on upcoming events.
EventBookings: Posts regular tips and interesting information from the world of event marketing. One particularly useful blog for those just starting out in event marketing might be Ultimate Guide to Event Marketing (15-steps).
The events marketing industry does have a strong and supportive community with many resources and opportunities for professional development, networking, and staying up to date with industry trends. Whether through professional organizations, social media, conferences, online communities, or educational resources, there are many ways to connect with and learn from other professionals in the field. Building relationships and connections with others in the industry is key to building a career in the ever-changing field of events marketing.
