In the Ohio Valley this year, April showers bring May showers. But we know (eventually) the sun is going to come out and everything will bloom thanks in part to all of that nurturing water from the month(s) prior.

Anyone who coordinates training programs or events knows this cycle well. The program or event itself is typically the culmination of a lot of hard work. And it is the labor done long before that determines whether the event grows into something special or shrinks on the vine.

So, what can you do before a new season rolls around to make sure you refresh your programs and events?

First, start off with the common sense steps we suggested in an earlier blog. Review everything about your event – its time, date, frequency, location, venue, content, speaker(s), capacity, menu, use of technology, vendors, budget, etc.

Second, assess how you market the event. For some of you, your initial reaction might be “this isn’t applicable to me.” Perhaps your program is mandatory for employees, so why promote? In that instance, the right marketing might dramatically improve attitudes toward the course, which in turn should improve its effectiveness.

If you are marketing to reach attendance goals or grow the event, look for ways to improve upon what you have done in the past. Leverage your free or inexpensive tools such as e-mail, social media, and your website; try simple promotions to encourage registrants; and if possible (and relevant), place your event information in appropriate publications or websites. Don’t forget to tout any improvements or changes you made since the prior event, especially if they are changes in response to customer feedback.

Finally, if you no longer are a rookie using ABC Signup, you’ve probably mastered the software well enough to become adept at the basics such as setting up your event and its automated correspondence, and building your event calendar, event pages and registration forms. Perhaps this year might be the year to take advantage of ABC Signup’s themes or theme wizard tools to dress up your event pages. A nice looking page makes for a great link in your promotional e-mails to prospects.

If you need any tips or advice in using these and other ABC Signup tools, e-mail or call us (866.791.8268 ext. 0) for assistance. That’s just one of the many things we do – rain or shine!