What a great Convention that we had, and to quote our Regional Manager, “This Association’s Annual Convention was one of the best I have attended. The events, meals, sessions, and activities were well planned and timed perfectly. Other associations could learn from the organization and planning that this association provided.”
This could not have been accomplished without you, the Members and Officers of this great Association. For that I THANK-YOU!!
As requested, I am sharing the tips for promoting interest in the Lodge. Please share with all, and post within your Lodge Homes.
Networking Events:
Networking event provides an opportunity for both members and non-members to meet and engage. These events typically provide plenty of opportunity for attendees to connect.
Refreshments and an energizing location help create a loose vibe. Current members can connect with each other and bring colleagues and friends who are ideal potential new members. Make sure to have plenty of membership info for prospective members to check out.
After the event, follow-up with non-members to see if they’d like to officially join the organization. This would be an ideal time to offer a discount or enhanced member benefits.
Host a “Bring a Friend” Event:
Hosting a “Bring a Friend” event is a powerful way to introduce potential members to your lodge in a welcoming and personal setting. Encourage your current members to invite colleagues or friends who may be interested in joining, creating an opportunity for them to experience your Lodge’s community and benefits firsthand.
This type of event can be anything from a casual networking mixer to a structured workshop allowing guests to interact with both staff and members, ask questions, and learn more about the value of membership.
To enhance the impact, offer incentives such as a discount on membership fees for guests who join during or shortly after the event. You can also reward the referring members with perks like drink tickets or Moose Bucks.
This approach not only helps you grow your membership base but also strengthens the sense of community among existing members, making them active participants in the process.
Lunch or Happy Hour:
Having lunch or drinks is considered a more personal way to network in comparison to larger events. You may want to consider hosting a meal exclusively for prospective members at the Lodge. This can be combined with a small workshop or guest speaker to deliver more value.
It is also possible to organize a happy hour event that is open to both members and non-members. Request that members invite guests to be introduced to the organization. Pamphlets should be provided, and members of the membership committee should be available to answer any questions and show off the benefits of membership.
Run a Charitable Event:
Lodges hosting charitable events demonstrate their dedication to the community. These events also generate positive publicity and attract potential members who want to contribute. When promoting the event, emphasize member participation and the impact they can make.
Additionally, consider offering a discounted membership rate to non-profit employees or volunteers who attend and express interest in joining. Follow up promptly after the event to sign up new members while their enthusiasm for the cause is still fresh.
Host a Skills Workshop:
Hosting free or low-cost workshops is an effective way to demonstrate an organization’s commitment to the community. The educational content provides value to attendees while showcasing the strengths of the membership base.
Offer a promotional membership rate for non-members who participated in a workshop to convert them into members. Make sure to capture their contact info at the workshop for follow up.
It’s really easy to open up your Lodge Home and introduce your communities to all of the great things that we do.
Until next time – take care, be safe, and keep on being a Moose.
Mike, TM/Liaison
Territory Manager