How to Plan a Successful Open House?

Reatha H. CorbettSeptember 13, 2014

District 12 MARKETING WORKSHOP

Objective

Help clubs build their own open house planning kit & checklist

Goal

Members Leave Workshop Ready to plan their club’s open house

Goal and Objective

2

When – Can you Earn District’s Incentives?

What are the District’s Incentives

District 12 Toastmasters Incentives

3

Can We Talk?

Overview

1

A Warm and friendly environmentGood Food and ….A sample Toastmaster meeting

The Successful Open House

6

Organizing & Creating a Plan that generates excitement

Conducting an awesome & memorable Open House

Making a Follow-up connection with your Guest

Turn Your Open House into New Member Magnet by

7

Organizing & Creating a Plan that generates excitement

4

Set a Date

Allow 3-4 weeks to plan

Getting Started

8

Choose an Open House Chair

Food & Decoration Chair

A planning Committee

Registration Committee

Greeters

Toastmaster with helpers

Get Everyone Involved

9

Club All-star

A District officer

A Prominent Speaker

Select a Keynote Speaker

12

Promote Flyers /News Media /Social Media /email /Club Website

Other Resources Meet up /Community Bulletin Board /Zvents /EventBright

Invite family members, friends and colleagues

Ask members to help you get the word out

Invite! Invite! Invite! & then Invite Again

13

CONDUCTING AN AWESOME & MEMORABLE EVENT

10

Schedule All Open House Activities Mini Toastmaster Meeting/Demo Meeting

Speaker

Table Topics

Evaluations

Break for Refreshments Questions & Answer Session

Create a Special Agenda for The Day

15

Arrive early to set up registration table. Be sure guests sign guest book. Ensure guests feel welcome when they arrive

Introduce guests to a club officer or experienced Toastmaster

Give out name badges and guest packetsBe ready to explaining the guest packet contents and the Toastmaster

program

Registration Team

17

Food Chair/Registration Team/ Decoration Team Arrive Early

Make a First Impression

Create a Festive Environment

19

Everyone Loves Free Food Set-up a decorative Table Good networking Opportunity

Food Chair & Committee

14

Follow the agenda Monitor your time Ask for Guest Comments.

Invite guests to join

Invite them back to visit your club at their earliest convenience.

Be available to answer guests questions

Conducting The Open House Meeting

20

Making A Follow – Up Connection

10

Friendly Phone Call Write thank you notes to guests.

A hand-written thank you A personalize “thank you” email is

acceptable.

Follow – Up with Guest

20

Provide Club Contact Information

21

A Simple Open House Checklist

Choose a specific date at least a month in advance.

Select an Open House Committee.

Use an Open House Checklist to plan the event.

Create a flyer, promotional materials and social media

Post event in the Club Events Calendar/ on your club web site

Invite past members, current members and potential members

Reach out to District Open House chair if you need help.

Use an abbreviated agenda for Demo Meeting.

Provide your guests with information about Toastmasters & your club

www.toastmasters.org

22

Celebrate your ClubHave a Great Open House

&lots of fun!