Digital creators: How to organise a successful meet 'n' greet

26-year-old Grace Africa was part of the digital content creators attending this year's California-based annual convention for digital creators called VidCon. While the neighbouring sections were filled with fans for fellow influencers, her section was void of a soul, well except hers.

But enough of Africa's 1.3 million followers, none of whom showed up for her, it could easily be you but it doesn't have to.

Keep it casual

Do not make a big deal out of it, you will freak yourself out. Have realistic expectations and remember that unless you are a break-out artist, no one is scrambling to buy a ticket or to fill up your venue. Also, humble beginnings. Aim at a chill and casual environment that suits your audience, and recruit close friends first to help with low-key promotion.

Make it part of a bigger event

You can make it a "road to" (without necessarily naming it that) an event your audience is likely to want to attend. It is all about getting creative with strategy.

Remember, it is not about you. Kinda.

Apart from company and brand influencers, there is no current platform for digital creators to physically interact with fans, but this should not deter you or fill you with dread at the prospect of organising your own meet 'n' greet. However,

Consider hosting it online

Keep in mind that your followers are scattered all over the world or even your country, so it can be a simple pop-in to chat and say hi at the attendee's convenience.

In this way, you can start building momentum and sharing snippets of your idea of hosting a physical event.

Schedule

Create a meet 'n' greet event calendar to make it easier for you to keep it updated with new information and welcoming messages for new followers to show that you value their presence, time and participation.

Keep an agenda

Be clear about what your goal is and stick to it. Have a theme in mind (you don't have to spend too much on branding) for your audience and let the main activities start rolling on the get go. Have ice-breakers on the ready, to ease attendees into a sense of community and open conversation for the reserved and shy people.

Engage

Keep interactions simple, lighthearted and short. More people are likely to show up if they are aware that they are signing up to pop in for a quick hey and not a commitment.

Communicate the agenda clearly, not too casual (come let's vibe) and not too serious so it sounds like work. It shows responsibility and planning.

Questions and speakers

As you wrap up the event, roll out some questions to learn about the audience, what time of day is best for a meeting? How often do they want to meet? Do they prefer to meet online or in person? For in-person events, do they want to meet outdoors, at a café or a bar? What does their ideal activity look like?

Follow up

Show your gratitude for the turn-up, and follow it up with a message about the event, what you achieved, future plans and excitement for growth.

Share content from the event and give shout-outs to outstanding attendees.

Check it out here!