Define the purpose of your event. Your purpose will greatly influence how you promote. For example, an outreach youth event will be promoted very differently than a volunteer appreciation dinner or a fundraiser or a straight up comedy show.
Discuss your purpose with your performer(s). They not only need to understand your event to properly serve you but they may have suggestions with regard to promotion.
Find out what promotional material the performers can supply.
Set a budget based on printing, distribution, and advertising.
Brainstorm everyone you can think of who might be interested in the show or might have contacts who would be interested.
Delegate people to promote the event to the people you’ve brainstormed. Set up accountability to encourage your people to follow through.
Make it easy and attractive for people to attend your event. Personally, invite people you know. Even offer rides, have dinner together before or after the event.
Tie your event in with something else that will appeal to the same audience. Give them more than one reason to be there. For example, have an entertainment evening as part of a conference or anniversary celebration. Make it a fundraiser for a cause that is close to the hearts of many.
