7 signature event ideas to grow any business
Have you ever wondered how some businesses seem to always have something fun or exciting going on? Signature events are a big part of that! It helps businesses get noticed, bring in new customers, and keep the ones they already have coming back for more.
In this blog, we’re going to talk about signature event marketing ideas that any business can use to make things more exciting and make a mark in their community.
Check out this video to learn more about growing your signature events
1. Host a themed sales event
One idea that almost any business can pull off is a themed sales event. This signature event grabs attention and gets people excited about shopping with you. Focus on a specific theme to create a unique experience that stands out.
A good example here is from Homegrown in Decatur, Georgia. They host an annual event called “Desperate Dude Days,” which is perfect for guys who wait until the last minute to do their Christmas shopping.
Here’s how it works: Homegrown makes sure they have plenty of staff available to help these last-minute shoppers find the perfect gifts. They set the mood with snacks like Cheetos, Doritos, and Kettle potato chips, and they even play heavy metal music to keep things lively.
On top of that, they offer free gift wrapping, making the whole experience stress-free and enjoyable for their male customers. This event has become a hit because it’s fun, memorable, and tailored to their audience.
Other themed event ideas include:
- Sip and shop: A similar event for women that includes bubbly mocktails and cocktails to enjoy while getting gifts wrapped.
- Manicures or quick chair massages: Offering quick beauty treatments like manicures or chair massages during the event.
- Signature spa day event in store: Hosting a special spa day within the store as a signature event.
Deliver a unique opportunity
However, if you want to stand out, try offering something your audience loves but can’t find anywhere else. Take inspiration from the Curling League at the Office Bar and Grill in Crestwood, Illinois. Every winter, they transform their unused outdoor patio into a curling rink by laying down plastic sheets, spraying on the lines, and creating a makeshift ice area, turning Thursday nights into a must-attend event. This creative approach has made the bar a popular winter spot, showing how a unique idea can attract and retain customers.
2. Create a family fun event
Hosting a family fun event is all about keeping the kids entertained so parents can enjoy their time at your business. You can easily set this up in a retail space, a brew pub, or any other family-friendly environment. One great idea is to bring in activities like balloon animals, face painting, and simple craft projects. These keep the kids happy and occupied while their parents shop, dine, or relax with a drink.
The added bonus? When kids are engaged, parents are more likely to stay longer and spend more. You can also offer family-friendly specials or discounts during the event to make it even more appealing, making your business a favorite spot for family outings.
3. Give back with a community service event
Giving back to the community is a great way to show that your business cares about more than just profits. Organizing a community service event, like a fundraiser, can make a real difference.
Take inspiration from Mountain Brewing in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Every year, they host an event for their special “Breast Cancer Brew,” timed perfectly with the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
They invite breast cancer survivors to join in brewing the beer, adding a secret ingredient that turns it pink. All proceeds from the pink beer go back to Susan G. Komen, creating a meaningful way to give back while engaging the community.
4. Launch a drive-thru fundraiser
Convenience is everything today, and a drive-thru fundraiser makes it easy for people to support a cause without even getting out of their car. Imagine how smoothly it can run; just like the Greek Annunciation Church in Atlanta, Georgia, did during their Greek festival. They set up a drive-thru for people to pick up pre-ordered Greek food, and it worked so well that they’ve kept it going even after the pandemic.
You can do something similar with your own twist. Whether it’s serving food, handing out holiday gifts, or collecting donations, a drive-thru setup makes it easy for your community to participate and support your cause. All you need is a parking lot and a well-organized system to make it a smooth and successful event.
5. Partner with a larger community event
Collaborating with an existing local event can provide a big boost to your visibility and attendance. For instance, if there’s a children’s book festival happening at an arts festival, partner with the organizers to set up a booth or sponsor an activity like story time or author reading session. This partnership allows you to tap into the event’s audience and add value to their experience.
It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement that can attract new customers to your business while enhancing the larger event. Be sure to align your offerings with the theme of the event to make the partnership seamless and impactful.
6. Reward customers with an insider event
To throw an awesome signature event your audience will love, start by really thinking about who they are. What’s their vibe? What do they enjoy doing? For instance, if your crowd loves feeling like VIPs, you could host a special party just for them or give them a behind-the-scenes tour of your business. Or, if they’d get excited about trying something new, set up something unique that they wouldn’t normally have access to.
Take inspiration from Form Yoga in Decatur, Georgia, which hosts an annual “Gratitude Sale.” This event offers their lowest prices of the year, and while it’s publicly promoted, it’s done in a subtle way; mainly through social media and within the studio where their customers already are. This approach creates anticipation among their clients, who eagerly wait to purchase their packages at these incredibly reduced rates.
The key is to make it an experience they’ll remember and talk about. You want them to tell their friends and mark it on their calendar for next year. Go the extra mile with personalized invites, sneak peeks at new products, or special perks just for being there. And don’t forget to reward your loyal customers who keep coming back and spreading the word.
7. Engage with a contest
Hosting a contest is a fantastic way to bring people together, and nothing sparks excitement like a good costume contest. You could organize a “Best Dressed” contest at any community event, tying the theme to your business. For example, if you run a clothing store, you could have participants incorporate an accessory from your shop into their costumes. Set up a backdrop with your store’s name for photo ops, making it fun and memorable for everyone involved.
Signature events like these also serve as a great marketing tool. People love dressing up and showing off their creativity, and when they do it with a connection to your business, it’s even better.
8. How to create the perfect signature event
To create a signature event, you need to think about what people like and get others involved. For example, if you love food, you could organize a big party with different types of food like crawfish or barbecue. You could invite local food vendors to join in and bring their best dishes. They’ll get a chance to show off their food, and you’ll have a fun event with lots of tasty options!
When you work with these vendors, it’s like a team effort where everyone helps each other out. The vendors get to share their food with more people, and you get more guests who might remember your event and talk about it to their friends.
Plan your next signature event
Signature events are your chance to stand out and connect with your community in a fun, memorable way. Plan events that align with your business and excite your audience to create experiences people will remember and talk about.
From themed sales to family fun days and community fundraisers, these events help you make a real impact. The right event can make your business stand out and truly shine.
