Conference Engagement
How to Keep People Interested
At Ansley Corporate Entertainment, we know that planning a conference is a big job. You want your event to be fun, helpful, and something people remember. But one of the hardest parts is keeping people interested the whole time. That’s what we call conference engagement.
When you have good conference engagement, people pay attention, get involved, and enjoy being there. They learn more, meet new people, and leave with great memories.
In this blog, we’ll show you simple ways to make your next event more exciting and engaging. These tips are easy to use, fun, and made to help everyone have a great time.
Get People Excited Before the Conference
Before your conference even starts, start sharing updates on social media. Show behind-the-scenes videos, fun facts, or quotes from your speakers and presenters. You can even post short videos saying what people should expect.
Ask people questions like:
"What are you most excited for?"
"Which speaker do you want to hear from most?"
This helps people feel like they are part of something, even before they arrive.
Send Helpful Emails
Send friendly emails that tell guests what to expect. Share maps, parking info, and tips on what to bring. If there’s a dress code or special events, let them know.
You can also ask what they want to learn. This way, you’re leveraging event feedback to help you prepare better.
Use Fun Countdowns
People love countdowns! Use your event app or social media to count down the days. Share a new fact, speaker highlight, or giveaway each day.
Start Strong
The first hour of your event matters a lot. Don’t begin with long speeches. Try something fun! Maybe a short game, a funny story from a host, or upbeat music.
People should feel like, “Wow, this is going to be fun!” right from the start.
Use Speed Networking
This is a fantastic opportunity to keep your engagement going. People sit across from each other and talk for 3-5 minutes. Then they switch.
It’s fast, easy, and gets people talking. It’s one of the best networking opportunities at any conference.
Let People Join the Conversation
Let your audience talk, too! After a speaker gives a talk, let guests ask questions. Or use live polls where people can vote on something in real-time.
It makes the event feel more like a team effort—not just a one-way talk.
Post Live on Social Media
During the event, post fun photos, quotes from sessions, and live updates on social media. Ask guests to post too, using a hashtag.
You can even pick a few lucky winners each day who win a prize for posting. This is a fun way to keep attendees engaged.
Mix It Up
Don’t have only long speeches. Try:
Panel talks where a few people chat about a topic
Group activities or challenges
Hands-on demos
Trivia games
Quick breaks with music or dancing
These small changes help people stay focused and have fun.
Make Time for Rest
Breaks matter! Give people time to grab a snack, check their phones, or talk with friends. A tired crowd won’t stay engaged, no matter how great your speakers are.
Add quiet lounges or coffee spots where guests can relax.
After the Conference: Keep the Energy Going
10. Thank Everyone
When the event ends, send a thank-you email. Say how much you loved having them there. Add photos from the event, links to videos, and even a fun highlight reel.
This is the start of your post event engagement.
11. Share the Best Moments
Upload pictures, speaker quotes, and your top moments on social media. This helps people relive the fun—and gets others interested in your next event.
12. Ask What They Thought
Send a short feedback survey. Keep it simple:
What did you like most?
What could be better?
Would you come again?
This gives you real info to help you plan even better next time.
13. Keep in Touch
Stay connected. Invite attendees to a private group on Facebook or LinkedIn. Share updates, fun facts, or news about future events.
You’re building a community—not just holding a one-time event.
What Conference Engagement Really Means
Conference engagement isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making sure people feel included, involved, and excited. When guests feel like they matter, they’re more likely to learn, network, and enjoy the whole experience.
To wrap it up, here are a few key ideas:
Use social media before, during, and after the event
Try out speed networking to get people talking
Let the audience talk and join the action with real-time tools
Offer different types of fun to keep energy high
Don’t forget your post event engagement plan!
At Ansley Corporate Entertainment, we’re here to help you create amazing events. We know what it takes to keep attendees engaged and excited from start to finish.
Want help planning your next event?
Reach out to our team. Let’s make your conference the one everyone talks about!
