Finding venues, negotiating with vendors, choosing menus, selecting mood music etc. is easy compared to figuring out what marketing approach will convince people to get off their couches, go online and register to attend your conference, exhibition or sporting event. Without attendees, the most fabulously organized event with scrumptious food, best entertainment and the most eloquent of speakers will pale. In fact, it is accurate to say that the success and profitability of your event hinges on your ability to convince attendees that attending your event is one of the most important things he or she will do this year.

As an event organizer, I'm sure that you pull out all the stops to build awareness about your event from print ads to emails and online banners. To aid your efforts, we have complied five surefire approaches that you can use in conjunction with your marketing campaigns:

Exactly what you asked for: When you organize an event, you can work with the assumption that at least 1% of attendees were actively looking for an event like yours. Approach number one focuses on this target group. Here you inform these already interested individuals that the event they were looking for is finally here. For example, if you are organizing an event that discusses the various challenges and concerns an industry faces; your campaign can include few lines about how ‘you have researched with industry visionaries across the region to gather the industry's most important concerns and challenges'.

Hear from Experts: If you are organizing a conference, you can try approach number two, wherein you inform your potential audience that they will hear from and debate with industry leaders from all over the world at your conference.

Meet the right people: Networking is important aspect for any business. Approach number three emphasizes that conferences, exhibitions and other events provide attendees with the opportunity to meet the right people, create new business alliances and boost revenue streams.

Explore marketing strategies from around the world: Conferences and exhibitions are a wonderful opportunity to learn about current market trends and strategies used by others in the business. Approach number four informs potential attendees that they will hear industry innovators talk about their latest project plans and directions. By knowing what is curently happening and what to expect in the near future, they ensure that their business strategies are in-line with the best. They can even start doing business on the conference floor!

Proven track record: One common fear that stops people from registering for an event is uncertainty. This is especially true when dealing with individuals new to the industry. These individuals are still trying to find their feet and have doubts on whether they should take time away from their business to attend an event that may or may not be useful. These doubts are a menace to your attendance numbers. You can reassure these potential attendees and encourage them to register by including a short summary of who you are and your track record in the industry. For example, 5 years and running strong! We have been bringing together persons from all parts of the hospitality industry to discuss trends and growth opportunities for the past 5 years.

By using any one or even all five of these approaches, you ensure that your event appeals to the mindsets of all types of attendees.