As the state body supporting local bridge clubs and members, Bridge NSW is committed to helping you maximise participation in your congresses. Some strategies for promoting your congress are detailed below:
Pre-event planning
Set clear objectives: Define your target audience and attendance goals. Determine if you’re aiming for local players, interstate competitors, or a mix of both.
Choose the right date: Avoid scheduling conflicts with other major bridge events such as State Championships and ABF-licensed events. Consult the Bridge NSW Event Calendar to select an optimal date for your congress. Then complete and submit a congress application form for approval.
Create a compelling event package: Offer attractive prizes, engaging side events, and consider partnering with local businesses for special accommodation or dining offers for participants.
Digital marketing strategies
Use your club website: Create a dedicated event page with all relevant information including dates, venue, entry fees, and registration details.
Use social media: Use your club’s page to share share your congress’ details and engage with potential participants. You can have your congress promoted in the Bridge NSW monthly newsletter by emailing the A4 event flyer to comms@bridgensw.com.au. The monthly deadline for the newsletter is the second last Friday of each month.
Email marketing: Send targeted emails to your club members and past congress participants. Include a clear call-to-action for registration.
Online bridge forums: Promote your congress on popular bridge forums and discussion boards to reach a wider audience of enthusiasts.
Traditional marketing methods
Flyers: Design eye-catching flyers to display at you club and on MyABF. You can also have your flyer included in the monthly edition of our newsletter “Bridging NSW” – just email it to bridging@bridgensw.com.au before the final Wednesday of each month to see it included in the following month’s edition.
Word-of-mouth: Encourage your club members to spread the word about the upcoming congress to their bridge-playing friends and acquaintances.
Local media: Contact local newspapers or community radio stations for potential coverage or advertising opportunities.
Partnerships and collaborations
Cross-promote with other clubs: Partner with nearby clubs to promote each other’s congresses and potentially offer package deals for multiple congresses.
Sponsor engagement: Seek local business sponsorships to enhance your event’s appeal and potentially cover some promotional costs.
Post-registration engagement
Regular updates: Keep registered participants engaged by sending periodic updates about the event, including any new additions or changes.
Create anticipation: Share teasers about special features of your congress such as guest speakers or unique tournament formats.
Post-event follow-up
Early-bird promotions: Offer discounts for the next congress to past participants, encouraging repeat attendance.
Thank you and feedback: Send personalised thank you messages to all particpants, sponsors, and volunteers. Ask participants for feedback and potential future improvements.
By implementing these strategies, your club can effectively promote its congress and maximise particpation. Remember: a successful promotion is an ongoing process that starts well before the event and continues even after it concludes.