Seminars - Anyone got any experience?

[EclipceCreate]

Hi all,

My colleague and I are looking to host a few seminars to promote our web design services up here in Preston. Our initial understanding is that we get hold of a digital projector, a screen and hire out a suitable venue (eg a hotel meeting room).

Next step is to advertise in things like local media, any leaflets we're already distributing, via the web, etc, and see who turns up.

Anyone got any experience of hosting a seminar? How'd it go, what're the pros and cons? Is it a cost-effective way of marketing services such as web design?

Many thanks,

Russell

[Belladonna]

Hi Russell -

I have hosted seminars that have been marketed by other people, and have often thought of marketing my own but I know that the marketing has got to be fairly aggressive to get bums on seats.

With regard to a seminar on web design you have got to give it an angle as I am sure you already know as there are so many web designers around, so you would need to come in with something that is action orientated.

I find seminars are great for creating trust and building your image and credibility.

Good Luck!

[Rob Holmes]

Or get a speaker that pulls crowds and sponsor the seminar.

A good speaker will cost between £500 and £5000 for the day.

Rob

[Russ]

Hi Russell

In Essex we have a thing called http://www.essexebusiness.co.uk/ I'm not sure if they run these in your neck of the woods but generally the panel of experts is made up from people within your proffession.

I'm just thinking that if they do operate a similar thing in Preston it might be worth you going to to network and see if you can do it for free through them, they are linked to Business Link and are free to attend..

I hope this helps?

Russ (yes another Russell ;-))

[EclipceCreate]

Thanks for the pointers so far guys!

What we were thinking of doing was to host a seminar aimed at SMEs to simply explain to them what the web is and why it's any use for them. Ensure that everyone attending knows who we are, then a few days after the event phone people back to see how they felt it went, what they got from it and if they're interested in using any of our services.

If we're aiming our seminars at people who may know nothing of the web, what angle can there be for them apart from, "This is the web, and this is what it can do for you"?

What about targetting specific types of business? Does anyone have any idea what kinda numbers we should be aiming for? How long should the sessions be? Anyone know of any advice elsewhere on the web?

Thanks again,

Russ :)

[easy]

Hi Russ

One way round the "bums on seats" problem is to go to them instead of trying to get them to come to you.

There are loads of business clubs out their such as Probus, Rotary etc, who usually meet once a month and are crying out for speakers.

Every town has a couple, and each one will lead you to a couple more.

All the best,

Rob

[clairemackaness]

I would suggest going along to some events run by people like www.businesslink.co.uk see how they do it and then go from there. I know that most succesfull seminars are organised by an event planner. Business Link Essex use witherington associates