5 event management tips to make your event unforgettable (and less stressful)

Most event managers are brilliant at logistics. You’ve got the website live, the emails queued up, the registration system humming, the tables with name cards, and the AV team knows what plug goes where.

That’s organisation.

But… have you ever noticed how some events stick in your memory while others fade away almost as soon as the coffee cups are cleared?

It’s not usually because of better sandwiches (though, yes, sandwiches matter). It’s how organisers think beyond the basics, adding small but mighty touches that keep people engaged before, during and after the event.

Here are five ways to upgrade your event, plus some bonus hacks, written in plain English, with zero jargon, and tested by people who’ve been in the event trenches (read: us).

1. Stay top of mind (because people forget fast)

Imagine this: You send a gorgeous save-the-date in March. Your event is in October. By the time autumn rolls around, your invitees have had two job changes, 73 other invitations, and approximately 142 unread emails sitting in their inbox.

Do you think they’ll remember you?

Unless you stay in their line of sight, probably not.

Here’s how:

• Drip-feed value: Send short updates. “Our keynote is confirmed!” “New workshop just added!”
• Be useful: Share articles, videos, or a quick “3 things we’ve learned while planning this event.”
• Stay visible: Invite them to add the event site as an app on their phone’s homescreen. Your event icon becomes a little reminder they see daily.

It’s like gentle nudges rather than shouting reminders.

2. Nudge no-shows with SMS (or WhatsApp)

Event morning. The coffee is brewing. The registration desk is ready. And… your no-show list is longer than you’d like.

A simple text message can change that:
“We’re excited to welcome you at 10 am today! Best parking is in field M11. Tap here for directions 👉 .“

What’s happening here? You’re removing friction, reminding them in a personal, direct way, and solving a problem (where do I park?) before they even think about it.

You can also do this via WhatsApp; just ensure you have an explicit opt-in first.

3. Make your statistics work for you (not just your boss)

Yes, data makes for pretty slides in your post-event report. But it can also help you steer the ship in real time.

Here’s what to track while you’re still in planning mode:

• Registrations: Who’s signed up? Who hasn’t? Time for a reminder?
• Emails: Which subject lines are performing? Are your CTAs getting clicks? Adjust mid-campaign.
• Website traffic: Which sessions or speakers are people viewing most? Spotlight them in the following email.
• Surveys: Early feedback might reveal things you can tweak before the big day.

👉 Pro tip: Use your event management software to generate a one-page snapshot before each team meeting. Suddenly, decisions are based on data, not gut feelings.

4. Measure enthusiasm, not just attendance (hello, NPS)

Lots of people turning up is excellent. But did they love it? Would they tell a colleague, “You must go next year”?

That’s where the Net Promoter Score (NPS) comes in.

It’s just one question:
“On a scale of 0–10, how likely are you to recommend this event to a friend or colleague?”

Why it matters:

• Promoters (9–10): Your superfans.
• Passives (7–8): They liked it, but won’t rave about it.
• Detractors (0–6): The critics.

This single metric helps you see not just who came but who cared. And knowing who your promoters are means you can nurture them into ambassadors for your next event.

5. Keep your database alive (because data ages like milk)

People change jobs. They switch emails. They get promotions. Your database, left alone, goes stale fast.

Your registration form is a built-in data refresh tool. Every time someone signs up, they’re handing you up-to-date details.

Sync that data back to your CRM if your event software highlights what’s changed (e.g. “new job title”), even better.

A fresh database = better targeting = better events.

Bonus hacks (because who doesn’t like a shortcut?)

• Duplicate, don’t start from scratch: If you’re running a similar event, copy last year’s setup. Adjust. Done.
• Create urgency: Show remaining spots for a workshop. Scarcity drives sign-ups faster than “plenty of seats available.”
• Promote the next event early: Mention next year’s edition in your wrap-up. While people are still buzzing, let them block the date.

The bigger picture

These tips aren’t about doing more. They’re about doing it smarter.

Staying top of mind, nudging no-shows, using live data, measuring enthusiasm, and refreshing your CRM: all these flow together into a loop that keeps your events not just organised but unforgettable.

Because at the end of the day, events aren’t just dates in calendars. They’re experiences people choose to show up for. And when you respect their time, remove their friction, and keep the conversation going, they’ll not only attend… they’ll want to return.