CU Marketing Corner
Bringing your community together is an important part of serving your members with different opportunities to further their financial futures. A very popular way to do this is by putting on an event like your annual meeting, financial literacy classes and programs, reality fairs, branch openings, anniversary events, marathons, shred days, sports tournaments, etc. No matter how big or small the event, you will want to consider these steps to be prepared and well-presented in your next credit union event planning.
1. Develop a vision, team, and budget
- You’ll want to begin with your very initial stage of planning. This is where you set a general vision of what you would like to work toward as a final product. For this to happen you should gather a team and share this vision with them, delegate certain aspects of the event, and brainstorm until your vision is all agreed upon, within a set budget.
2. Set a date, venue, and attendance number
- From your vision begins the reality-building, by setting a date that considers the many schedules and events happening in your community and year-round holiday calendars. This date will correspond to venue availability and pricing, as well as a better estimate of the number of community members who would be able to attend.
3. Gather partners, sponsors, and vendors
- With your more concrete event details set in stone, you can do some networking throughout your community by meeting with local vendors and possible sponsors. Think of potential business partners who would mutually benefit from publicity and community engagement with your credit union. Ask your marketing partner for ideas with credit union event planning.
4. Begin event branding and event marketing
- With actual, confirmed aspects in place to make your vision a reality, you can now begin to share your vision with the community. Here is a chance to sell the benefits and excitement you have built with your team and community partners. Branding and tangible promotions are great for creating interest. A marketing strategy plan would need to be implemented.
5. Final prep and show-time
- Put together a list of all the orders, reservations, and appointments made throughout the planning process and check off this list by confirming with each vendor and partner closer to the event. Delegate more set-up and break-down tasks to your event team and enjoy your event with your members!
Events can be stressful and difficult to put together with varied budgets, staff, and time involved. Oak Tree is always researching and drafting such content for our Credit Union Blog so that you can better take care of your credit union members and be ready for the next time you are responsible for credit union event planning!
