It can be hard to get students to come to a speaker-based event – no matter how well you’ve planned it. You’ve got to overcome that fact that they’ve been sitting in class all week and WILL NOT come to another boring lecture. First, don’t pick a boring speaker and second promote the heck out of your event using every available channel. Budgets are tight, but these low-cost (and sometimes free) ideas can have a huge impact on the attendance at any student activities event.

1. Hang promotional posters around campus. You may have to pay a few dollars to get them printed, but you may also get the free at the campus printer or a local sponsor. Check with the speaker, too. Many speakers will have a poster template available for you to use. You have the same options with all of the printed items in this list.
    
2. Print and pass out flyers the day of the event. Make the rounds at lunch time or in other crowded places both on and off campus and give ‘em out like candy!
    
3. Place table tents in the dining hall, cafeteria and library.
    
4. Hang door hangers. Go door to door to dorm rooms and class rooms the day before the event.
    
5. Make a video. Add the announcement to the campus’ video monitors. Either create a short video commercial or just add text to the Chyron message. If you have an on campus studio or media department this will be a lot easier.
    
6. Place an ad in the school newspaper. Include the topic, speaker name, date, time and location of the event. Pay extra to add a pohoto of the speaker if necessary.
    
7. Place an ad in the local newspaper. This is a great way to invite the community, boost attendance and could be great community relations for your school! Check with your school officials on policy.
    
8. Announce the prizes in adance. Ask for donated gifts and prizes such as gift cards, school merchandise or dining hall dollars before the event. Supplement with purchased prizes, if necessary. Allow the speaker to present the giveaways as rewards for audience participation or in a contest.

NOTE: Special thanks to Dave Kelly, America’s Student Leadership Trainer℠ for a number of these tips!

PEACE.
Rick

Please give it some consideration if any of these topic areas fit your future student activities planning.

• Academic Enrichment & Study Skills
• Career and Job Fair Programs
• Diversity, Black History, Women
• Finances and Money Matters 
• Graduation & Commencement
• Orientation & First Year Experience
• Sexual Assault Awareness Programs
• Student Leadership Programs
• Professional Development Courses for Educators