During our recent “Make Your Event an Easy YES” workshop, advisors shared so many creative and successful event ideas that we knew we had to package them up and share more broadly. From summer BBQs to memorable Pi Day pizza parties, these are the types of events that leave lasting impressions and help you connect with clients and prospects on a deeper level.
Whether you’re looking to attract new leads, strengthen existing relationships, or simply stand out in your community, these advisor-tested events offer proven ways to grow your practice through meaningful connections. Here are the 15 event ideas shared by your peers – complete with real results and practical tips you can use for inspiration or your next event.
Summer BBQ that Attracts Referrals
Barbecues, birthday celebrations, and open houses aren’t just about saying “thanks.” They’re relationship engines. One advisor reported generating over $6 million in new business from referrals and prospects who attended a summer BBQ. These events give clients a natural reason to bring friends and family members, creating warm introductions in a relaxed setting.
The Power of Shred Events
Shred events offer a unique mix of security and community service for advisors’ clients and prospects. People bring sensitive documents, enjoy coffee and conversation, and leave with peace of mind – and your business card. It’s a practical idea that positions you as someone who cares about their financial security.
Educational Lunch and Learns
Lunch and Learn events remain effective because they’re educational and interactive. Advisors offer insights on retirement, long-term care, or market trends over lunch at a local café or conference room. One standout strategy includes bundling a relevant book with the catered lunch to enhance attendance and provide a valuable takeaway.
How Social Security Seminars Convert Prospects
Social Security remains one of the most in-demand topics for pre-retirees. Offering a no-pressure, information-rich seminar positions you as a helpful expert rather than a salesperson. One advisor noted that these events draw not only current clients but also curious prospects who are actively exploring retirement planning options.
Tax Strategy Workshops
Workshops like “Creating Tax Efficient Retirement Strategies” attract attendees who are serious about their financial future. Present actionable strategies, distribute helpful checklists, and provide worksheets they can take home. When people receive practical advice they can use immediately, they remember your name when it’s time to take action..
We All Scream for Ice Cream (Socials)
Family-friendly and cost-effective, ice cream socials are a fun way to deepen existing relationships while attracting new families. One advisor held theirs right in the office parking lot. Add a few lawn games, and you’ve got an engaging community event that builds genuine connections without breaking the budget
Golf Tournaments for High-Net-Worth Leads
Golf isn’t just a sport – it’s a networking platform. Charity golf tournaments or VIP tee-times with CPA partners naturally draw affluent individuals. Whether you’re hosting clients or community leaders, golf events provide hours of relaxed conversation time for meaningful relationship building.
Food Truck Nights That Keep Guests Coming
Food truck nights bring energy, variety, and community buzz to your events. The advisor who shared this event idea had over 300 attendees at their food truck night. Talk about brand awareness – you never forget who introduces you to your new favorite food.
Baseball Games and VIP Suites
Baseball games let you mix client appreciation with prospecting. Whether you book a group section or a private suite, these events naturally encourage conversations. One advisor invited 150 clients to a ballgame, using it to connect with referrals and introduce team members.
Fall Festivals at Local Farms
Pumpkins, cider, and hayrides create perfect backdrops for memorable conversations. Fall festivals attract multi-generational families, significantly expanding your reach beyond just your primary client contacts. Consider sponsoring a corn maze or arranging mini-photo sessions for added engagement and social media buzz.
Partnering with CPAs for CE Events
Hosting CPA continuing education events builds powerful referral pipelines with minimal effort. You provide the venue and coordinate speakers; they bring their professional networks. These educational workshops demonstrate your expertise while building trust with key centers of influence who can refer high-value clients.
Virtual Events for Out-of-State Clients
Out-of-state clients often miss the perks of in-person events. Advisors now host virtual events like cooking classes, baking nights, and even magic shows to maintain relationships with remote clients. The secret sauce? Send ingredient kits or tasting boxes beforehand to create a shared, tangible experience that feels personal despite the digital format.
Bourbon and Wine Tastings
Sophisticated, small-group events like these are perfect for VIP clients and top prospects. The intimate setting encourages deeper conversations, and pairing the tasting with a brief market outlook presentation adds educational value.
Scam Awareness with Local FBI Agents
Advisors working with older demographics have found tremendous success with fraud prevention seminars. Partner with local FBI representatives who handle the educational content while you manage logistics and follow-up. Attendees leave feeling more secure and often more loyal to the advisor who prioritized their safety.
Pi Day Pizza Parties
Who knew Pi Day (March 14) could generate business? Advisors use this quirky holiday as an excuse to invite client families for pizza and math-themed activities. It’s low-cost, memorable, and gives you a unique brand story that clients love sharing with friends.4
Advisor Event Ideas to Leave a Lasting Impression
The most successful advisors aren’t just focused on filling seats – they’re creating genuine, memorable experiences that naturally evolve into stronger relationships and quality referrals. Whether you’re grilling at a summer BBQ or leading a tax efficiency workshop, these events are powerful opportunities to demonstrate value, build trust, and meaningfully expand your reach.
The key is choosing events that align with your personality, your client base, and your practice goals. Start with one or two that excite you most, execute them well, and build from there.
Leverage FMG for Effortless Event Management
We make it easy to market effectively. Everything you need – website, email, social media, blogs, events, video and printed cards – all in one place. Whether you’re trying to reach retirees, millennials, or more, this marketing platform is the one for you.
FIND OUT MORE HEREFAQs
What is the best type of advisor event for new leads?
Workshops on retirement or tax strategy tend to draw new prospects who are seeking help with specific financial challenges.
How do I promote an advisor event effectively?
Use email, LinkedIn, and personal invitations. Most advisors in the field prefer email as the primary channel, often paired with 2-3 reminders.
How many events should I host each year?
Advisors report success with 2-5 high-quality events annually. Too many can dilute your focus. Too few may stall growth.
Can virtual events generate leads like in-person ones?
Yes – especially when they’re interactive. Send kits ahead of time, include live elements, and follow up quickly.
What’s a good budget per attendee?
Depending on the format, advisors tend to spend $25 to $150 per person, with more formal or VIP events costing more.
How can I convert event attendees into clients?
Follow up within 48 hours. Use thank-you emails, book meetings on-site, and personalize outreach based on conversations at the event.
