Client events are evolving in 2025, offering unparalleled opportunities to connect with clients, strengthen relationships, and drive quality leads. Whether you’re hosting virtual webinars or in-person gatherings, the right approach can transform your client event into a lead-generating, referral powerhouse. In this guide, we’ll walk you through actionable strategies, creative ideas, and promotion tips to ensure every event you plan is a success.
Why a Client Event is a Must-Have in 2025
The landscape of client engagement is more dynamic than ever, and client events have become an essential part of building long-lasting relationships. Unlike traditional marketing methods, events allow you to connect with your audience on a deeper level.
99% of advisors say “If I can just get in front of people, I’ll close the deal.” (DeVoe & Company).
Events are your opportunity to do just this – get in front of people and close the deal. A well-executed client event can showcase your expertise, show your clients you understand their needs, and provide you an opportunity to generate high-quality leads.
Virtual Webinars: Maximizing Engagement and Lead Generation
Virtual webinars remain a top choice for hosting client events in 2025. They’re convenient, cost-effective, and allow you to reach a broader audience.
Key Strategies for Webinar Success
- Collaborate with Experts: Partnering with subject matter experts (SMEs) and centers of influence (COIs) can help attract a larger audience. It’s a win-win for you and the experts. Bring in an expert to speak on topics like retirement planning, tax strategies, sustainable investing, or market insights.
- Leverage Tools: Platforms like FMG Suite offer templates and content ideas to streamline the process.
- Cast a Wide Net: Know that not everyone you invite will attend – with virtual webinars, expect at least 50% of invites to be accepted. If you want more attendees, use tools like LinkedIn to promote your event and invite connections.
- Focus on Engagement: Use polls, Q&A sessions, and live chat to keep attendees engaged. Plus, asking if you interact during the webinar, you can follow up with these hot leads post-webinar.
Pro Tip: Regularly host webinars to build a loyal audience. The more value you provide, the more repeat attendees you’ll see.
Promotion: How to Get Client Referrals Through Events
Referrals are the lifeblood of any business, and events can be a fantastic way to generate them. The secret? Crafting an irresistible invitation and following up with precision.
Tips to Drive Event Sign-Ups
- Create a Compelling Registration Page: Make the benefits of attending clear. Include a mix of professional insights and personal takeaways to draw interest.
- Leverage Email Campaigns: Send at least three strategically timed emails – begin with an announcement a week before, follow up with a reminder the day before, and include a last-chance invite one hour before the event starts. Partnering with an SME or COI allows them to share the event with their email lists as well.
- Utilize LinkedIn Events: Create an event page on LinkedIn to boost visibility and invite your network. Use LinkedIn’s search tool to invite connections to attend via the LinkedIn event page. You can narrow your search by profession, connection degree, etc., to invite your target market.
Pro Tip: Open the invite for attendees to bring a friend or family member for a more personalized experience. In a follow-up email invite, say something like, “We’re thrilled by the excitement for our upcoming event! Several attendees have reached out to bring a guest or two. We are limited on space, but would love to host your friends or family. Please RSVP and we’ll try to accommodate as many as possible.”
In-Person Events: Building Meaningful Connections
While virtual events are invaluable, there’s nothing quite like face-to-face interactions. In-person client events are perfect for deepening relationships, providing opportunities for networking and referrals. FUN ideas drive client event attendance – especially when they engage the whole family – so here are a few ideas to try.
Event Ideas to Try in 2025
- Family-Centered Gatherings: Host events like a family picture day – you pay the photographer, clients pay for their photos – and collect names/emails of all family members at the event.
- Educational Workshops: Pair a fun activity with valuable insights, such as a networking event for young professionals where they can learn salary negotiation tactics, how to price as a new business owner, and get professional headshots taken.
- Community Events: Partner with local community organizations to create a sense of connection. Sponsor a pickleball tournament, open to your community, and invite a professional to teach/compete. Complete the event with your branding and follow-up communications.
Pro Tip: Keep the momentum going – use follow-up emails to share educational material related to the event topic (for our pickleball example, you could say “Healthcare in retirement: because you know you want to keep playing pickleball!”). Be sure to offer a follow up webinar or set up a 1:1 meeting.
Post-Event: Personalize Follow-Ups and Repurpose Content
What happens after the event is just as important as the event itself. Following up effectively ensures that the connections you made turn into actionable leads. Keep your event momentum going with these steps.
Steps to Maximize Post-Event Impact
- Segment Your Emails: Send two emails – one to attendees and one to non-attendees. Thank them for participating and share key takeaways or recordings.
- Repurpose Event Content: Edit and transcribe webinar recordings, then share snippets on social media or create blog posts summarizing key points. If you post a webinar to your blog, be sure to include the transcription for SEO purposes.
- Analyze Data: Review attendance analytics to identify hot leads. Prioritize follow-ups with individuals who showed the most engagement – these can be the most personalized.
Pro Tip: Repurposing content not only extends the lifespan of your event but also ensures a consistent presence across multiple platforms. Plus, it’s always easier to create content from a starting point than from scratch.
Delivering Value with Client Events
Planning a successful client event in 2025 requires creativity, strategic promotion, and effective follow-ups. Whether you’re hosting a virtual webinar or an in-person gathering, focus on delivering value and connecting with your audience on a deeper level. Use the tips and strategies outlined here to transform your events into lead-generating opportunities that drive growth for your business.
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.
