EP176 | Unleashing Engagement: Secrets of a Thriving Summit Community!

“Running a summit and getting people to engage can be as tough as herding cats. But what if your group felt more like a lively party? Tune in as we chat about turning your summit’s online space into an awesome, buzzing community!”

Back in September, I dove into something new and ran a summit called “Memberships: What’s Working Now.” And, oh my goodness, the positive responses I’ve received since then have been incredible! Here we are, five months down the line, and people are still reaching out to express how much they enjoyed it. That truly warms my heart!

But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves; there was quite the wintery scene setting the backdrop for today’s episode. Picture this: I took a morning walk with my best friend and her dog, just as a layer of snow blanketed the ground, and then freezing drizzle—yes, that’s a thing. It lightly coated my jacket in ice. I never thought I’d be the one walking in such weather, but there it was, an unexpected card in life’s bingo!

Now onto the meat of today’s episode. I’m excited to share insights on how an engaged community can elevate your events. While I don’t claim to be a summit expert—I’ll leave that to Krista Miller, the summit queen herself—I do know a thing or two about creating thriving communities. During my summit, our Facebook group engagement was through the roof, and it even caught Krista’s attention! She noted it was the most engaged summit group she’d seen in a while, especially in the B2B realm.

What worked? It was all about infusing the space with energy and activities—games, introductions, fun questions, you name it. Our attendees weren’t just passive listeners; they were connecting, commenting, and actively participating. I even had sponsors join me for live sessions, which turned into vibrant interactions with nearly 200 comments in one session alone.

For those organizing events, I’ve put together something special. My Summit Engagement Starter Kit at sandradefreitas.com/sesk is free and holds the secrets to ramping up engagement in your own summit communities. If you’re keen to take it a step further and immerse yourself in a comprehensive guide, my Summit Engage and Experience Kit (available at sandradefreitas.com/seek) is your go-to resource.

Engagement didn’t just stop when the summit ended. The connections, the communication, they continued even after the last presentation. It’s about keeping that spark alive, encouraging attendees to grab speaker gifts, join future events, and stay connected.

So, whether you’re planning your first summit or looking to enrich your next one, the strategies I share could be game-changers for you. And don’t miss out on Krista’s upcoming summit at engagedgroups.com/b2csummit —it’s going to be fantastic!

Stay warm and engaged, my friends! See you next time!